Effortless Eco-Friendly Living: Everyday Habits for Waste Reduction

During our trip to Vietnam, as we enjoyed breakfast one morning, we witnessed an elderly gentleman sweeping up the debris strewn along the path – large plastic bags filled with food and plastic waste – and disposing it into the Hoi An River. It was a scene that, if captured on video, would have sparked viral outrage. Coupled with our flights and the ubiquitous airplane food served in single-use plastic everything, it's challenging not to feel disheartened by the scale of our waste problem.

Nevertheless, firmly believing in the cumulative impact of small actions, Andy and I want to share the simple yet impactful everyday habits we've adopted, even within the confines of our own home. In our quest for a more sustainable lifestyle, sometimes the smallest changes can yield the biggest impact. By incorporating simple swaps and habits into our daily routines, we can effortlessly reduce waste without even trying. 

We're Buying in Bulk
For time-starved business owners, even a quick trip to the local grocery store can feel like a significant time drain. That's why we prioritise buying in bulk, saving precious time, money, and fuel that would otherwise be wasted on frequent trips to overpriced supermarkets. Plus, avoiding those crowded parking lots means fewer chances of returning to find your car scratched. Amen to that!

We're Cooking in Bulk
While we can't definitively say if this practice reduces waste, what we do know is that it saves us valuable time and electricity – and that's reason enough for us to fully embrace it. This year, we made the strategic decision to invest in two deep freezers to accommodate our bulk purchases and homemade meals, streamlining our household operations and minimising unnecessary effort.

Compost Our Waste
Since settling into our new home, we've yet to reinstall our compost worm gardens. Despite leaving behind some robust papaya trees with extensive roots, we've decided to let them thrive in their current spot. However, that hasn't deterred me (Sandra-Lea) from enlisting Andy's help in taking matters into our own hands. Armed with a shovel, we've taken to digging holes in the garden to bury our kitchen waste. While it may not be the perfect solution, it's certainly a significant improvement over letting it decompose in our bin.

Cloth Napkins
Our passion for handmade treasures has resulted in our drawers overflowing with linen cloth napkins. Whether it's cleaning up spills, hosting dinner parties with friends, or covering leftovers, we've replaced cling wrap and foil with these charming cloths. Not only do they wash up beautifully, but they also add a touch of charm to our table settings. Plus, using cloth napkins means one less consumable to purchase and waste money on, contributing to both our budget and the environment.

We're making most things
From bread to school snacks, sauerkraut to kombucha, yogurt to Vegemite, bone broths to "takeaway" Indian meals – you name it, we're making it from scratch. Not only are we saving money and reducing waste, but we also believe it may contribute to our long-term health. While it does require time and effort, the process brings our family closer together. If Andy and I can do it, we believe anyone can embrace the joy and satisfaction of homemade goodness.

While electric cars may not be accessible to everyone, their increasing popularity has made second-hand or more affordable brands more readily available. As a couple, we've opted to use our diesel car only in what we consider emergencies. Call us frugal, but avoiding fuel expenses and long waits at the servo is a priority for us. With the expanding options for electric vehicles, we're hopeful that more people will be able to make environmentally conscious transportation choices in the future.