Hello if you have been directed here from the pages of Clean Slate. Feel free to route around and If you have any questions I can be found at Brynfogden@hotmail.com.
Enjoy.
P.S Stumbled across http://www.wasteconnect.co.uk/, one of the more informative recycling sites that i've seen. It rocks my socks.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Day 31- Goodbye May
Total items directly thrown away during May: 0
Total rule breaks: 1 and a half. A Plate at Dynyn and ?2 bottle tops in Aber? (thought was a rule break at the time)
Barring an odd semi-slip up Nil Rubbish May has been a huge success. In truth I found the best way to complete this month was to simply change my eating habits, rather than go to extra long lengths to find an alternative. A little bit of preparation went along way, bringing a sandwich rather than buying something made things much easier.
I've found that this month has been a massive eye opener, I've noticed things I would never have thought twice about. I'm sure I won't look at packaging in quite the same way.
Will I carry on with the rules in June and beyond?
This question has been bubbling away for a little while now and I think the short answer is yes. However, I am not going to worry too much about the things that are already in my possession, but focus on all the things that I buy or are given. (and yes I'm going to eat that easter egg)
I'm still thinking on the cheese wrapper front!
Total rule breaks: 1 and a half. A Plate at Dynyn and ?2 bottle tops in Aber? (thought was a rule break at the time)
Barring an odd semi-slip up Nil Rubbish May has been a huge success. In truth I found the best way to complete this month was to simply change my eating habits, rather than go to extra long lengths to find an alternative. A little bit of preparation went along way, bringing a sandwich rather than buying something made things much easier.
I've found that this month has been a massive eye opener, I've noticed things I would never have thought twice about. I'm sure I won't look at packaging in quite the same way.
Will I carry on with the rules in June and beyond?
This question has been bubbling away for a little while now and I think the short answer is yes. However, I am not going to worry too much about the things that are already in my possession, but focus on all the things that I buy or are given. (and yes I'm going to eat that easter egg)
I'm still thinking on the cheese wrapper front!
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
Day 29 - A Breakthrough?
I think I may have made a slight breakthrough.
Previously, I had been frustrated by the amount of foods the (lovely) Quarry shop sold only in those flimsy little plastic bags; everything from rice to lentils, nuts to cous-cous and seeds to sugar. But it turns out that if I give them enough time they can pack it in whatever I bring for them.
Huzzah!
I'm going to have to be careful that the huge packets they repack from are not plastic, hopefully they can painstakingly let me know. It's funny what can happen isn't it? Certainly I could never see this happening in a supermarket...
Thank you Quarry shop.
Previously, I had been frustrated by the amount of foods the (lovely) Quarry shop sold only in those flimsy little plastic bags; everything from rice to lentils, nuts to cous-cous and seeds to sugar. But it turns out that if I give them enough time they can pack it in whatever I bring for them.
Huzzah!
I'm going to have to be careful that the huge packets they repack from are not plastic, hopefully they can painstakingly let me know. It's funny what can happen isn't it? Certainly I could never see this happening in a supermarket...
Thank you Quarry shop.
Monday, 28 May 2007
Day 28 - This month's diet
Roughly speaking, here is what I've been living off this month:
Breakfast- Oats and fresh fruit with milk.
Lunch- The fabulous lunches supplied by the chefs at C.A.T. Varied but often including cheese, pulses, lentils and soya protein.
Evening meals- Usually heavily vegetable based, for example stir fry. (also including pulses, and soya sausages)
Weekend lunches- Lots of homemade wholemeal bread, often with eggs or soup.
Daily tea breaks/snacks- Fresh fruit/veg and/or fresh herb tea (Occasional bagged tea with milk).
Looking at that, it seems I'm eating really rather well. The only other two things that I would like to source that I haven't already to make this ideal would be:
-Nuts and seeds. Either to try to dry my own later in the year, buy in bulk (plastic free of course) or take a trip to one of those serve yourself style shops.
-Dried Carbohydrates. Rice, cous-cous and bulgar wheat are extremely handy and buying in bulk would make this easier.
Overall though my diet has not changed widely. You can't really go wrong with local fresh fruit and veg.
Breakfast- Oats and fresh fruit with milk.
