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zerowastedoc

🌍Sustainability advice for busy people
🌱Realistic Zero Waste living
💛Social and climate justice
🌿Still learning 🎓UK NHS Doctor ➕Christian

It’s December 1st and the start of advent finall

It’s December 1st and the start of advent finally!

This year has been tough, and so I have been really looking forward to advent and Christmas. But with the lack of socialising allowed this Christmas - I’m not allowed to spend Christmas with my family - it can feel really tempting to go overboard on all the other aspects of Christmas to make it still feel special. At least I’m finding it hard to resist! But Christmas can be wasteful and the more we do, the more waste we risk creating.

So as we’ve had a hard year, let’s have some light Christmas content on how to have a low waste holiday. Social and climate justice will continue in stories don’t you worry!

Let’s start off with advent calendars. So wonderful and typically so wasteful. But they don’t need to be as there are so many options that don’t create as much waste. Like paper advent calendars, reusable calendars that you refill, advent candles, activity calendars, reverse advent calendars for food banks and even home made advent calendars! I adore advent so I basically have all of them.

We used to fill ours up with packaging free pick-a-mix but that’s off the table this year so we have big bags of sweets and chunks of @tonyschocolonely_uk_ire instead. You can also fill it with whatever you fancy - doesn’t need to be food!

What’s your go to low waste advent calendar? And have you ever done a reverse advent calendar to collect food items for your local Food Bank like @trusselltrust? Maybe 2020 is the year to start a new tradition of a reverse calendar!

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste #lowwastechristmas #zerowastechristmas

You need less than you think you do this Christmas

You need less than you think you do this Christmas season.
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We need to be content with what we have, not constantly striving for more!
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I’ve been thinking about Christmas in our new home. It’s bigger than our old flat, and depending on the restrictions we may spend a lot more time in it that we were hoping to. So my brain has been on overdrive planning on how to decorate and make it feel extra cosy and special. I got caught up in all the things I could buy to decorate it. Thankfully I realised before I bought any of them.
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So often we look for physical things to fill a mental or emotional hole. I was looking for decorations to fill a hole made by uncertainty and disappointment. But belongings won’t fill those holes.
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Sure, I’m going to get a few more decorations this year (I can get a wreath with less chance of it being stolen!). But I’m not doing it because I think it will make everything alright.
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My decor can also include a lot of LED fairy lights I already own, Poinsettias, that Netflix fireplace on repeat, the smell of mince pies cooking, a festive hot drink in hand and lots of hand dried orange slices hanging up!
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Christmas this year might not be as we hoped, but filling our homes with a lot of tat won’t fix that. Focusing on true hope and joy might though!

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste #lowwastechristmas

Off topic reminder but, if you have a cervix, you

Off topic reminder but, if you have a cervix, you need a smear test (cervical screening).
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A lot of things this year have been delayed or avoided. Smear tests and other medical screening have been example of this. But preventative medicine is far better than treating a problem. It also avoids much more waste!
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I had mine this week. It was not my first choice activity for 8am on my day off but it’s important to get it done.
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Facts:
Cervical screening looks for HPV infection and pre-cancerous cells. It save lives by stopping being able to treat abnormal calls before they become cancer.
You need a smear if you have a cervix and are between 25-64 (UK).
You need one even if you’re not sexually active or have never had sex.
You need one even if you’re in a long term stable relationship with one partner.
You need one even after the menopause.
You need one even if you’ve had the HPV jab.
You need one regardless of your sexual orientation.
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Barriers for people getting screening include fear, embarrassment, misunderstanding, fear of judgement, convenience, cultural beliefs, language barriers, unsupportive environments for transgender individuals, history of assault, FGM or physical disability. These are real barriers and one of the way we can get over these issues is to talk about cervical screening more and help make it more accessible. Screening saves lives. By talking about it we could save our friends and families lives. That’s worth shouting about!
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This is your reminder to book your test today if it’s overdue. If your GP is not a supportive place for you, many sexual health and GUM clinics are often more clued up.
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That’s it. Get your screening!
Back to usual topics tomorrow ❤️

