What My Mother Taught Me About Sustainability
Sustainability (noun) is the societal goal to protect our planet and keep the environment clean.
I first learnt that word, in Russian, when Canadians began to bring green bins into their homes. I was seven years old, trying to remember where to throw away the egg shells and orange peels. This is so tasking I’d complain to my mother. I was seven so those were probably not my exact words, but these were hers "Don't you want to leave a clean planet for your children?”
Not only is sustainability good for the planet and budget friendly, it's also a healthier way to live. In fact our health, our money and the environment have a mutual connection. Something that is good for one is usually good for the other two. (Ernest Callenbach, Ecotopia)
What my mother taught me about sustainability:
Reuse your parchment paper that is still clean. Usually after baking things like challah or cookies.
Shop grocery promotions. Most groceries have daily or weekly specials. Shop those produce and try to plan your meals using those ingredients.
Buy produce that is in season and locally grown. Seasonalfoodguide.com is a great resource for this.
Make soups! Soups are generally inexpensive to make but healthy and filling.
Cook at home whenever possible and save leftovers.
Limit the amount of plastic and disposables you use. You don't have to go plastic free all at once but slowly decrease the amount you buy and replace it with more sustainable options.
Change your clothing when you get home.
Save your children's clothing and pass them on to your next child or a friend’s. I keep mine in vacuum sealed bags, label them according to size and stack them on top of the other.
Create a capsule wardrobe with a couple great pieces for different occasions.
Avoid shopping fast fashion; clothing that is made well lasts longer and looks better.
Teach your children to be gentle with the home and their belongings.
Make a habit of turning off lights when not in use.
Avoid small loads of laundry.
Be conscious of the amount of tissues and paper towel you use. Microfiber towels clean up spills better.
Wash your clothes with cold water. 90% of the energy used during the wash is for heating the water.
If you love reading take advantage of your local public library and if you like a very specific genre of books buy in second hand shops like thriftbooks.com.