Steps towards zero waste - 2019

Catbells

[QUOTE=dragonlily;75241861 PS - I did a search for a post about this and couldn't see one, so if I have missed it, lmk and I'll move on over there

x[/QUOTE]

Yes I also was looking for thread on this. One or two started a while ago but dried up. This one seemed to be best fit.

GreyQueen

I've just got an Optimus titaniaum spork from a chazzer for 20p. Have just used it to eat soup (perfectly fine) will trial it in fork-function before making it a little cloth pouch to be carried in my handbag for those al fresco or al desko dining moments. Very pleased. It was hiding in a jumble of mixed cutlery in a big box. Never again shall disposable cutlery be needed in my world.

Shropshirelass

I save glass jars, of all sizes and shapes. I do make (Mamade) marmalade, and various hedgerow jams, but we are using less now there are only two of us. But I can't get out of the habit of saving all these beautiful jars. This morning the allocated space was full with 34 jars.

My hoarding cupboard being full, I notified our local fb page, and a lovely young lady has just collected them all. She works for a local Meals on Wheels service, and they use jars to provide trifles, pudding, layered cakes etc for delivery.

I'm so pleased, I know glass can be recycled, but these jars will be used without any wastage.It is the third 'collection' I have rehoused, they usually are snapped up by jam and pickle makers.

dollypeeps

All slowing down here BUT a,positive note ihabent used or bought cling film since I started on this thread.

It's funny how quickly you adjust...thinking of different ways in which to store and transport food....is soon becomes second nature....

Dh and dd have also got on board with it and always ask where to put the rubbish .......less and less is going into our refuse bin and recycling is about the same so hope fully I'm cutting down on waste little by little ....

I ink my next step is to try and use the local market for loose fruit and veg...our local butcher does it as well as unpackaged meat obviously....but I need to weigh up costs as well...something I'm doing on the April grocery thread......

So hopefully my long term plan is to bring budget right back in or even better under so I can then be free to shop locally or at least at th market....

Cost is a major factor for us unfortunately so that needs to be taken into account...

Little by little,step by step.....

Twiggy_34

Hi dollypeeps.

One of the things I'm noticing is that, although having milk delivered to my doorstep is more expensive than buying from the shops, my supermarket visits are fewer and further between, so it is costing me less by cutting back on the excess goods you're tempted into buying very time you set foot in a supermarket (I think we're all guilty of this to some extent!).

Perhaps buying from butchers etc will have the same effect, helping to balance things out cost wise?

You're right about how the small changes start to make you think more and more about changes that can be made. I also think that taking one step at a time helps to manage the initial financial impact, with the long term benefit being lower overall costs as we acquire fewer single use items. Your reusable food transport being a good example, even if the savings aren't massive.

Lifeisforliving19

I agree about the little steps. I haven't bought cling film for ages now. Also stopped buying kitchen roll about 3 months ago and have found I can live without it. I cut up loads of old tea shirts and towels and so have loads of cloths for various spillages and wiping down etc and then they all go in the wash. I also now refuse to buy pre packaged cold meats or bacon and have been buying fruit and veg from local Greengrocer for ages now. Thinking of getting a trolley though as I sometimes I find I end up taking the car to the village if I need a sack of potatoes, as I can't carry it all. I am scouring the local CS's and car boots.

stirchleygirl

Lovely to have a catch and read what you've all been doing - well done to all - every little helps.

