The Edcawber Principle

Karmacat

Poor DD, poor guests! I know you'll find a home for all that food, though

I've been pondering the plastic too ... from using everything to the max (no half filled rubbish bags!) to the food - have you noticed that tomato sauce is often cheaper in plastic bottles than it is in glass bottles? Grrr. And olive oil never used to be sold in plastic bottles. I only buy for me, but it will add up ...

ZTD

edinburgher wrote: »

I have been doing some research into reducing the amount of plastic that we use (both depression at the state of our recycling bin and the documentary that everyone saw). It looks a lot easier to get rid of plastics in the bathroom

That's assuming they fit down the toilet.

edinburgher wrote: »

than other rooms of the house, although Mrs E seems less convinced....

Perhaps she thinks it'll block the pipes..?

Karmacat wrote: »

I've been pondering the plastic too ... from using everything to the max (no half filled rubbish bags!) to the food - have you noticed that tomato sauce is often cheaper in plastic bottles than it is in glass bottles?

Because plastic bottles use far less energy. Although people (usually politicians) think that because you can't see them, electricity and time are free - they're not. Which is why recycling of most everything (except glass and metals) involves compulsion and subsidy.

Karmacat wrote: »

Grrr. And olive oil never used to be sold in plastic bottles. I only buy for me, but it will add up ...

I have bad news for you both - you will make zero difference.

https://news.sky.com/story/just-10-rivers-carry-90-of-plastic-polluting-the-oceans-11167581

But on the bright side, a TV producer is now strutting around going "I'm an influencer." to anyone who will listen.

I didn't see the documentary. Did it involve the "research" of fish eating plastic? https://retractionwatch.com/2017/12/07/author-controversial-science-fish-microplastics-paper-committed-intentional-misconduct-says-uppsala/

There are ways of getting rid of plastic, but since they don't involve feeling "involved", they're not sexy and not mentioned.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_roads

What irritates me, is that since they stopped the free supermarket bags, I've had to buy bin liners to put in a bin for the first time in my life.

Yes, actually buying stuff whose single-use is to throw away...

AlexLK

I haven't seen it (well, there's a surprise ). :rotfl: Also haven't bought olive oil in plastic bottles either?

I'm sure your finances will pick up.

Greek lunch sound fantastic.

edinburgher

No ZTD, it didn't specifically mention that research, but I was aware of the link you posted. Thanks for popping in, you always know how to cheer me up

Watty1

I remain unconvinced by the whole plastics thing. Plastic must be so cheap to produce ... but partially it could be resolved by effort on the producers of the stuff rather than bemoaning the man in the streets efforts. I shopped recently in a huge private supermarket that gave me free but very robust paper carrier bags. I've never understood why shops don't give out paperbags.... oh yes...cost that was it yes! to them. And manufacturers put stuff in plastic because it is cheaper and the yes...surprise surprise....its not recyclable.
(climbs of soap box of moaning)

edinburgher

Yes Watty, plastic is cheap to produce and that's one of the reasons suppliers use it. The problem for me is that you talk about "bemoaning the man in the street's efforts". Surely those efforts must include realising that we are all part of the problem and that unpopular things such as changing our habits, writing to the companies that our pensions likely invest in and being prepared to pay slightly more for goods if planet friendly packaging costs more are all part of the deal? Why would companies take the lead if a) it would reduce their profits and b) their customers are apathetic?

Climbs off his own soapbox! I am learning about all these things, but am not happy to accept the naysayers who claim that everything is China's fault, there's no point as the planet is !!!!ed anyway and that something something !!!!!! reason as to why we should do nothing and basically ignore the fact that we're drowning in our own junk This is a journey for us and while I've been happy with some things we've achieved (solar panels, greatly reduced electricity and gas usage, mebbe 80% recycling of waste), I don't think we're doing enough.

edinburgher

Back to better habits for the New Year!

I got a lovely lie in this morning and didn't roll downstairs until 09:30 :j

Went to the gym, updated the spreadsheets (£0.86 paid off CC) and am waiting for DD to get up from her nap so that we can go for a family trip to the park.

Managed to pick up some ridiculous bargains at Morrison's last night, £0.25 all in for 4 packets of square sausage and some Cumberland sausages. The square sausage looks to be a bit !!!!!! in the quality stakes, but will make a passable stew gussied up with some onions and gravy

I have reset my seller details with Am@zon so that I can list a dozen or so CDs and DVDs, time for a bit of a clear out. I also need to replace our letterbox as it's so rattly I'm starting to suspect that we have a ghost :rotfl:

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

ZTD

edinburgher wrote: »

No ZTD, it didn't specifically mention that research, but I was aware of the link you posted. Thanks for popping in, you always know how to cheer me up

Cheery spirit should always arise from avoiding wasting time, money, and effort on nonsense... :p

ZTD

Watty1 wrote: »

I shopped recently in a huge private supermarket that gave me free but very robust paper carrier bags. I've never understood why shops don't give out paperbags.... oh yes...cost that was it yes! to them.

It's because paper bags aren't as good. Try this experiment:

1. Load up a paper bag with tins
2. Get it wet
3. Pick it up

Watty1 wrote: »

And manufacturers put stuff in plastic because it is cheaper and the yes...surprise surprise....its not recyclable.
(climbs of soap box of moaning)

Actually it is recyclable. Plastic bags can be easily recycled into fire, and onwards to electricity which can be used all over the house.

ZTD

edinburgher wrote: »

The square sausage looks to be a bit !!!!!! in the quality stakes,

Found a cat collar in there?

edinburgher wrote: »

I also need to replace our letterbox as it's so rattly I'm starting to suspect that we have a ghost :rotfl:

Why is it rattly - has the spring gone?