Share Ideas
One way to help spread sustainability is to share ideas on social media. People love to hear about clever tips. If you’ve found a sustainability hack that has worked really well, spread the news!
#SustainabilityTips #SustainableLiving #SpreadTheWord #SustainabilityIdeas #ZARAMIAAVA
Buy Local
It’s easy to talk about buying local but sometimes harder to put into action. Buying local requires intentionality and a bit of planning. But there’s no need to change everything at once!
What one shopping swap could you make this month that would reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses?
Here are a few ideas:
-Research local greengrocers, markets and hardware shops
-Visit a local refill shop once every 2 month to stock up on a few dried goods or eco cleaning products
-Visit a farmer’s market once a month to buy veg, cheese and other produce.
-Try a local veg delivery service
-Head to a gift shop or charity shop and pick up some locally made birthday cards.
#ShopLocal #SustainableLiving #SupportSmallBusiness #BuyLocal #ZARAMIAAVA
Limit Plastic
Here’s another tip for keeping your crafting sustainable.
It sounds obvious, but you can reduce your carbon footprint by minimising the amount of plastic supplies you buy.
Natural materials can be expensive so look for green alternatives like recycled yarns.
If you need plastic, try to source it from household objects or crafty friends.
Limiting plastic might mean avoiding crafts that are reliant on it (like diamond painting) but there are so many different crafts to try that you don’t have to miss out.
Happy crafting
#SustainableLiving #ZeroWaste #SustainableCrafts #ZARAMIAAVA
Stash Busting
Stash-busting sales are a fantastic, sustainable way to source craft materials. Many experienced crafters have all sorts of supplies they’d like to offload.
That’s why galleries and craft workspaces hold events where people can sell surplus fabric, haberdashery, yarn, stickers and much more.
These are brilliant opportunities to pick up cheap materials and save them from land-fill.
Look out for events at your local artsy venues and get ready for a bargain!
#StashBuster #SustainableCraft #SustainableLiving #ZeroWaste #ZARAMIAAVA
Repurpose
Our homes are full of things we can repurpose to create beautiful, useful things.
Cardboard tube bird feeders: cover in vegetable shortening and then roll in bird seed. Add string and hang in a tree
Bubble wrap: use to create texture in collage or print patterns in artworks
Tin cans: paint or cover with fabric to make Easter baskets, candle holders or planters
And so much more!
#Reuse #Repurpose #SustainableLiving #Craft #ZARAMIAAVA
Sustainable Valentines
How about wowing your favourite person with a sustainable Valentines gesture? Here are a few ideas.
• Cook their favourite meal
• Create a digital photo montage instead of a card
• Plant a tree together
• Choose a plastic-free gift from an ethical business
The personal touch is everything!
#ValentinesDay #SustainableValentines #SustainableLiving #DoBeautifulThings #ZARAMIAAVA
Sustainable Craft
Winter is a perfect time for cosy indoor crafts and many crafts can be made using items like packaging that might otherwise end up in landfill.
Paper mache can be really fun and is very mindful. Use natural glue, like flour and water paste to stick layers of waste paper onto a shape like a bowl or plate, or a wire frame and decorate with paint or decoupage to make a unique trinket dish or tray.
#ZeroWaste #Crafts #PaperCraft #Upcycle #ZARAMIAAVA
Seasonal Eating
Think of winter seasonal eating and we think of root veg, kale and cauliflower, and of course brussels sprouts. Nutritious and hearty, but they can get a bit old. We thought we’d investigate a more unusual vegetable, the Jerusalem artichoke:
Brown-skinned knobbly tubers with white, crisp flesh, resembling ginger.
Sweet, nutty, and earthy, similar to water chestnuts when eaten raw
A bit like potatoes when cooked.
Good source of iron, potassium, and inulin (a prebiotic fibre).
Great roasted with garlic and rosemary, in soups or raw in salads.
Enjoy!
#TrySomethingNew #SeasonalEating #SustainableLiving #Vegan #ZARAMIAAVA
Value the Daylight
During daylight hours, throw open your curtains and blinds to make the most of the natural light and even get a little warmth from the sun.
Make sure all your lightbulbs are energy-saving LED versions.
#SustainableLiving #EcoFriendly #GreenLiving #ZeroWaste #ZARAMIAAVA
Wise Heating
It can be a challenge to keep our homes warm in the winter months whilst minimising our carbon footprints.
The Energy Saving Trust recommends keeping your thermostat around 18-21°C to balance energy savings with warmth.
Use warm clothing to stay comfortable
Maximise the effect of your heating by sealing gaps in window frames & doors
Consider thick thermal curtains to retain heat during long, dark evenings.
Take special care to stay warm if you are vulnerable due to age or illness.
#SustainableLiving #EcoFriendly #GreenLiving #MindfulLiving #ZARAMIAAVA
Reusable Napkins
Avoid wasting paper by using fabric table napkins this Christmas. If you have plain napkins, wind round a twist of ivy or hemp twine with orange slices and cinnamon to add a festive touch.
This simple approach not only looks beautiful on your table but also supports a more sustainable celebration.
#SustainableChristmas #EcoChristmas #SustainableDecor #RecycledDecor #ZARAMIAAVA
Host & Share
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, how about organising a “bring & share” where guests bring dishes to share. Also called a “fuddle”, this reduces food waste & encourages a variety of dishes.
Just make sure that you get a good mix of sweet & savoury & find out what everyone wants to bring so you don’t end up with hundreds of spring rolls & no mince pies!