I’m dreaming of a sustainable, small business Ch

I’m dreaming of a sustainable, small business Christmas!
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This year I have been in the fortunate position that as a doctor in a pandemic that I have never once worried about my job security. My income is secure. I haven’t worried about paying my bills or losing my home.
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Many have. Maybe you even have.
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So this year when I’ve been looking forward to Christmas - sorry, I know it’s still November, but for me Christmas is about Hope and Joy, and who couldn’t do with more of that ASAP! - I’ve been thinking about how I can support others who aren’t in the position I’m in.
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So I’m planning a small business Christmas. Yes I’m trying not to create waste, and trying to make environmentally friendly choices, but I still have Christmas food and decor and I still do presents.
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I’m hunting for food from small businesses.
If I buy new decor it’s going to be indie.
Presents will be from UK small brands if I can do anything about it.
(And if they don’t need anything, they can always have a charity gift!)
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It might not sound related to the environment at all, but it is.
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Keeping money out of the pockets of billionaires and giant corporations will at least not further their climate damage. And the small businesses that get my money instead? It will make much more of a difference that in Bezo’s offshore account!
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Are you planning a small business Christmas? Tag your favourite small brands below!
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(P.s. it is a privilege to be able to make this kind of financial decision at a time like this. If you can’t, there is no shame or guilt in that)

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste #smallbusiness #shopsmall #shoplocal

Shopping unpackaged isn’t the answer to the clim

Shopping unpackaged isn’t the answer to the climate crisis - so why do I still do it?!
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I do it because although it won’t stop the climate crisis, it will reduce waste. The more of us trying to reduce waste, the bigger the impact.
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I do it because it shows others that change is possible and practical too.
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I do it because I would rather my money go into small businesses than into huge supermarkets. With allegations of worker exploitation coming out about Sainsburys, Tesco and M&S today, I’d rather not support that when I have the choice (remembering that we don’t all have an equal choice). (Although loving the Sainsburys advert 🧡)
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I’d rather my money go into the local economy - where it’s more likely to stay, supporting and employing local people.
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I’d rather it goes into a place where they care about sourcing U.K. and organic products when customers ask them to.
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I shop there because I have the privilege to worry less about the cost than others might, and I am happy to spend my privilege in that way to hopefully make zero waste shops the norm.
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Just because something isn’t the ultimate answer to climate change doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing.

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

Single use in a pandemic. How do we approach sing

Single use in a pandemic.

How do we approach single use items in a pandemic? Because the world has changed wildly since last year!

I have to wear a hospital disposable mask at work. It’s the best way to protect myself and patients. I have a reusable Covid one for operating but it’s huge and not great for talking to patients.

If I support my local coffee shop or small restaurants during lockdown it means getting single use takeaway items. Even if they’re compostable, it’s not a great option. But neither is these places going out of business and the increase in poverty and unemployment.

There are still plenty of reusables I can use, like my water bottle and mug when I make drinks myself. I can bring my own lunch and use metal cutlery. I can use a reusable bag at the shops and buy loose produce. But it’s just more complicated now.

So let’s remember that and not guilt or shame people for using single use items at this time (or ever let’s be honest) because you don’t know they thought that went in to it. If you have the energy to do so, I would love you to use it to write to your representatives and ask them to support a green recovery plan. That is the best thing for our planet now 🌍

How are you approaching single use items at this time? Any advice?

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

How are you feeling? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ G

How are you feeling?
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Given the last week, it could be anything.
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Relieved? Overwhelmed the scale of people who still voted for Trump? Motivated for similar change in your country? Burnt out from checking the news so much? Lonely from lockdown? Hopeless looking towards a Covid Christmas? Worried financially?
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Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay.
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Whatever you’re feeling, I know it’s better in community.
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Share your joys.
Share your fears.
Share your pain.
Share your passions.
Share your hopes.
Share your tears.
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Together we are more capable than apart. We can be more, and achieve more together.
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When we are burnt out and brought low we cannot do the good the world needs. So if you’re struggling, reach out. If you’re doing pretty okay, reach out to someone who may not be.
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Community matters.

And remember, even behind a mask you can always smile with your eyes 💛

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

This is Fern. She is my lockdown friend. This wee

This is Fern. She is my lockdown friend.

This week is going to be hard politically, and the rest of the month isn’t going to be much better.

It’s hard to focus on a threat like climate change when your daily lives are under threat. Perhaps you, like me, are now realising why some people can’t engage with climate activism - they’re too busy just making it through each hard day.

I don’t really know the best way to be an activist at this time. There probably isn’t a best way. But if there is, taking care of yourself will be part of it.

