[LIFE BEHIND THE SCENES] The Amateur Eco-ist

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Like many people I’m sure I’ve always wanted to make changes to my lifestyle, however, it’s hard to shift your mindset and shake up old habits. I am informed and concerned enough about our planet to make changes but sometimes putting my thoughts into actions is where I fall short. I decided to start small so that over time the little things would become the new normal. Then I could begin to grapple at the much larger, more impactful changes in my everyday.

The struggle for me when it came to starting my new enviroconcious life was comfort. I was comfortable with what I was doing, with my routines, with the products I was using. Perhaps this was as a result of lack of education, of not knowing the true impact of my daily choices. I mean, what’s one plastic straw here and there? What’s one coffee cup a day? What’s one plastic bag every now and again? A bloody lot that’s what! Get this, in Australia we use an estimated 10 million straws a day. And that’s just in Australia. America use a shocking 500 million straws daily! Now imagine tallying up the rest of world. I don’t know about you but those statistics really shook me and we’re only taking straws. What about plastic bags, plastic bottles, tin cans? The list (sadly) goes on. Anyway, this post is not meant to preach to you about stats and how we can be better humans to our planet, we all know deep down what needs to be done. Instead this is a little insight into what small, easy changes I’ve made and how I’ve incorporated more sustainable products into my life.

The first place I needed to start was in my head. Deciding that I was making these changes and that was that. No turning back. Once I’d got my head in the game it became enjoyable to search for simple ways to be more sustainable. And with so many options to choose from it’s difficult to find an excuse not to, especially as sustainability is not only a “fashionable” way of life but the products themselves are also incredibly cute and stylish.

Statistics show that 90% (last statistic I promise) of Australian consumers are concerned about environmental sustainability but aren’t doing anything about it. I was one of them……not anymore.

1. Reusable Ziplock Bags

These are probably my most valuable handbag item. I think I’d be in more trouble if I left the house without them over my keys or phone. Stuffed full of on-the-go snacks for my hungry two year old they get me out of any sticky situation a.k.a shopping centre meltdown. Knowing they keep Valentina’s food fresh whilst out and about means I never have to buy any last minute snacks should I get caught off guard. I also recently learnt via the Thinc Eco Instagram page the easiest chocolate bark recipe ever, which now just makes me love these little bags even more:

Ingredients:
- 1 block of chocolate
- a handful of pistachios
- a handful of slivered almonds
- a handful of macadamias
(this is my tried and tested flavour combination but of course you can use any combo of nuts, fresh or dried fruit and chocolate).

Method:
1. Chop up all your ingredients

2. Put all ingredients into the ziplock bag and place in boiling water until chocolate has melted.

3. Remove once melted and place flat into the freezer for 30 minutes.

4. Once the chocolate has re-solidified carefully remove from the bag and roughly chop. Store the chocolate bark in an airtight container or in another ziplock bag.

2. Lunchbox

Picnics in the park never looked so cool. Living in Bondi I spend a lot of time outdoors with the girls. We are super lucky living just around the corner from the iconic Bondi beach, a stones throw away from numerous parks and a two minute walk from beautiful, open grasslands which means a lot of al fresco dining. I love packing Valentina a little lunchbox, not only does it mean I know I’m leaving the house with something that she’ll actually eat (which also reduces waste should she decide she doesn’t in fact want the $20 worth of snacks I just purchased), it also gives me the opportunity to get a little creative in the kitchen and Valentina feels super duper grown up with her very own, big girl lunchbox.

3. Beeswax Wrappers

I only recently discovered beeswax wrappers and I’m officially obsessed. I bought them primarily as an alternative to Valentina’s lunchbox but they have quickly become a household staple. Wrapping all sorts of half eaten, half chopped, half opened food and containers they have completely replaced our use of cling wrap and foil. They are super easy to clean and of course store, taking up only a smidge of room in the kitchen cupboard. I love all the different colours and patterns on offer but my favourite has to be this beeswax wrapper pictured with V. It’s been stitched into a bag so is perfect for keeping fruit fresh on the go and is such a cute kiddie design.

4. Canvas Shopping Bag

The Saturday morning Bondi Markets are a bit of a ritual for Georges, I and the girls. It’s that one (almost) guaranteed time of the week where we get to hang out, eat, enjoy the fresh air and pick up our groceries for the week. We buy most of our produce from Patricks Farm stall, a lovely Indian man who grows all his produce without chemicals and pesticides. He will also happily throw Valentina a cheeky piece of seasonal fruit. Of course our shopping is not going to walk itself home, so this is where our trusty reusable shopping bags come in. Filled to the brim we pile them high on our shopping trolly (a.k.a pram) and walk away knowing we’ve done a little bit to help our planet.

“One small step for PHOEBE, one GIANT leap for Mother Nature.”

5. Reusable Produce Bags

These are not only environmentally friendly they are also family friendly. Keeping our fridge and drawers organised to perfection (and satisfying my anal virgoan tendencies) these bags have been great in making sure an apple, cucumber or garlic is never lost in the abyss of our pantry forever. They are also great when travelling, near or far, with grubby toddlers and you need something to throw those ice cream stained t-shirts into. The best part is the bags are machine washable so you can just chuck the bag and its dirty contents straight into the wash…………God I sound like such a mum.

6. Reusable Coffee Cup and Straw

These two items go pretty much everywhere with me, they are like my third and fourth child. I try my best not to leave the house without them (my straw and coffee cup that is, not my children). It’s rare I go a day without a coffee, usually on my way home after the gym, an afternoon pick me up or a weekend morning treat for Valentina and I. And now that V has recently inherited her very own miniature Keep Cup she can play her part in helping reduce her tiny footprint on this beautiful earth too.

There is still more that I can do (and will do eventually) but for now it’s one small step for Phoebe and one giant leap for Mother Nature.

Reusable Straw and Market Bags: Aldi
Ziplock Bags: Thinc Eco
Lunchbox: Eco Yummi
Beeswax Wrappers: Bondi Markets and Wheel and Barrow
Keep Cups: Everything Kitchen

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What I'm Wearing
Shirt Dress: LMND// Sunglasses: Prada

What Valentina’s Wearing
Hat: Button The Label // Bomba Jacket: Best & Less // Pants: Best and Less