Keeping track of the good, the bad and the ugly of greening my home has been a challenge in itself, what with the Richmond 5K Run, Cayman Day planning and the usual duties at home. However, I can say that my awareness of what was happening around me – what could be improved as well as “scores” in the green department – has reached an all time high.
There are two of several situations where I noticed these stark contrasts in this process of greening in my home/life, which I will touch upon here:
- Had to Laugh
- Sweet Success
I have several reusable water bottles at home ranging from metal to plastic to glass/bamboo, ranging in different sizes and colors/patterns. One is always in my bag or purse.
Recently, I attended a public event, and of course, was prepared with my own, filtered water. However, for part of the event, it became cumbersome to lugg my bag with me and I left it with friends. My young son attended the event with me and after walking a bit, he asked for water. I had none. I was prepared to walk him back to the bag for my reusable water, even though it was quite far away by this time, however, my son had spent a lot of time exerting himself leading up to our outing, and was desperate for something to drink right then. A lovely lady who was working the event was nearby so I asked if there was water nearby, and before I could explain further, she handed my son a cold, single use plastic bottle of water. I thanked her and then died a small death inside. Of course I was grateful – I drank some too – but I kept kicking myself for not carrying my own bottle, no matter how inconvenient it was. hmiNeedless to say, my son was happy, and handed me the bottle for safekeeping, which I hid in my pocket. Cringe.
Later on, I was treated to a giveaway and guess what? Inside this lovely pouch of goodies was water – but in a can! I had to laugh. Things were looking up.
My sweet success this month has been shifting to Lush products. The shampoo bar lasts forever, smells delicious and has no plastic packaging. The small tubs of hair conditioner and leave-in hair cream are concentrated, and last for months. Very happy to move away from big, bulky plastic bottles and tinier containers with rich, lushness inside. I’m also glad to support the store because of Bring It Back – their recycling scheme which aims to “offer people the ultimate waste-free shopping experience” by encouraging customers to return their plastic pots which will be reused, and giving them 50p off their next purchase.
Feeling this will take time, but we have to start somewhere!