Not the capitalism version of self care where you take a bubble bath, go shopping and eat chocolate. But truly taking care of yourself by taking time to mourn and grieve, reaching out to friends and family, sleeping and eating, and giving yourself grace.

My capacity is limited at this time too but I know that community makes us stronger.

How can I help you at this time?

How can I serve you this month?

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

Do you know why I talk about social justice on a “environmental” account?

Because we can’t tackle the climate crisis without it.

We are facing a huge existential threat and we need everyone to act to make a difference.

But people in poverty don’t have the capacity engage when they’re struggling to eat and pay rent.

People experiencing racism can’t fully engage when they’re busy trying not to be killed.

Refugees can’t engage when their energy is spent just trying to find a place of safety.

Victims of modern slavery don’t have the freedom to engage in climate advocacy.

People who are oppressed and not given opportunities because of their gender or sexuality aren’t able to engage fully when they’re fighting for freedom elsewhere.

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Marginalised people cannot fight climate change when they’re spending every day just fighting to survive!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

We cannot hope to tackle climate change without fighting for social justice.

For those in the back: There is not environmental justice without social justice.

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

Over the last two weeks our government has really

Over the last two weeks our government has really shown their true colours, and it’s disgusting.
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The voted to give themselves a pay rise £3300 pay rise in the middle of a pandemic where so many are struggling financially.
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The voted NOT to allow child refugees safe routes to be reunited with their families.
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The voted to NOT continue free school meals over the holidays (despite the fact they they themselves receive a £25 a day meal subsidy on top of their £85K salaries...)
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They chose not to teach children about racism, capitalism and white supremacy by taking a firm stance against Critical Race Theory (even in the middle of black history month...)
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They chose to give a conservative majority area (Lancashire) double the funding for Covid support than Manchester (labour majority) despite it having only half the population...
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This is predominantly due to the conservative majority. They will do anything to cling onto power.
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This government has shown time and time again that they do not care about the general population. Our individual efforts cannot win against a government that doesn’t care, unless our individual actions unite to vote them out. We cannot allow this to continue.
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So at the next local elections, vote conservatives out.
At the next general elections, vote conservatives out.
If you currently have a Conservative MP, write to them. Bother them. Annoy them. Tell them you don’t agree with them. Tell them what you want. It’s fascinating what you can achieve by being a thorn in someone’s side.
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Chose to financially support another party like Greens or Labour. TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Tell them what’s been happening. Hold them to account. You can’t stand for justice and vote conservative at this time I’m afraid.
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Oh and if you’re in the USA not the UK, vote Trump out please.

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement

What have you been learning lately?
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Sometimes I think that we spend so much time trying to teach others about the impact of climate change and other social injustices that we forget to continue learning ourselves. I’ve definitely done that! But we need to be willing to keep on learning regardless of what we’re doing in life. Otherwise we will end up just repeating the mistakes of the past.
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Recently I watched the new Kiss the Ground documentary on Netflix and it’s really interesting. I learnt about the scale of the problem of soil erosion, the damage of desertification, the impact of agriculture (both good and bad), and the massive potential of the solution of regenerative agriculture on climate change.
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Because did you know that at the current status quo, we only have 60 more years until we run out of top soil? That’s only 60 harvests. Where will you be in 60 years? But it’s already happening to our fellow humans.
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But did you also know that improving the soil carbon content by 0.4% annually sequesters the same amount of carbon as we produce annually? Meaning it’s a viable solution to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
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After watching this I‘ve been trying to think how I can help with regeneration of spaces in London. I’ll keep you posted...
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I was however disappointed with the lack of BIPOC representation in this documentary however. Given that indigenous people protect the majority of the worlds biodiversity, and always have, it feels like an oversight not to include their wisdom. The lack of diversity is very also disappointing. Although it was very informative, it didn’t touch on the fact that we’ve gotten into this problem from exploiting nature under capitalism - constant economic growth isn’t possible in a finite world. @kameachayne has written a great review on this topic - please read! They’ve also responded to this on their page.
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Have you watched Kiss the Ground? What did you think?