Lunch- The fabulous lunches supplied by the chefs at C.A.T. Varied but often including cheese, pulses, lentils and soya protein.
Evening meals- Usually heavily vegetable based, for example stir fry. (also including pulses, and soya sausages)
Weekend lunches- Lots of homemade wholemeal bread, often with eggs or soup.
Daily tea breaks/snacks- Fresh fruit/veg and/or fresh herb tea (Occasional bagged tea with milk).
Looking at that, it seems I'm eating really rather well. The only other two things that I would like to source that I haven't already to make this ideal would be:
-Nuts and seeds. Either to try to dry my own later in the year, buy in bulk (plastic free of course) or take a trip to one of those serve yourself style shops.
-Dried Carbohydrates. Rice, cous-cous and bulgar wheat are extremely handy and buying in bulk would make this easier.
Overall though my diet has not changed widely. You can't really go wrong with local fresh fruit and veg.
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Day 27 - Sugar
Some food stuffs I instantly assumed would not be a problem, take sugar for example. Comes in little paper bags, perfect. Not exactly.
In the past I had never noticed that white sugar comes in paper bags while darker forms are generally plastic wrapped. I'm really struggling to think why this is the case. Maybe as dark sugar is generally used over a long period than white they feel that plastic is better for lengthier storage. I'm far from sure.
Unless I can find anything to the contrary I guess I'm baking with white sugar for now.
In the past I had never noticed that white sugar comes in paper bags while darker forms are generally plastic wrapped. I'm really struggling to think why this is the case. Maybe as dark sugar is generally used over a long period than white they feel that plastic is better for lengthier storage. I'm far from sure.
Unless I can find anything to the contrary I guess I'm baking with white sugar for now.
Saturday, 26 May 2007
Day 26 - Dynyn Party
'Dynyn Party' is a bit misleading, I think 'Dynyn festival' may be a little more apt (Dynyn is a semi-remote housing co-op about 9 miles from Machynlleth).
You could say I wasn't adequately prepared for partying in the middle of nowhere, what with no tent or supply of food. The catering tent did however throw up some interesting waste issues. All their cups, bowls, plates and cutlery were disposable plastic *shudder*. They were however asking for everything to be returned to be washed and reused, with a 50 pence deposit on plastic cups. This wasn't you're average catering tent of course.
I know what I should of done; gone hungry for not being well prepared. The idea of 24 hours and a extremely late night without food wasn't really ideal. I buckled at the sight of Tarka Dhal and Naan Bread. Although I'm assured the plate will get washed and reused, I'm sort of breaking rule No. 1:
1. Not to purchase anything that cannot be used indefinitely, reused indefinitely, composted or recycled*. Another words, creating not a jot of absolute rubbish.
Okay, nothing really lasts forever but flimsy disposable plastic plates (even if they are reused) definitely don't. It's not directly throwing something away, but it's definitely breaking the rules.
Drat.
You could say I wasn't adequately prepared for partying in the middle of nowhere, what with no tent or supply of food. The catering tent did however throw up some interesting waste issues. All their cups, bowls, plates and cutlery were disposable plastic *shudder*. They were however asking for everything to be returned to be washed and reused, with a 50 pence deposit on plastic cups. This wasn't you're average catering tent of course.
I know what I should of done; gone hungry for not being well prepared. The idea of 24 hours and a extremely late night without food wasn't really ideal. I buckled at the sight of Tarka Dhal and Naan Bread. Although I'm assured the plate will get washed and reused, I'm sort of breaking rule No. 1:
1. Not to purchase anything that cannot be used indefinitely, reused indefinitely, composted or recycled*. Another words, creating not a jot of absolute rubbish.
Okay, nothing really lasts forever but flimsy disposable plastic plates (even if they are reused) definitely don't. It's not directly throwing something away, but it's definitely breaking the rules.
Drat.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Day 23 - Apple Cores & Orange Peels
I keep discovering old apple cores stashed away in the various pockets of my bags. I take that as I good sign.
Before this month I would have never have thought twice about putting apple cores in an absolute rubbish bin when I'm somewhere urban, but I've had to kick that habit...
Before this month I would have never have thought twice about putting apple cores in an absolute rubbish bin when I'm somewhere urban, but I've had to kick that habit...
