Maintaining sustainable habits when going out more
Did you find it easier to live a sustainable lifestyle when we all had to stay at home a lot? Do you face more environmental choices when going out more than months ago? I certainly had this experience.
Here are some ways to continue the eco habits as life is happening.
Bring a compact but spacious bag
Take a few essentials in a bag when you aware away from home. It doesn’t have to be complicated or bulky. It should be the opposite - simple and easy to carry. The bag should fit a reusable water bottle, a durable coffee cup and other basics.
Although the ladies clearly bring a bag when going out, maybe the blokes can have a small backpack or whatever makes them comfortable. I have a small backpack that is the size of a handbag. I will likely again prefer a tote. It’s waterproof, roomy and not too structured.
Bottle, container and/or coffee cup
I like the Huskee cup because it is made from coffee and quite durable. My kid used a Frank Green cup for water. It’s useful because that cup pretty much never spills.
Compact cutlery in a soft case
Here is the reason. If you eat out in a casual way, sometimes you might need cutlery when you least expect it. Skip the disposables. Plenty of the zero-waste styles are pretty compact. Maybe treating yourself to meals at the markets. Or going on a picnic. I have been stuck a few times without cutlery. It’s worth bringing a set just in case. You could add a straw with this if necessary.
Handkerchieves
Reduce the waste from tissues by bringing a handkerchief instead. Organic cotton is quite ideal.
Personal products
I bring a bar of soap in a tin because I sometimes visit parks and beaches that have no soap at the bathroom. I like to bring my eco deodorant, a natural lip balm and more.
Period underwear for busy days
Although I always support cloth menstrual pads, I believe period underwear is particularly useful for busy days. The Modibodi Vegan Bikini Period Undies (the heavy ones) are meant to cope with the equivalent of two tampons.
New eco basics and second hand sustainable fashion
I have needed a few top-ups for the wardrobe in recent months - a few bags and pieces of clothing for work, overnight luggage, ‘workout’ bras for yoga, boots for rainy weather… I have a conscious strategy for sustainably sourcing these things. I bought underwear from Boody wherever I can. There are other eco brands too. I would like to try the Afends Molly Hemp Sports Crop.
A compact shopping bag, like this string one, is a must-have when going out. Image: Unsplash, edited.
