5 ways TO GO GREEN
When it comes to finding more sustainable ways of living, every change can make a difference
1 GO NATURAL
If this year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of staying well. But it’s also important to take care of our planet. So when it comes to feminine hygiene, it’s good to know that Veeda cares not only about your health, but the health of the world around us, too, with 100 per cent natural cotton tampons, pads, liners and feminine wipes.
Veeda products are made by Naturalena using eco-friendly practices to reduce the environmental impact of their production cycles, packaging and marketing materials. This ensures that a measurable percentage of biodegradability is achieved in their feminine care products, with tampons that are 100 per cent biodegradable.
“It’s so rare to find products that are natural and sustainable without sacrificing functionality,” says Hilary Duff, who is part owner and chief brand officer of Naturalena. “As a woman, it’s important to think about my own health when it comes to what I put in my body.” Visit veeda.com.au
2 DITCH THE PLASTIC
Saving leftovers is a great way to cut back on food waste, but we often end up wrapping it in non-biodegradable, nonrecyclable cling wrap. Thankfully, these days there’s no shortage of sustainable choices, from reusable silicone film – an alternative to traditional cling wrap – to “food huggers” that you can use to preserve cut fruit. (Both available from seedsprout.com.au)
One of the most popular reusable alternatives are beeswax wraps. They’re easily washed in cool water and can last for up to 12 months. Another bonus? They’re biodegradable, which means when it’s time to part ways, they can be dedicated to the compost heap instead of landfill. Visit beewrappy.com.au
3 TOTE-ALLY SUSTAINABLE
Gone are the days of lugging single-use plastic bags home from the supermarket. Today’s shopping bags are a lot more thoughtful to the environment – and dare we say a lot easier on the eye! Some of the best options are also made from sustainable materials such as jute, organic cotton and even seagrass.
Another option is bags made from RPET (or recycled plastic bottles). An advantage of these lightweight carriers is that they can be folded up small enough to fit into your handbag, so you’ll always be prepared. Visit biome.com.au
4 CONTACTLESS COFFEE
It’s been estimated that Australians throw away around 2.7 million disposable, nonrecyclable coffee cups every day (we kid you not!). But while reusable coffee cups are a great alternative, our current world of social distancing means many people have reverted to single-use cups. The solution is contactless coffee. That’s when your barista makes your favourite brew in a ceramic mug, then hygienically tips it into your reusable cup – no contact necessary. Visit responsiblecafes.org to see which of your favourite establishments are involved.
5 RAGS TO RICHES
If you’re like most of us, it’s likely you did a fair amount of decluttering this year. But with estimates that more than 500,000 tonnes of textiles and leather end up in landfill in Australia each year, disposing of those unwanted threads responsibly can be a real dilemma. Charities are great places to donate things that are still in saleable condition, but there are also plenty of ways you can put your torn and worn-out items to use. H&M and Zara both have recycling programs for worn-out clothes, while your old towels, blankets and bedding could be useful to animal shelters and vets.
If you feel like getting crafty, you could also consider putting your DIY skills to use by making your own rag rug. There are plenty of websites with patterns and tips to start you on your way. All you need are some old unwanted clothes (T-shirts are especially good for this) and a jumbo-size crochet hook. Visit spotlightstores.com