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
Day 22 - My potted garden
Who grows the best radishes in Mach?
Maybe not me, but they are pretty good. My little potted garden is coming along quite nicely and all within the rules. I had a few tricky issues:
Pots- All either donated or saved from skips
Soil/Compost- Happily an added bonus from the unofficial compost scheme
Seeds- Either saved from last year or bought in little paper envelopes
Watering can- An old cider bottle with a few holes in it. Has the added benefit of making me look like an alcoholic, wandering around the garden early in the morning.
With a little luck I'll have a fine bounty of runner beans within a month or two or enough to make one darn good stir-fry.
Maybe not me, but they are pretty good. My little potted garden is coming along quite nicely and all within the rules. I had a few tricky issues:
Pots- All either donated or saved from skips
Soil/Compost- Happily an added bonus from the unofficial compost scheme
Seeds- Either saved from last year or bought in little paper envelopes
Watering can- An old cider bottle with a few holes in it. Has the added benefit of making me look like an alcoholic, wandering around the garden early in the morning.
With a little luck I'll have a fine bounty of runner beans within a month or two or enough to make one darn good stir-fry.
Monday, 21 May 2007
Day 21 - What if I were female...
Would this month be just as easy if i was female? The only real waste difference I can see at the moment is how I would deal with menstruation.
I've known about the Mooncup for a little while now and it just seems to make sense. I can't seem to find a bad point about it and from a waste point of view it's amazing. One for life! (Although I obviously haven't used one myself)
Along with the Mooncup, I think I would also get my hands on some reusable cloth pads. From my detached male point of view, it looks like a female version of myself would have no problem doing a Nil Rubbish month.
Feel free to inundate me with comments if you disagree.
I've known about the Mooncup for a little while now and it just seems to make sense. I can't seem to find a bad point about it and from a waste point of view it's amazing. One for life! (Although I obviously haven't used one myself)
Along with the Mooncup, I think I would also get my hands on some reusable cloth pads. From my detached male point of view, it looks like a female version of myself would have no problem doing a Nil Rubbish month.
Feel free to inundate me with comments if you disagree.
Sunday, 20 May 2007
Day 20 - A Reprieve?
Mr. Powys Waste was in my house completely by co-incidence (friend of a housemate), unbelievable! Thanks to Mark for enlightening me on all things waste and pointing me in the right direction.
One thing struck me: How little I, as a person with an interest in waste, knew of what actually happened to all my households' waste after it has been collected. Where is it taken? How is it sorted? What actually gets recycled? I can think of plenty of waste questions I'm still hazy about.
One especially bright point to come out the chance meeting was that perhaps my metal bottle tops (See previous post) aren't landfill bound after all! Either:
a) Committed recyclists that they are, the TreeHouse might have put the metal bottle tops in the recycling bag (which I now know is alright)
b) The TreeHouse put them in the black bag, which has already got to the landfill site, only to be pulled out of the mire by a giant magnet (hopefully!) and recycled. Huzzah.
I still don't feel great about letting my concentration slip, but I've rather nice reprieved feeling bubbling away.
P.S If your intrested in where my recycling is sorted:
Cae Post Recycling Centre
One thing struck me: How little I, as a person with an interest in waste, knew of what actually happened to all my households' waste after it has been collected. Where is it taken? How is it sorted? What actually gets recycled? I can think of plenty of waste questions I'm still hazy about.
One especially bright point to come out the chance meeting was that perhaps my metal bottle tops (See previous post) aren't landfill bound after all! Either:
a) Committed recyclists that they are, the TreeHouse might have put the metal bottle tops in the recycling bag (which I now know is alright)
b) The TreeHouse put them in the black bag, which has already got to the landfill site, only to be pulled out of the mire by a giant magnet (hopefully!) and recycled. Huzzah.
I still don't feel great about letting my concentration slip, but I've rather nice reprieved feeling bubbling away.
P.S If your intrested in where my recycling is sorted:
Cae Post Recycling Centre
Saturday, 19 May 2007
Day 19 - Not a good waste day
I'll get straight to the point. I'm pretty sure two bottle tops were thrown away on my behalf.
Smeg it.
