If you read the news you know that after the lockdowns this time last year have triggered the largest annual drop in global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions since the Second World War, showing us what is environmentally possible when we stop with our ‘normal’ lifestyles, which are a far cry from anything normal, we are back doing to the same thing and expecting different results, what Einstein called a definition of insanity.

Even though the world has slowed down last year, in December 2020. global energy-related CO2 emissions were 2% higher in December 2020 than in the same month a year earlier, and according to The Guardian, Carbon dioxide emissions are forecast to jump this year by the second biggest annual rise in history, as global economies pour stimulus cash into fossil fuels in the recovery from the Covid-19 recession.

Of course, a lot of this ‘turning a blind eye’ has to do with politics, but the bad politics of our chosen governments should not be the excuse. There is so much we can do if we chose not to turn a blind eye, if we chose to be a part of the solution, and not a part of the problem.  

I wrote extensively about what a huge impact we can make by switching to a plant-based diet, travelling less, using public transport, saving water and energy in our homes etc, so I won’t go into that, but rather share some tips on how we can live a more sustainable as well as healthier life by reducing our waste.

Zero-waste

Zero-waste is a like a unicorn. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, I just haven’t seen one yet;)

I always felt this term was a bit misleading as well as discouraging. There were times when I pledged to go zero-waste inspired by the posts of full-year-waste in a glass jar and would get frustrated when I would fill a bin instead of a jar and monthly instead of annually. Travelling makes it even more challenging, so I would often give up and fall back into a life of convenience. This didn’t work either as, once I was awakened to some facts, every item wrapped in plastic I would put in my shopping bag made me feel guilty. Until I told myself I will just do my best. Not the best only when convenient, but also when it’s not. So, instead of aiming for zero, I will aim for a maximum reduction. This change of narrative worked for me.

I don’t live completely waste-free, but I do my best and have managed to reduce my waste quite a bit. I have learned a lot on this quest to live a more sustainable life and taking better care about mama Nature, and have discovered how much healthier and wholesome life is when you are mindful with your waste.

Shopping in bulk and out of dispensers 

 I drive to Lisbon once a month to stock up on nuts, seeds, grains, spices, teas, basically all dry food in my favourite zero-waste shop called Maria Granel which sells just about everything you can imagine in bulk and dispensers. Closer to home, in Be U Ericeira, I go to get the detergent, hand soap and dishwashing liquid from the dispensers, as well as fruit and veggies I don’t have in the garden. If I buy anything processed, which I sometimes do, of course, I try to stick to glass packaging which I mostly reuse. Not every shop will stock everything, and I often need to go to more than a few, but it’s a joy to come home after a shopping spree and have zero packaging waste, and it’s worth going this less convenient route.
If you don’t have a waste-free shop near you, look for glass and paper packaging and always bring your reusable bags for veggies. Farmers markets are great as well as home deliveries some small producers might have.

DIY 

 There are so many things we buy and can be easily made. It’s cheaper, healthier and there’s no or less waste involved. Plant-based milk is a great example; they are quick to make, delicious, without salt and sugar you often find in bought ones and most importantly, if you buy the nuts and oats in bulk and dispensers, they will be zero-waste. Nut butter and seed butter like tahini are one of my favourites. You only need a good blender and that’s it. Bread is a joy to make and quite easy. Other personal favourites are vegan cheese, vegan mayo, cookies, jam, dog food, chocolate truffles, chocolate, kombucha, apple cider vinegar, and so many other things we buy in health food stores, pay a lot for and end up with a lot of packaging waste. I already shared some DIY recipes on my food blog and will continue to do so, but you can reach out and ask me anytime. 

Package-free cosmetics

 Cosmetics is another thing that creates a lot of waste, yet it doesn’t need to be that way. Some things, like soap, cream, lip balm etc are easily made. I make my face and body cream from cacao butter, coconut oil, and a few other oils depending on the need, season etc. and used to make my deodorant until I found a great one that works for me and is packaged in cardboard. But, if you don’t want to go so far, you can find your favourites in drugstores and health stores, or find someone who (hand)makes them.

Compost and/or use food scarps

We throw away so much food which can be easily composted and made into fertiliser for your garden if you have one of course. Composting is not as complicated as it sounds and, even if you have a compost bin on your balcony or terrace, it doesn’t smell bad if you do it right. The key is not to throw in any animal products and you will have a nice, clean compost that smells like soil.

 There are food scraps from veggies we throw out, especially those nutrient-rich leaves and stems which are often healthier than the plant itself (broccoli is a good example or kale stems) you can use to make a broth. It’s delicious and healthy, and the cooking process breaks down the stem so even if you throw it out later, it will decompose quicker. I often threw some in Seeta’s food. 

Grow some food

 I saw this meme on IG saying “Grow a garden, not a lawn” with a photo of raised gardens in front of the house, instead of a perfect green lawn. Imagine if this was the case and instead of using all that time and water to care for grass, people grew food. But, we don’t need to go so far. Even if you don’t have a garden or a front lawn, there are plants you can grow on your balcony or even indoors. Herbs are a good example, and it’s so amazing to have fresh herbs available all the time. Or chilli peppers. Some green leafy veggies are fuss-free, don’t need much space and can be replanted and harvested almost all year round in pots on your balcony. 

I hope some of these help. Happy Earth Day and let’s make every day Earth Day!