3E NEED TO KNOW Sustainable Lifestyle
Many of these suggestions veer towards zero waste and sustainable lifestyle so these are merely suggestions that build on the less-plastic lifestyle If they are of Interest
Clothing Buying and Care
o Buy clothes at vintage stores/markets
o Start/find clothing exchanges THRIFT
o SWAP among friends
o BORROW clothes from friends and family
o RENT high end clothes for special occasions.
o REPAIR clothes rather than buy more
o MAKE things if you can or repurpose clothes
o BUY sustainable clothes – avoid synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon
o BUY higher quality and longer-lasting clothes
o Use bags and rucksacks that last and can be exchanged, recycled (or that are bought second-hand)
Sustainable Life
o Say no to freebies (usually in plastic) in hotels or shops
o Write to companies you believe are overpackaging their products and tell them why you are no longer a customer of theirs
o Go through your home and decide what you really need – and donate or sell the rest - freecycle
o Buy furniture or household items second hand or from labelled, sustainable sources (or from sell groups like Facebook marketplace where items are given a second life)
o Repair broken appliances instead of buying new ones – find a repair café or start one in the school
o Sign up to (or start a school) sharing scheme e.g. gardening and DIY equipment – also swap leftovers from projects at meets.
o Try to learn to make your own household items e.g. bookshelves, tables, cushions, pottery etc.
o Buy DIY products from sustainable sources – paint, varnishes etc.
o Use natural fertilizers or pest control in the garden
o Try to reduce your energy in the household – energy efficient appliances, unplug items on standby
o Try to use renewable sources for house heating, lighting and electricity
o Choose a socially responsible bank and make socially responsible investments
o Take public transport, bikes, scooters or walk where you can
o Car-share or combine outings where possible
o Try to reduce plane options or take holidays closer to home where possible