I was indulging in a cup of something warm in the lovely Treehouse Cafe in Aber early this Sunday morning to ease my raging throat. (I think I let my guard down because fruit tea usually doesn't provide any waste issues) A friend suggested having a honey, lemon and ginger warm punch and I didn't put two and two together. The two and two being that punch doesn't come from a bag, in this case it comes from two glass bottles(which are recycled) with metal unrecyclable lids. How could I have been so foolish?
Ah well, I guess this now is 'Nil Rubbish May, apart from two bottle tops I accidental rubbished in Aber'. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?
Smeg it.
I was indulging in a cup of something warm in the lovely Treehouse Cafe in Aber early this Sunday morning to ease my raging throat. (I think I let my guard down because fruit tea usually doesn't provide any waste issues) A friend suggested having a honey, lemon and ginger warm punch and I didn't put two and two together. The two and two being that punch doesn't come from a bag, in this case it comes from two glass bottles(which are recycled) with metal unrecyclable lids. How could I have been so foolish?
Ah well, I guess this now is 'Nil Rubbish May, apart from two bottle tops I accidental rubbished in Aber'. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?
Friday, 18 May 2007
Day 18 - Compost & Community
This month would have been impossible had it not been for composting. I'm in the excellent position of both being part of a informal community compost scheme and having a worm compost bin right outside the back door.
It's funny what can bind people isn't it? Through taking my food scraps to a neighbours big compost bin(s) I've: Helped liberate an apple tree from ivy, discovered how to make elderflower cordial (tasted some too), gained some gardening knowledge, had a free lunch and gained loads and loads of lovely rich compost for my little potted garden (amongst other things). From one persons backgarden compost bin a little community is formed.
It's hard to think of many situations in the UK where some form of composting couldn't happen. Either a bin in your own garden, a neighbours or through the local authority. Through my own experiences though I love the idea of people getting whether to turn their waste into something useful all over the country.
It's funny what can bind people isn't it? Through taking my food scraps to a neighbours big compost bin(s) I've: Helped liberate an apple tree from ivy, discovered how to make elderflower cordial (tasted some too), gained some gardening knowledge, had a free lunch and gained loads and loads of lovely rich compost for my little potted garden (amongst other things). From one persons backgarden compost bin a little community is formed.
It's hard to think of many situations in the UK where some form of composting couldn't happen. Either a bin in your own garden, a neighbours or through the local authority. Through my own experiences though I love the idea of people getting whether to turn their waste into something useful all over the country.
Thursday, 17 May 2007
Day 17 - Rule Change?
A little while ago a friend of mine reckoned that buying cordial from the pub was cheating (my rules). I've been thinking about it for a little while and although it doesn't directly convene any rule it does feel suspiciously like cheating, or going against the spirit of my month.
In my rules I did indeed ignore any landfill indirectly created by my consumption, just like buying a shot of cordial from t'pub. I did this because I thought that indirect rubbish may be hard to discover e.g. were these onions originally packed in a sack before i got to them on the market stall?
Maybe it was a cop-out and it would have implications for my habits. For instance:
-Cheese would be off limits ( a block is either coated in wax or cling film)
-Market veg/fruit would require a lot more investigation on a Wednesday
-Cordial at the pub is a no-no
Looking back at that list, I see no reason not to go ahead and change the rules for the rest of the month.
4. Not to purchase anything that I know to have created landfill in it's serving, transportation or manufacture & and try to find out whenever I can. (see the full list)
Good bye cheese. Looks like DIY cottage cheese may well be on the agenda, only needs milk and lemon juice apparently.
P.S Turns out my friend was right all along. A bow down to you o wise Hannah.
In my rules I did indeed ignore any landfill indirectly created by my consumption, just like buying a shot of cordial from t'pub. I did this because I thought that indirect rubbish may be hard to discover e.g. were these onions originally packed in a sack before i got to them on the market stall?
Maybe it was a cop-out and it would have implications for my habits. For instance:
-Cheese would be off limits ( a block is either coated in wax or cling film)
-Market veg/fruit would require a lot more investigation on a Wednesday
-Cordial at the pub is a no-no
Looking back at that list, I see no reason not to go ahead and change the rules for the rest of the month.