#SustainableChristmas #EcoFriendlyHolidays #GreenChristmas #ZeroWasteChristmas #SlowChristmas #ConsciousChristmas #ChristmasWithoutWaste #EcoHolidaySpirit #SustainableGifts #MindfulChristmas #HolidaySustainability #ZARAMIAAVA
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a brilliant consumerism-buster. It can be even better if everyone gives gift suggestions. It works perfectly for groups of friends, colleagues or family. Set a budget. Ask everyone to write their name and a few gift ideas on a piece of paper and put them all in a ‘hat’.
Everyone draws out one name and buys or makes a gift for them. That means fewer novelty items that get used once or twice, less waste and happier recipients. What’s not to like?
#SustainableChristmas #EcoFriendlyHolidays #GreenChristmas #SustainableLiving #EcoConscious #MindfulGiftGiving #WasteLessLiveMore #EcoDecor #SustainableTraditions #ConsciousConsumer #ZARAMIAAVA
Buy Nothing Day
Buy Nothing Day
It’s the annual festival of consumerism – Black Friday. But there is something you can do about it…..Do nothing! Instead of buying things you don’t need and snapping up bargains that will go underused or break tomorrow, simply BUY NOTHING.
Let’s make a difference!
#BuyNothingDay #Consumerism #MindfulShopping #SustainableLiving #ReduceReuseRecycle #Minimalism #ConsciousConsumer #WasteNotWantNot #EcoFriendly #ShopLessLiveMore
Quality Not Quantity
According to the World Wildlife Fund, around half of UK adults receive gifts they don’t want at Christmas.
When buying gifts, think less but better. Put time into picking a quality item that will both last and be loved. This reduces the chances of gifts going to waste and will ensure that your gift lasts for many years to come.
#SustainableChristmas #WWF #GreenChristmas #SustainableShopping #EcoFriendlyMarketplace #ConsciousConsumer #ThriftedFinds #CircularEconomy #SustainableFashion #EcoConscious #ShopLocal #GreenShopping #ReduceReuseRecycle #EthicalShopping #VintageVibes #SustainableGifts #ZARAMIAAVA
Buy Less Choose Better Repair Often
A gentle reminder that sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about mindful choices.
Whether you’re repairing a button, choosing natural fabrics, or supporting ethical brands, every action contributes to a better future for fashion.
#ConsciousFashion #EcoMindset #SustainableWardrobe #ZARAMIAAVA #RepairRewearRepeat #SustainabilityTip
Sustainable Advent Calendar
Instead of going for plasticky chocolate advent calendars or expensive branded ones, why not create your own sustainable one?
Here are a couple of ideas for a calendar that can be used year after year:
• Try making a fabric advent calendar with pockets for each day like this one https://www.applegreencottage.com/diy-advent-calendar/
• Use fun homemade paper envelopes or fabric bags with the date written on them. String them on a piece of ribbon with coloured wooden pegs.
• Pick up secondhand reusable calendar in a charity shop
Fill your lovely calendar with things like:
• Kind messages, favour vouchers, affirmations
• Small gifts like pin badges, stickers, fun pens
• Edibles like mini homemade hot chocolate kits with marshmallows, crystallised ginger or fancy tea bags.
Or a mixture of all of them!
#SustainableChristmas #EcoFriendlyHolidays #GreenChristmas #ConsciousCelebration #EcoFriendlyGifts #SustainableDecor #ZeroWasteChristmas #EthicalGifting #SustainableLiving #EcoConsciousChristmas #ReduceReuseRecycle #HandmadeHolidays #GreenGifts #LocalHolidayShopping #MindfulCelebration #ZARAMIAAVA
Ditch the Car
Ditch the Car…once a day. According to research by green power company 100Green, ditching the car once a day could reduce our CO2 emissions by a massive 500kg per year. They say:
“How we travel is a huge contributor to our personal carbon emissions…In fact, our previous research found that if just a quarter of parents walked their children to school instead of driving, they would save 85,410 tonnes of CO2 every year, the equivalent of flying from London to Australia over 12,000 times!”
Amazing!
#GreenLiving #SustainableTravel #EcoFriendly #TravelGreen #SustainableTourism #EcoTravel #GreenVacation #LowImpactTravel #ConsciousTravel #EcoAdventure #ZARAMIAAVA
Choose Green Energy
Switching to a green supplier (not just a green tariff) guarantees you green energy at a time when suppliers of mixed energy (green and regular) are under scrutiny for greenwashing.
100Green is currently the only supplier offering both green gas and green electricity. While not 100% green, Ecotricity, Good Energy and Octopus energy are all well respected suppliers of green energy and worth considering.
Try Uswitch or Money Expert for locating good deals in your area.
#GreenEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SustainableEnergy #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #WindEnergy #HydroEnergy #EcoFriendly #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableLiving #ZARAMIAAVA
Use Your Dishwasher
Yes, you read that right. It is more energy-efficient to use your dishwasher than to handwash – provided you always wait until it’s full to run it.
To maximise your energy saving, run it full, at night on a cool wash.
And don’t forget to use an environmentally friendly dishwasher tablet. A recent BBC Good Food investigation found that Ecover POWER 3-in-1 tablets were best overall and easily available from supermarkets (35p per wash).
Purum 3-in-1 tablets scored highly and were cheaper per wash (26p excluding shipping) available from Regn or Purum websites.
#SustainableLiving #EcoFriendly #ZeroWaste #Sustainability #GoGreen #ReduceReuseRecycle #Minimalism #PlantBased #EcoConscious #GreenLiving #SustainableLifestyle #WasteNot #ClimateAction #SustainableFashion #ConsciousConsumer #ZARAMIAAVA
