Sustainable winter essentials
Australia has turned extra chilly. People are layering up their outfits and turning to cosy hot refreshments. Here are some sustainable versions of winter essentials.
Aussies need cosy sustainable winter products when it is that time of year. Image: Unsplash.
Looseleaf tea
Make hot tea without tea bags. Beyond plastics reported, “In September 2019, researchers at McGill University found that a single one of these tea bags releases more than 11 billion microplastic and 3 billion nanoplastic particles when steeped in boiling water.”
Drink a soothing hot looseleaf tea for a sustainable way to warm up. Avoid tea bags to reduce plastic. Image: Unsplash, edited.
Use looseleaf tea if you can access it. Visit a bulk store or at least get a box of looseleaf from the supermarket. At least that might have less packaging than lots of little tea bags. You could shop online for tea supplies and loose leaf tea.
Get a tea infuser that can last a long time. I’m a fan of the stainless steel ones. There are also plenty of cute silicone infusers on the market too. Tea bags are a disposable packaging we can actually live without, when possible. You could reduce waste by making a bag-free tea at least when you have the option.
A tea infuser and tea pot can be a durable eco alternative to plastic tea bags. Image: Unplash, edited.
Coffee the nearly zero-waste way
Would you drink more coffee in winter? Maybe only a bit more. Who wants a wild caffeine buzz when they really just need to warm up? That being said, a hot mug of coffee may look extra appealing right now. I recently visited the beach before and during sunrise. The dry cold wind felt intense. I was the very first in line for a mug of steamy black coffee at my favourite cafe. That’s after I waited for a while before they opened. So I know the feeling - needing anything to warm up.
But here’s something that really shouldn’t be normalised. Lots of coffee-drinkers now use disposable coffee pods. It seems to be popular in offices, from my casual observations. If you have to use a pod machine on a regular basis, buy a reusable stainless steel coffee pod. You could probably save on the cost of coffee because the pod takes normal ground beans. And you could save countless pods from landfill.
Coffee pods are avoidable packaging. If you have to use a coffee pod, switch to a reusable stainless steel pod instead. Otherwise, use an alternative coffee-making method that doesn’t require so many disposable. Image: Unsplash.
If you can choose your device or appliance, consider something that uses less resources. If you’re not testing out your barista-level skills, go for a manual option like a plunger. Bonus points if you find it second-hand, of course. I use a plunger and it feels right. I can control the intensity of the coffee by scooping more or less of the ground beans as I wish. The ‘French press’ is relatively easy to use. Just give it a few minutes to brew - and not too much more time than that.
A coffee plunger is an affordable useful alternative. Image: Unsplash.
Insulated containers and bottles for anything
Store your hot drinks and soups in containers that will keep the liquids hot. You could prep and bring a stew, curry or other steamy comfort food. Why not just get takeaway? Some locations might not offer healthy take away meals. A DIY version could have less oil or be fully oil-free. You could also homemade cook soup exactly how you like it. Add extra super foods. Or season it perfectly. Finally, save time. And money, of course.
An insulated sealed container will be more sustainable for a few reasons. Yes, it is more reusable than the disposable takeaway tubs. They are also more portable if they can be sealed. But they could also prevent food waste too. You might consume more of your tea, coffee, soup or meal if it stayed hot when going out.
Now is the time to plan ahead. How will you store and carry your winter soups when going out? First, as always, check the second-hand shops and web sites to rescue existing containers from waste. Then shop online to find the new products you need. Thermos has food contains such as the Foogo, Funtainer and food jar. For hot or cold drinks, there’s the vacuum insulated bottle.
Knit from thrifted/eco threads
Will you try knitting as a hobby or craft (or way to fidget) in these cold months? See if you can find second hand yarn to prevent waste. As always, the online second hand web sites can offer an abundance. I did a good old Google search for “sustainable knitting.” There were plenty of results for sustainable yarn.
Sustainably source yarn and knit your own winter gear. Try to find natural plant fibres if possible. Image: Unsplash.
Wear more layers to avoid extra air-conditioning
If you truly need heating to cope, it is understandable. But if you are indoors and considering an alternative, try simply wearing more layers of chunky cosy clothing. Does this idea sound obvious? Maybe. However, Aussies rely on air conditioning more than we should.
I’m currently writing as I sit cross-legged under a doona, wearing a giant knitted jumper. It’s as long as a short dress and super baggy. But it appears to be decent quality and shouldn’t develop much pilling. Guess what. I don’t have air conditioning in this room. I also do not keep a heater in my room. But I feel nice and comfy.
If you curl up on the sofa or sit at a desk, drape a blanket over yourself for more warmth. Try to avoid polyester blankets that shed fibres. Choose natural fibres whenever possible.
Are you thinking of buying new knitwear and winter clothes? I like the look of the Komodo Remia Jumper, the Thought Lena Spray Dye Jumper and the Komodo Tina Jumper. I actually feel glad to have found natural, vegan-friendly eco jumpers. It looks tempting. Although I usually buy clothes that are new or new-ish but second-hand, I historically struggled to find long knits that ticked the boxes. These cosy layers, that I found at Biome, also look relatively affordable considering the quality and values.
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