4. Not to purchase anything that I know to have created landfill in it's serving, transportation or manufacture & and try to find out whenever I can. (see the full list)
Good bye cheese. Looks like DIY cottage cheese may well be on the agenda, only needs milk and lemon juice apparently.
P.S Turns out my friend was right all along. A bow down to you o wise Hannah.
Wednesday, 16 May 2007
Day 16 - DryIt.com enters my life
I'm really, really missing pasta. I can't find it anywhere in non-plastic packaging not even in super bulk. Idly looking for fresh pasta recipes on google I chanced upon the idea of making my own stash of dried pasta. It feels like a door has opened and DryIt.com is the key.
No need to worry about what packaging my dried foods comes in, if I'm making the dried food myself. I feel an experiment coming on at the weekend and it may be messy.
P.S I love the front page picture on Dryit.com. I can imagine myself in a similar modelling position for pressurecookit.com- if only it existed.
No need to worry about what packaging my dried foods comes in, if I'm making the dried food myself. I feel an experiment coming on at the weekend and it may be messy.
P.S I love the front page picture on Dryit.com. I can imagine myself in a similar modelling position for pressurecookit.com- if only it existed.
P.P.S Here is a non-artists impression
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
Day 15 - A Test
A Thorntons Easter selection (late Easter present) has been whispering to me for a couple of days now. Unwrap my plastic Bryn. Unwrap my coloured foil Bryn. I'm really rich and tasty. I'm sweeter than your carrot sticks. Eat me, eat me.
I think I should hide it away to prevent any accidents. Out of site, out of mind supposedly. Smells like mighty fine chocolate. I think I can take it.
I think I should hide it away to prevent any accidents. Out of site, out of mind supposedly. Smells like mighty fine chocolate. I think I can take it.
Monday, 14 May 2007
Day 14 - Toothpaste Success! Whoot.
After a bit of experimenting and getting my hands on my essential oil stash I now have a faintly pleasurable mix:
3 parts baking soda
1 part salt
Few drops lemon essential oil
Few drops vanilla extract
No more avoiding brushing my teeth...
'Kids would do anything for Bryn's Tooth Powder' (with help from sloganizer.net)
3 parts baking soda
1 part salt
Few drops lemon essential oil
Few drops vanilla extract
No more avoiding brushing my teeth...
'Kids would do anything for Bryn's Tooth Powder' (with help from sloganizer.net)
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Day 10 - Not so straight forward
If I hadn't acknowledged the thought already, the best packaging choice isn't always straightforward. A case in point would be chick peas. Under my rules a 400g ready to eat tin of chick peas would be fine (one serving), while a 1kg plastic bag of dried chick peas would not (10 servings).
In my mind at least, the right option is not blatantly obvious. In this month I've plumped for the former but I think the real solution would either be to buy a huge potato bagful (compostable) or just to find alternatives that aren't so packaging intensive.
In my mind at least, the right option is not blatantly obvious. In this month I've plumped for the former but I think the real solution would either be to buy a huge potato bagful (compostable) or just to find alternatives that aren't so packaging intensive.
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Day 9 - Buying in bulk
If you have got the space, buying in bulk really makes sense. It saves packaging, cash and having to go and get it every week or so. There also tends to be less plastic involved, as potato style sacks come into play (that can be composted).
Personally, I've only got enough space to buy enough oats to last me a good few months, although I may invest in a potato sack of rice in the near future. Forming food buying co-ops with neighbours tends to work well, as between you there is usually a spare dry space.
I'm off to eat porridge, hob flapjack or muesli!
Personally, I've only got enough space to buy enough oats to last me a good few months, although I may invest in a potato sack of rice in the near future. Forming food buying co-ops with neighbours tends to work well, as between you there is usually a spare dry space.
I'm off to eat porridge, hob flapjack or muesli!
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Day 8 - Margarine
A few ideas for my nearly finished margarine tub:
1) Freezer storage receptacle
2) Sprouter
3) Plant pot
4) Spare change pot
5) Mushroom storage devise
6) A elegant yet powerful headpiece
Okay, i might have run out of ideas by number 5 but it's clear that I have a definite use for my soon to be empty tub. The draw of paper wrapping has tempted me onto butter for the rest of May, which I assumed would be welsh. Should of checked- 'Produce of more than one country' !?
