#reducingmyfootprint

I love my car and driving, but as a society everyone driving every day is not a long term sustainable solution, so I've been switching to bussing more often to #reducingmyfootprint Good quality, accessible public transport is a huge societal equalizer, because there are so many people who struggle to drive. Some disabilities prevent people from holding a license (epilepsy, vision impairment, etc) and many people struggle to drive as they get older. Putting money nto public transportation is so important and reduces my carbon footprint. https://www.instagram.com/p/B4lBOh-BrbHT5PfLzE8iHIjxyfZtEce2SXw7oY0/?igshid=11k43drmwxwyz

These cool bags are super light and reusable. We got them from the same folks as our bread bags (@onyalife) and they mean we don't have to use those nasty thin plastic bags the supermarkets give out. I highly recommend them for #reducingmyfootprint https://www.instagram.com/p/B4USQarhrjgsex1CXw8QJlq1TYtIdJlez92E000/?igshid=1cqvpkns141o2

Did you know that tea bags have an environmental impact? The paper that is made into tea bags takes a lot of resources and some have plastic coating that can't easily break down. Matt and I drink our tea loose leaf, and we mainly do that for the flavor, but it also saves resources. We've been usuing this infuser for years, and it's still going. Another change we've made is we are lucky enough to have two tea shops nearby that refill our reusable containers so we don't have to buy our loose leaf tea in disposable plastic bags. This is only a small swap for us, but it's another way to #reducingmyfootprint #tea #looseleaftea https://www.instagram.com/p/B4CYt4IhdloZOiY9WC0rvMJVDrx4viZcNEgVBo0/?igshid=1mu0czky9mofw

I know a lot of people have a lot of different opinions on this one and, honestly, I'm a little nervous about sharing it, but most of the studies I have read agree that cutting down on meat is good for #reducingmyfootprint. Matt and I having more vegetarian and meat light meals. We've also cut down on beef and lamb, two meats with large footprints. I want to emphasize that we haven't cut any of these out entirely, we're just practicing more variety and moderation. For those who are concerned about my iron, did you know mushrooms and other leafy greens are very high in iron? Also we've been eating roo more often. Those who are concerned about protein, this stir fry has broccoli, a good plant based source of protein! I took the photo here of mushrooms, something I've really been enjoying addigg to meals for a meaty feel. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3733JqB_b1ZSQrctWb5zRhD_FdqM0lhluWlPs0/?igshid=62lu4klm4ax4

One of the first ways we began to #reducingmyfootprint was buying bulk and filling containers. These oil bottles have been with us for over five years now, being refilled from big drums of oil. We also refill our handwash for guests this way. Thanks to companies who make their containers easily reopened and sell bulk. Can more companies do this please? https://www.instagram.com/p/B36MCrEBphBf3pBRuNIEEwv3WQoGoEyxLAgv9Y0/?igshid=1rok5b799czyq

We've started getting some of our dry goods at The Source where you can bring your own container to refill. Here I'm refilling my quick oats container (I eat porridge for breakfast every day). So far we've got rice, oats and coconut from the source, but the next time we get flour it will be from there too. We're lucky we can afford to make the change, because the oats from the supermarket are much cheaper. This is one issue with #reducingmyfootprint - often it takes some investment which makes it harder for people with less income. https://www.instagram.com/p/B32sDWcBYxTfYRWxI7AJbPuKc-wJXV2Ni_7FJ40/?igshid=65sgxmzqeaa8

Number 4 of #reducingmyfootprint is Bamboo toothbrushes. Matt and I are subscribed to tooth crush, a toothbrush subscription that sends us bamboo compostable tooth brushes every two months. We haven't made a toothpaste switch yet, but one step at a time. Bec has been usuing Lush's tooth powder, and I know there are other options out there, but I need to do more research and finish off this tube of toothpaste first. @toothcrushco https://www.instagram.com/p/B30moNXhxRA6UR33l5j14WJhuPzaDdL-y5LRRA0/?igshid=l3s7tukwwfmv

Way #3 Matt and I are #reducingmyfootprint is this reusable bread bag from @onyalife. The guy at Baker's Delight today said how great it was and how glad he was to see them more often. We used to get a plastic bag with our bread every week, and now we've cut that out! Also, the bread in the plastic bread would go mouldy fairly quickly, but we find in this bag it goes stale instead (something that Matt doesn't mind, as 90% of his bread consumption is toast). Less plastic + less food waste = a big win for us! https://www.instagram.com/p/B3yc-egBvBV9GKVSCGqvnvwejKm9ygRY49MPkI0/?igshid=10srntexgnz0f