Yes, you can live life ethically, it just takes a little effort
Unfortunately, no. Generally, a cup will say home compostable, commercially compostable, or include the symbol PLA (Polylactic Acid: generally made from cornstarch, which is commercially compostable).
If it simply says compostable, you should assume it is only compostable at a commercial compost plant. A home compost and commercial compost are very different environments. A home compost bin will never reach the high temperatures or balance of nitrogen and carbon that commercially compostable items require to properly break down.
A commercial compost plant does. Matter at a commercial composting plant will go through several different phases, be mixed and broken up with professional equipment, and monitored throughout the process.
Even if you are an amazing composter, your home compost will never be able to break down commercially compostable items. If you’re in Auckland, you can arrange for a weekly commercial compost pick up
I have a compostable coffee cup from a cafe, can this go in my home compost bin? – Georgia Gumbrell, Whangapar‘aoa
from your home by We Compost, or Compost Couriers if you’re based north of Auckland.
Where can I find ecofriendly and plastic-free shampoo and conditioner in New Zealand? – Jessie Poole Jones, Melbourne
New Zealand is home to one of the world’s most popular plasticfree beauty bar companies: Ethique.
Ethique bars are plastic-free, vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil-free, and sustainable.
Simply throw the cardboard box in the compost. My favourites are the Heali Kiwi Shampoo and Guardian Conditioner.
Note: If you are currently using a normal shampoo and conditioner, it may take some time (usually a few months) for your hair to get used to its new, natural cleaning regime.
How do I live an eco-friendly lifestyle when I live with flatmates? – Zeta Mohn, Hamilton
I’ve lived with flatmates for more than two years now, so I know exactly how hard it is to live with other people who may not share your eco values.
The most important thing, is to keep communicating. No one likes a sullen flatmate who is passive aggressive over a plastic bag in the kitchen.
Try to meet your flatmates in the middle, and be prepared to be the one to take the lead in running the shared household amenities (only if you all agree on this).
For me, this looks like taking charge of filling up our cleaners, soaps, salt, pepper, and making sure we have scrubbing brushes, toilet brushes and cloths.
I signed us up to a Green Cane toilet paper subscription, and as I am passionate about not using bin liners, I have also become the main rubbish sorter.
I’ve donated my time to the flat, in order to reduce my waste and the waste of others.
Sometimes you have to make sacrifices of your own time, in order to uphold your personal values.
Blogger Kate Hall lives and breathes ethical living. She answers some of your questions about how to live a greener existence.
Follow Kate’s ethical living journey at ethicallykate.com.