1) Freezer storage receptacle
2) Sprouter
3) Plant pot
4) Spare change pot
5) Mushroom storage devise
6) A elegant yet powerful headpiece
Okay, i might have run out of ideas by number 5 but it's clear that I have a definite use for my soon to be empty tub. The draw of paper wrapping has tempted me onto butter for the rest of May, which I assumed would be welsh. Should of checked- 'Produce of more than one country' !?
Monday, 7 May 2007
Day 7 - Toilet Paper
Looking for plastic packaging free loo rolls was considerably harder that I had envisaged. I was worrying that I may have had to opt for a solution which wasn't all that comfortable. The mind boggles.
Fortunately I didn't reckon on finding double rolls of Andrex rapped in paper (although non recycled), i'm rather glad I found it before I started thinking of less pleasant alternatives.
Interestedly, I reliable source tells me that over 90% of UK toilet paper is made from recycled paper, even though it is not labelled on the package. Unless there is a legal reason, it does lead me to think that it may be a disadvantage to label your toilet paper as recycled. Perhaps the idea of recycled paper on one's behind is too much for much of the UK p(l)opulation. Oh toilet humour, why must you haunt me!
BTW: The toothpaste is going to take some getting used to...
Fortunately I didn't reckon on finding double rolls of Andrex rapped in paper (although non recycled), i'm rather glad I found it before I started thinking of less pleasant alternatives.
Interestedly, I reliable source tells me that over 90% of UK toilet paper is made from recycled paper, even though it is not labelled on the package. Unless there is a legal reason, it does lead me to think that it may be a disadvantage to label your toilet paper as recycled. Perhaps the idea of recycled paper on one's behind is too much for much of the UK p(l)opulation. Oh toilet humour, why must you haunt me!
BTW: The toothpaste is going to take some getting used to...
Sunday, 6 May 2007
Day 6 - Toothpaste
I'm having toothpaste issues:
1) My tube is running out
2) I seem completely incapable of finding a suitable replacement.
After a little Google browsing it seems that a mix of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part salt will do the trick. It does sound really pretty grim, so I might add plenty of mint or fennel to pep it up a little. Just solved both of my problems, (as long as I can stomach the taste) Huzzah!
1) My tube is running out
2) I seem completely incapable of finding a suitable replacement.
After a little Google browsing it seems that a mix of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part salt will do the trick. It does sound really pretty grim, so I might add plenty of mint or fennel to pep it up a little. Just solved both of my problems, (as long as I can stomach the taste) Huzzah!
Saturday, 5 May 2007
Day 5 - Protein
From browsing the lovely Quarry Shop in town today one thing became apparent. My protein intake over this month was going to have to change a wee bit. All nuts and seeds seem to come in those flimsy little plastic packets are out. I'll miss you cashew nuts.*Sob*
As well as nuts and seeds TVP Mince and lentils (Soya mince) are off the menu too, as i can't seem to find any decent packaging either. However, it's not a major problem as I've got enough varied protein in my diet to cope with it. Plus i've always got veggie sausages to fall back on in the freezer. Not quite as good as mine, but we all have our cross to bear!
Had a positive encounter in the deli today and sidestepped a potential problem. Got my local cheddar (wax-free) wrapped in paper. Bit pricey, but i think the money saved by buying cordial in the pub means I can afford it. mmmm, creamy.
Still thinking on the cheese wrapper front.
As well as nuts and seeds TVP Mince and lentils (Soya mince) are off the menu too, as i can't seem to find any decent packaging either. However, it's not a major problem as I've got enough varied protein in my diet to cope with it. Plus i've always got veggie sausages to fall back on in the freezer. Not quite as good as mine, but we all have our cross to bear!
Had a positive encounter in the deli today and sidestepped a potential problem. Got my local cheddar (wax-free) wrapped in paper. Bit pricey, but i think the money saved by buying cordial in the pub means I can afford it. mmmm, creamy.
Still thinking on the cheese wrapper front.
Friday, 4 May 2007
Day 4 - The Pub
Whats the question to best annoy/confuse a bar worker?
'What do you have that is fruity, alcohol-free and isn't going to create any landfill waste?'