I'm feeling quite ZW smug today as my Mum (who's in her mid 70's) phoned and asked what I want for Easter and for my birthday which is at the start of May. I then told her that I've been looking at ZW and perhaps she could buy me something (or give me money towards buying it) that will facilitate ZW (like a breadmaker, re-useable straws, soap nuts, shampoo bar etc...). Well she said - gosh that's fantastic as she's been watching all programmes on TV about the plastic in the sea and had commented to my Dad the amount of waste they put in the bin after doing a shop (as she decants most things straight away to save space) so she asked me for suggestions on what they can do - 1 hour later of talking to her and Dad about ZW stuff (incl. a g00gle search which found there is a ZW shop in Canterbury - which although a fair few miles from them they often have to go there for some of her hospital appointments - so whilst they wouldn't make a special trip going to it when already over there would be fine - so they are going next time she has an appointment). I sent them a few emails with links to some products and she is going to try shampoo bars, soap nuts and white vinegar for laundry, paper stem cotton buds and cut down on her wet wipe use by buying washable flannels (like me she can't get rid of wet wipes completely as she is disabled and sometimes need a wash to be super quick). I talked to her about plastic in tea bags (she is a big tea drinker) and she was shocked. So after the phone call I hopped on Amaz0n and purchased 2 x mug tea infusers https://www.amazon.co.uk/Infuser-Stainless-Strainer-Handles-Hanging/dp/B07JMZD9H3/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Tea+Infuser+304+Stainless+Steel+Teapot+Mesh+Strainer+Double+Handles&qid=1555269279&refinements=p_76%3A419158031&rnid=419157031&rps=1&s=gateway&sr=8-1 to be delivered to them as an Easter gift and then ordered 2 more for my sister & her husband - again for easter - better than a chocolate egg!!! I also ordered one for myself and asked Mum to transfer the money to my account so that is their easter gift to me.

Lifeisforliving19

stirchleygirl wrote: »

Lovely to have a catch and read what you've all been doing - well done to all - every little helps.

I'm feeling quite ZW smug today as my Mum (who's in her mid 70's) phoned and asked what I want for Easter and for my birthday which is at the start of May. I then told her that I've been looking at ZW and perhaps she could buy me something (or give me money towards buying it) that will facilitate ZW (like a breadmaker, re-useable straws, soap nuts, shampoo bar etc...). Well she said - gosh that's fantastic as she's been watching all programmes on TV about the plastic in the sea and had commented to my Dad the amount of waste they put in the bin after doing a shop (as she decants most things straight away to save space) so she asked me for suggestions on what they can do - 1 hour later of talking to her and Dad about ZW stuff (incl. a g00gle search which found there is a ZW shop in Canterbury - which although a fair few miles from them they often have to go there for some of her hospital appointments - so whilst they wouldn't make a special trip going to it when already over there would be fine - so they are going next time she has an appointment). I sent them a few emails with links to some products and she is going to try shampoo bars, soap nuts and white vinegar for laundry, paper stem cotton buds and cut down on her wet wipe use by buying washable flannels (like me she can't get rid of wet wipes completely as she is disabled and sometimes need a wash to be super quick). I talked to her about plastic in tea bags (she is a big tea drinker) and she was shocked. So after the phone call I hopped on Amaz0n and purchased 2 x mug tea infusers https://www.amazon.co.uk/Infuser-Stainless-Strainer-Handles-Hanging/dp/B07JMZD9H3/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Tea+Infuser+304+Stainless+Steel+Teapot+Mesh+Strainer+Double+Handles&qid=1555269279&refinements=p_76%3A419158031&rnid=419157031&rps=1&s=gateway&sr=8-1 to be delivered to them as an Easter gift and then ordered 2 more for my sister & her husband - again for easter - better than a chocolate egg!!! I also ordered one for myself and asked Mum to transfer the money to my account so that is their easter gift to me.

Amazing. x

Catbells

Just went into Waitrose and they are selling beeswax covers of varying sizes which can be reused. BUT they cost from £14 - £19 so I held off buying them for this reason. You must be able to get them elsewhere for less.

Working_Mum

I bought 3 beeswax covers for £7.77 from fleabay Catbells - they're 20cm x 20cm and I have used them loads in mt fridge to cover food in bowls etc - it's a bit weird initially as you cannot see what's in the bowl BUT they seal brilliantly and are easy to clean.

I may get a larger one but this size seems to be working for what I would have previously clingfilmed and popped in the fridge!