Lighten up
Reduce holiday waste this summer with these six simple tips.
words KATE FENWICK
Reducing waste this summer doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be an enjoyable and fulfilling part of your routine, or could be the start of a New Year resolution.
By incorporating any of these six tips into your lifestyle, you’ll not only lighten your environmental footprint but also enhance your summer experience.
Let’s embrace sustainability together and make this summer a season of positive change.
1. Try solid soap bars In a world dominated by plastic bottles, solid soap bars are a refreshing alternative. They come with minimal packaging and often last longer than liquid soaps. Opt for natural and organic options, and you’ll not only cut down on plastic waste but also enjoy a more eco-friendly bathing experience. Plus, they’re great for travel – no spills or leaks!
2. BYO vessel/containers Say goodbye to single-use containers and embrace the BYO (Bring Your Own) movement. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a picnic, or a barbecue, bring your own reusable containers, cups and cutlery. This simple switch will significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated from takeout and disposable items. Get creative and make it a stylish way to show off your personality.
3. Love your leftovers Leftovers often get a bad rap, but they are a fantastic way to reduce waste and save money. Instead of letting that extra food go to waste especially at Christmas, get creative. Transform last night’s dinner into a scrumptious lunch or a new dish. You can even challenge yourself to a post Christmas ‘leftover week,’ where you only cook from what’s in your fridge. It’s a fun way to experiment and minimise food waste. One of my favourites is leftover pizza. Freeze all the small bits of food that you often put in the fridge (where they usually get lost) and turn them into a pizza – Chicken, Brie and Cranberry pizza anyone?
4. Pack a picnic Summer is the perfect time for picnics, and what better way to reduce waste than by preparing your own meals? Ditch the pre-packaged snacks and opt for homemade goodies or leftovers in a sandwich. Use reusable containers, cloth napkins, and real utensils to make your picnic zero-waste. Not only will you enjoy delicious food, but you'll also create lovely memories with friends and family.
5. Grow some greens If you have even a tiny space, consider starting a small garden, plant directly into a seedling mix bag or even use a few pots on your balcony. Growing your own lettuce/greens is incredibly rewarding and reduces the need for store-bought produce, which often comes wrapped in single-use plastic. Plus, fresh home-grown veggies taste unbeatable. It’s a fun summer project that brings you closer to nature and encourages healthy eating.
6. Buy what you need and eat what you buy Impulse buying can lead to unnecessary waste, especially when it comes to Christmas time. We often buy like the shops are closed for a week when in reality it is just for a day. This summer, make a conscious effort to buy only what you need. Create a shopping list, stick to it, and focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Don’t forget, when you bring food home, make sure to eat it all and plan meals around what you’ve purchased to ensure nothing goes to waste.