In principle, my steps to embarking on a sustainable lifestyle are as follows (curtesy of Bea Johnson, Zero Waster Extraordinaire):
- Refuse what you do not need – Flyers, sh*tty plastic pens, flakey fuck boys….
- Reduce what you do need – aka how many outfits does one need when we all know we have favourite go-to’s?!
- Reuse what you consume – quality over quantity, prioritise lasting materials like metals, glass, stone, linen, cotton, friends who tell you the truth.
- Recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse.
- Rot (compost) the rest. Keep things out the landfill. I’ve not been so good at this myself lately, one for the new years resolution list.
OK. So. With that in mind, how does this translate to a busy city girls’ life.
- Second-hand everything. Cheaper by definition, you’re keeping “stuff” out of the landfill and preventing the need for new things to exist.
- Laundry detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals and making your own is cheap (waaaay cheaper than store bought), easy and works better.
- Coffee Cups. Bring your own. I love these insulated ones I have a S’well coffee tumbler but these Chilly’s ones look FANTASTIC. They also serve well as festival and party cups. Keep your drink roofie free and chilled for hours (heeeeeeey).
- Get a local veg box. In London, they go for about 10-12 pounds per week. Healthy, cute, instagrammable (all the important stuff).
- Reduce da meat consumption. Yup I said it. I’m not vegan so do with it what you will but I rarely eat meat and I try to make sure it’s from a sustainable source when I do. Meatless meals have less impact on the environment and your wallet. FACTS.