Ad Small Steps can add up to a Big Impact
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Using a reusable water bottle and mug, buying second hand clothes and furniture, composting, reducing food waste and eating more unpackaged plant based foods are just a few of the small steps we start to make when trying to reduce our waste. And over time if we make those changes, and then influence others to make similar changes, this adds up to a big impact.
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I was recently interviewed by @zannavandijk on the Small Steps, Big Impact podcast about ways we can make small changes that add up to a significant difference. We don’t just talk about individual waste, but talk about ways we can reach out to those in power to make a difference on a local, or national scale.
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If you’d like to have a listen to my episode, or any of the previous episodes with some amazing guests, I’ll share the link in my stories. The podcast is made in partnership with @dove who moved to using 100% recycled plastic in their bottles - because what’s the point in us encouraging infrastructure for recycling if that plastic isn’t being used?
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This weekend I’m going to again write to my local councillors about food waste collections. What one small step are you going to try this week?
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#beautifullyunique #Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

The problem with Instagram activism.
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The problem being for the vast majority of the time it isn’t activism!!
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Most of us feel like we learning things on Instagram, and we do, but quite superficially. We’re bombarded with so much information that we can feel overwhelmed. But given the size of captions or of an infographic, we often are getting only a tiny bit of information on a subject. And then many people share about the same things as it’s topical, so we get a very shallow, repeated discussion about something. Compared with a documentary, book or podcast, the depth of information is limited.
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We also tend to attract an echo chamber, where the people we follow and those who follow us tend to have similar views and knowledge. So we’re preaching to the choir, not sharing new information.
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And the risk is that when we create or share a post, we feel like we’ve done “activism”. Like we’ve done our part to help - when often it’s actually limiting our action in the real world. I’ve fallen into that trap - putting off writing to my MP in favour of writing an Instagram post, or feeling too information overloaded to listen to an educational podcast. Why read a book when Instagram tricks you into thinking you’re learning as much?
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So I’m trying to work out how to do this differently. To make sure what I’m sharing with you is educational and not just noise. But also leave you, and myself, margin to engage in real activism and educational work. I’m not sure what it will look like and I’m pretty sure it will go against the things Instagram likes, but who cares. We can do more good out there than on here!
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Have you found, like me, that you sometimes forget to do real learning as you’re too overwhelmed with “information” from Instagram?

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste #lowimpactmovement

Ad| Nature, the climate and mental health 🌱 Lo

Ad| Nature, the climate and mental health 🌱

Lots of research has shown the benefit of nature on mood and mental health. @mindcharity has lots of information on its website about it if you’re interested in learning more. But sometimes getting outside in nature is hard, especially going into winter. However bringing nature inside still brings much of the same benefit, which is why we’re often drawn to filling our homes with plants. After spending the days in very clinical hospitals I love coming home to a house filled with plants.

The more we also connect with nature, the more it can change our behaviour, making us more cooperative (yup it’s been researched) and want to fight to protect it more. So actually protecting nature for others to spend time in can create a positive feedback loop of change. But taking away green spaces and access to nature can reinforce a negative one. This is why we need to push local councils to value and prioritise outside spaces with access for all!

How we choose to fill our homes can then hugely impact our wellbeing, and how we act! But like anything we buy, it matters how these plants are sourced and sold.

If you live in London, @thestem_uk is a sustainable online garden centre, with electric delivery vans and sustainable packaging. They are donating 100% of the profits made today to the @mentalhealthfoundation, so if you want to bring more nature inside then head over and grab something. But if you live outside London never fear! They are donating 50p for every Instagram post of plants in October with the hashtag #planthappiness and tagging @thestem_uk. So get sharing 🌿

Further reading: paper “Cooperation is in our nature: Nature exposure may promote cooperative and environmentally sustainable behavior”

Ad - PR sample
#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving

Inspiration vs. comparison
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It’s a fine line isn’t it? Between being motivated to do something new or better, to keep going when it gets tough, to start something you’ve always wanted to and being a better version of yourself, to a place where you feel worse, where everything you do isn’t good enough, where you’re never content, where you’re lead by anxiety instead of inspiration.
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And social media is so often part of the problem! Comparing your everyday to someone’s highlight reel (literally now!) is so easy.
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I follow some incredible climate activists in this space. Like seriously, they make me so much more hopeful for the future, but my job means I cannot do all the things they do. And trying to leaves me burnt out. But I follow them because they inspire me to do better, but to do better in a way that works for ME not for them.
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If social media leaves you feeling anxious or worthless instead of inspired and filled up, take a break. Analyse how long your spend on here and your feed and unfollow anyone that doesn’t encourage or inspire or teach. This isn’t at all a free pass to unfollow intersectional educators, especially those of colour who teach you things that aren’t always easy to hear. But it is to say that you also need to consider your mental health. You can, and should, do both.
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Conscious consumption doesn’t just include physical things. It can include information and social media too. And mindless consumption and comparison is a trap that benefits no one!

