LIVING A MORE SUSTAINABLE HOME LIFE

The idea of sustainability first came up when James watched a documentary called "". James is a very logical person, if there is a way for him to get all the nutrients he requires in a way that impacts the planet less, he'll make the change. He set to changing one meal at a time to a vegan diet. I sat back and watched this change with interest, but hesitated to commit to anything myself. I then came across a quote that changes by way of thinking.

"We don't need a handful of people being perfectly sustainable, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly."

I'm not sure about you, but I'm definitely guilty of using the excuse of not being able to make a real difference as a reason not to do something. 

Having a child has put a lot of things into perspective for me, and this being a big one! I want my son to grow up seeing his parents doing everything they can - in all aspects of life. I want him to know that hard work is worth the effort, it's rewarding, satisfying and worthwhile. I never want to be the type of person to take the easy way out. 

So instead of looking at sustainability as an impossible and unachievable goal for us, I started looking for some small things to change at home - because any change is better than no change.

1. The first change I am making is to convert my meals to primarily vegan, but I am doing this very slowly. I really need to enjoy the food that I'm eating, otherwise I tend to crack and binge. I have been quite neglectful with my diet and not focussed on whether I am getting the macro and micronutrients I require, so I am making sure to do a lot of research to make sure that this change is not just tasty, but good for me! 

2. I purchased reusable shopping bags from Seed & Sprout. Not only are these bags sturdy, they are pretty enough to encourage me not to forget them every time I go to do the shopping!
Images from Seed & Sprout Instagram.

3. I started shopping at farmers markets and bulk food stores. This is probably the most significant step for me, both in terms of possible impact on the earth and most difficult to implement. My aim is to buy zero food that comes in plastic packaging. The Source Bulk Foods is a fantastic place to buy foods such as pasta, flours and more and put it into your own packaging. Farmers markets allow you buy your produce bag and chemical free, as well as support local families. ​

4. I now use a reusable coffee cup from Frank Green. This is a small change that can add up. If you're drinking a coffee 5 days a week - that's 260 coffee cups per year you could be cutting back on. My tip is to buy a large so that you can fit any size coffee.
Images from Frank Green Instagram.

5. I have researched making my own cleaning products. This is a change I am yet to implement, as I still have products to use up in our home. As I run out, my aim is to have reusable containers and make my own cleaning products. Stores such as The Source Bulk Foods even sell some cleaning products that you can package yourself!
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6. I purchased toothbrushes for all of us through The Boo Collective. I love this business for many reasons. For one, they're from my home town - Ballarat, VIC. Secondly, their toothbrushes are stylish and handles are made of 100% biodegradable bamboo. 30 million plastic toothbrushes are sent to landfill every year and that's just in Australia. Another small change that can add up to make a big difference!  
​Images from The Boo Collective Instagram.

These changes aren't groundbreaking, necessarily earth altering or overly significant, but that is no reason not to make them. If we can make any difference and inspire others to do the same, we can make a real impact. Even if we don't, isn't it worth a shot? ​​