Inspired by Greta Thurnberg and also wanting to reduce my carbon footprint, this is what we have been doing.
Reducing flights
We plan to only fly to Ireland at most twice a year instead of three or even four times. Ideally we would aim to stay there longer each time to make the most of our visit. Flying is one of the worst things you can do for your carbon footprint but as an Irish person living in Germany, of course this one is difficult for me! I make the most of Skype and Whatsapp for keeping in touch but spending time in person is always the ideal.
We plan to also cut back on holidays abroad in general. Honestly I love travelling so this sounds hard initially. However living in Europe is a great base for visiting other places and we should still be able to plan some fun trips by train/car.
Cutting back on the amount of new clothes we buy
Ok, to be honest ever since having my daughter I've mainly been too busy to find time to shop like I used to. But the fact is I realised I already own plenty of clothes. I saw a video about how many fabrics and shoes can end up in landfill and it made an impact on me. I'm planing on organizing a clothes swap party with a bunch of people here which seems like a great idea! I rarely buy new clothes for Mini either, instead getting lots of second hands things from other people who don't need them anymore. It was often only a matter of asking around. There are also many flea markets in Germany worth checking out.
We have been making an effort to reduce plastic waste
We don't use plastic straws. When we go shopping we always bring our own reusable bags. Some supermarkets here are also including a section where you can bring your own jar for dry foods like nuts and pasta. We also don't own a car, mainly using public transport or cycling (and occasionally doing car sharing).
I'm aware there's probably a lot more we could be doing as a family but it's a start! I am continually on the lookout for other ideas for little changes we could do that would make a difference.
We're going to England for Christmas this year and we were also there at the beginning of the year because my grandma turned 80. Most years we only go over once or not at all. My mum has visited me most years since we moved to Switzerland though so you could also argue that we're just passing the buck to somebody else. I do feel bad about flying, but at the same time I want to see my family! Especially since my dad has been having health issues this year.
ReplyDeleteyes absolutely. It's hard when you are living away from your family. It's important to try to make time for them, especially if someone is sick or old! You'd be more likely to regret not making the journey over.
DeleteYou're doing great! I'm trying to do more as a family as well. We owe it to them, right?
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yeah I don't want to be a hypocrite preaching about climate change and saving the environment without at least trying to do my bit!
DeleteThat's pretty impressive!
ReplyDeleteI have reduced my shopping, especially clothes but find it hard to have the same self control when it comes to my girls. We have a smallish house though and I don't like waste so I am trying to at least pause and think to reduce impulse purchases. I'm also starting to visualize plastic toys ending up in landfills before I buy them. Although it's going to end up there whether or not I buy it, so technically doesn't really make any difference...oh well.
It is surreal just how much of everything we have: material goods, choices, knowledge and information. My parents' childhoods never mind my grandparents were COMPLETELY different. Sometimes I wonder: what is more real? what actually makes more sense in the long term? the almost surreal plenty that I experience or the far more restricted options they made do with (quite well, though not without grief and hardship)? What sort of lifestyle should I teach my kids to navigate?
Anyways, I'm rambling on...maybe I should write my own blog post on this theme haha!
You should, that sounds interesting! When I tell my daughter that I grew up in the time before the internet or mobile phones even, I'm sure I'll sound ancient and it will be impossible for this generation to imagine that time!
DeleteYea I am also trying to avoid buying plastic toys that will end up in landfill. Eventually if people stop buying them as much, manufacturers will stop making as many and hopefully replace them with toys that can be recycled better, hopefully?
I haven't heard here in the States of using glass jars for pastas, but I like that idea. I buy a lot of clothes for the kids secondhand, but I have to get better at doing it for myself. Maybe it's the places I go to, but I just don't like them for me.
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