That worked seemed to work pretty well. I settled for a blackcurrant cordial, although i could of murdered a orange juice and lemonade. Damned bottle tops!
On the plus side, I realized today that packaging for both washing-up and washing machine liquid isn't going to be an issue. We already buy a massive refillable tub and decant to a smaller bottle. woo and yey.
'What do you have that is fruity, alcohol-free and isn't going to create any landfill waste?'
That worked seemed to work pretty well. I settled for a blackcurrant cordial, although i could of murdered a orange juice and lemonade. Damned bottle tops!
On the plus side, I realized today that packaging for both washing-up and washing machine liquid isn't going to be an issue. We already buy a massive refillable tub and decant to a smaller bottle. woo and yey.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Day 3 - Breakfast
I'm pretty smug about breakfast, it just seems too easy. I've already got 3kg of porridge oats safely tucked away, as well as a large stash of muesli. I'm very fortunate in that here in Machynlleth there is still a glass bottle delivery service (along with recyclable aluminum tops), which means milk is definitely on the menu and breakfast is a doddle.
It seems a shame for these delivery services to be winding up around the country and everything converting into plastic. You never know when the milkmen might make a comeback...
It seems a shame for these delivery services to be winding up around the country and everything converting into plastic. You never know when the milkmen might make a comeback...
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Day 2 - Market Day
Some mornings I wake up and I feel lucky. They usually happen to be Wednesdays. Having all this packaging free, local, organic food within leek tossing distance is a blessing, market days are going to make this month alot easier. Although did have no choice but to quell my fruit fix with sticker-less oranges rather than English apples with stickers. *salivates*
Evening brought a slight issue. Started making lasagne for housemates and extended housemates before I realised I only had half a packet of plastic wrapped cheese. Bugger. On the plus side my creative juices have gone into action trying to think of a PROPER use for it. Twine for gardening perhaps, watch this space.
Evening brought a slight issue. Started making lasagne for housemates and extended housemates before I realised I only had half a packet of plastic wrapped cheese. Bugger. On the plus side my creative juices have gone into action trying to think of a PROPER use for it. Twine for gardening perhaps, watch this space.
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
Day 1 - The Rules
The rules of this month are fairly simple:
1. Not to purchase anything that cannot be used indefinitely, reused indefinitely, composted or recycled*. Another words, creating not a jot of absolute rubbish.
2. Not to throw anything away that is already in my possession. (e.g. Not to finish a packet of rice etc)
3. Not to cheat! No getting someone else to buy food for me, pointlessly storing rubbish or doing anything even slightly sneaky.
ADDED ON MAY 17th:
4. Not to purchase anything that I know to have created landfill in it's serving, transportation or manufacture.
I've started doing this not for any reason other that I really hate the idea of landfill sites or *gulp* incinerators.
I'm not stating that this is somehow a super 'ethical' month, because i may need to ignore wider environmental concerns to achieve the whole month. Those air freighted, non-organic but packaging-free vegetables may be too tempting.
*I can recycle easily: plastic bottles, glass, tins, cans, aluminum foil, plastic bags and paper. Thanks Powys Local Authority! I have my own concerns about recycling and recycling culture over waste minimization but I'm ignoring that for now.
1. Not to purchase anything that cannot be used indefinitely, reused indefinitely, composted or recycled*. Another words, creating not a jot of absolute rubbish.
2. Not to throw anything away that is already in my possession. (e.g. Not to finish a packet of rice etc)
3. Not to cheat! No getting someone else to buy food for me, pointlessly storing rubbish or doing anything even slightly sneaky.
ADDED ON MAY 17th:
4. Not to purchase anything that I know to have created landfill in it's serving, transportation or manufacture.
I've started doing this not for any reason other that I really hate the idea of landfill sites or *gulp* incinerators.
I'm not stating that this is somehow a super 'ethical' month, because i may need to ignore wider environmental concerns to achieve the whole month. Those air freighted, non-organic but packaging-free vegetables may be too tempting.
*I can recycle easily: plastic bottles, glass, tins, cans, aluminum foil, plastic bags and paper. Thanks Powys Local Authority! I have my own concerns about recycling and recycling culture over waste minimization but I'm ignoring that for now.
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