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #lowimpactmovement #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

Oh, hi there burnout ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I

Oh, hi there burnout
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I turned off Instagram for a week of holiday and it just continued for three weeks. Honestly it could have been longer and I wasn’t sure whether to come back on today but I still think there’s value in this space. Hope, I guess. It turns out a lot of that stuff I “didn’t have time for”, I had time for, I was just using it to scroll Instagram and it was making me burnt out.
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Instagram can be such a powerful tool but only if you control it wisely, otherwise it controls you. There are some amazing people on here who inspire me, that I also now call friends. But I was following so many people that every time I went online I was overloaded with information. All valuable, but to the point where it meant I was so burnt out that I couldn’t do any learning for myself. I was trying to teach from an empty well. I also couldn’t work out what issues I personally cared about as I was overwhelmed by the noise of thousands of other people’s passions. All those causes are important but I’m only one person and I have limits. I’m finite. And I’m an individual. So I needed to spend my time focusing on the things I’m called to fight for. And I’ve realised these past week that that’s okay!
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So I’ve unfollowed a lot of people (mainly brands as I don’t need more advertising in my life even if they’re sustainable) and set limits on my time. I’m taking time off Instagram regularly. Most importantly I’m trying to work out what I want to share with you so that I don’t add to the noise of social media. I want to help you not hinder you. I want to encourage you, not be a source of comparison. I want to be compassionate, not judgemental.
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I’m building margin into my life to avoid burnout again, so let’s see what it will look like in this space.
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Has anyone else changed the way they engage with social media this year?

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement

So it’s the end of zero waste week... but it’s

So it’s the end of zero waste week... but it’s also 2020, so I imagine it’s been different to previous years!
So how can you still live a zero waste life during a global pandemic?

Here are 10 tips!

1. Make your coffee at home
2. Look for packaging free produce - are veg boxes, co-operatives or community gardens available?
3. Make your own lunches
4. Reuse whatever you’re still allowed to
5. Reduce animal products in your diet
6. Find a new recipe for something you usually buy in packaging
7. Audit your food waste, and reduce it.
8. Buy in bulk (without a bulk shop)
9. Repair something you would have thrown away ordinarily
10. If you need something new, support a local small business - they’re struggling this year!

And bonus, take the time to write to someone in power to make changes that reduce waste on a national or global scale!

For more details and explanations, I’ve turned this post into a whole blog post on my website - link in my bio!

How are you finding being zero waste in a pandemic? What’s working well for you? 💛

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste #zerowasteweek

ALL of my zero waste bathroom products! After my p

ALL of my zero waste bathroom products!
After my post on Monday about ways to reduce waste in the bathroom I got messages about what I specifically use, so here’s a run down:

🛁Shampoo bar (2in1) by @zerowastepath
🧴Conditioner by @innocenthaircare - designed for Afro hair if anyone has been on the hunt and I use it on my ends
🧼Home made soap bar but refilled liquid hand soap
🪒Vintage stainless steel razor (with soap)
🧽Flannel for exfoliation
💅🏻Makeup by @zaomakeup
🧺Makeup remover by the Body Shop in a tin
🩸Menstrual products - @mooncupltd, @wukawear pants, @honouryourflow pads
💋Currently lip balm in plastic, but usually in a tin or cardboard tube
🛀🏿Bathbombs - Lush of course
🧖🏼‍♀️Dry shampoo - homemade
💪🏻Moisturiser bar by @ethiqueworld and face moisturiser by @upcirclebeauty
🧻TP by @greencanepaper
🕳And conventional anti-perspiration and toothpaste

These products won’t necessarily work for you as we all have different skin and hair types and lifestyles, but there are lots of different options out there. Look to try to support small businesses too if you can, as they’re likely struggling this year!

What zero waste products are you struggling to find?

#Zerowaste #zerowastelondon #zerowasteuk #zerowastehome #goingzerowaste #ourplanetourhome #zerowastecollective #plasticfree #plasticfreeliving #wastefreeplanet #refusereducereuserecycle #reducewhatyouproduce #zerowasteliving #choosetorefuse #refusesingleuseplastic #iamzerowastecommunity #lowimpactmovement #lowimpactliving #zerowastechristian #zerowastejourney #lowwaste

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