Stay Inside, Stay Inspired #3 Is this what your days look like right now?
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Surfrider Europe gives you some tips on how to stay inspired and act for the climate from the comfort of your home!
From the kitchen
Reduce the footprint of your foods by buying local! During this period of confinement, most local markets are closed and opportunities for restaurants and catering are low, but local farms are still churning out seasonal goods and produce. To support small businesses during this difficult time, online platforms are available to connect consumer to producer, like this one in Nouvelle Aquitaine. City newspapers are also a great place to connect with regional food delivery services. Many local farms will also accept government aid certificates so it’s worth asking your producers so that you can give them your support before heading to the big box stores.
Once you’ve cooked your delicious meal made from local, seasonal goods, what can be done with the leftovers scraps? Composting food waste is a great way to reduce your food waste and trash volume by a third. Also, did you know that stewing your vegetable peels and ends makes for a great vegetable stock, or easy bone broth?
From the washroom
When doing your laundry, make sure the washing machine is full. According to the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a washing machine consumes on average 155 liters of water per cycle, that is roughly 6% of the average energy consumption of a house. So running your washing machine without entirely filling it wastes water and energy. In addition, once the laundry is washed it is better to line dry it in the open air rather than use the dryer. This action makes a greater contribution to reducing your energy consumption.
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It is also possible to make your own hygiene products to reduce plastic waste and chemical pollution that contributes to climate change. Visit our YouTube channel to follow our DIY tutorials.
From the cleaning closet
When it comes to home cleaning, convenience is a must. But it’s important to combine convenience with sustainability. According to a study by ADEME, the average French person creates 2 kg of paper towel waste a year. If we all switched to a more eco-friendly option, it would represent about 134 000 tons of waste less each year. The cost of washable dishcloths is nearly the same as a roll of paper towels, and has the advantage of being infinitely reusable. Using a recycled Tawashi as a substitute for the traditional plastic sponge also prevents micro-plastic particles from passing into the water cycle.
Finally, did you know how easy it is to create your own all-natural cleaning products? Most store-bought formulas contain harsh chemical additives that aren’t necessary to accomplish the job. Looking to disinfect surfaces? A simple solution of diluted white vinegar is safe and effective on nearly all home surfaces (use caution for wooden furniture). Homemade products give you the piece of mind that you aren’t poisoning your family with hidden toxins, in addition to significantly reducing the chemical pollution of the water cycle.
Ready to make the switch? This 2-step tile cleaner couldn’t be easier:
