Every year in the UK alone, 5.5 billion plastic bottles aren’t recycled – many of which find their way to landfill or the ocean. We need to change that urgently if we are to address amongst other things, plastic pollution and a bottle deposit return scheme will certainly help.
So it’s my dad’s birthday this week (sadly no longer with) and it is at this time of year that my mind always turns to my childhood memories. My dad was 100% bonafide German, and he loved his food…German food, English food…his life was food! And I am pretty sure this stemmed from the exceptional introduction he had to it as a child. Because my grandmother lived the most resourceful life imaginable bringing up three small boys in a tiny village in wartime Germany.
Today I am meant to be writing about how to have a resourceful Christmas, but frankly, this feels more important. I am coming across more and more cases of products that according to their appearance, and their description, would seem to be ‘plastic free’, recyclable or kinder to the environment because they are ‘biodegradable’!
At this time of year, I simply love digging through my veg patch to see what treasures lay buried but as yet undiscovered. Every year I grow beetroot and carrots with great enthusiasm – they are so easy and so rewarding! There’s nothing like a delve through the foliage to see what’s there, especially at this time of year, because at this time of year, it is time to get pickling! And there is nothing I like more than a pickle!
Most of us have more baby clothes and equipment than we know what to do with, all very reusable with plenty of life left in. You can, of course, donate items to your local charity shops, although some do have restrictions for health and safety reasons.
Arguably the most uncomfortable time of the year for a waste reducer outside of Christmas is Easter! All that plastic packaging containing such a small amount of chocolate! Over 80 million eggs sold in this country alone! Yikes!
Over the past few years, some of the larger manufacturers have heard the public cry of dismay and started introducing some lower packaging and waste options. And there is an increasing amount of ‘ethical’ brands out there with great green, fair trade and plant-based credentials.
But what sets this year apart is that we have fewer retailers to choose from – we can’t wander up our high streets and support the specialist shops and smaller businesses, so the supermarkets have an unfair advantage.
Trying to work out which plastics you can and can’t recycle can be confusing, but the good news is that you CAN recycle most bread bags and in fact most stretchy plastics! This also includes fresh fruit and veg bags, frozen veg bags, wrappers for nappies and toilet rolls, some postal packaging and also bubble wrap.
Estate agent, Cubitt & West have teamed up with the charity “Stone Pillow” to help keep the homeless warm this winter. They would greatly appreciate any donations of coats, blankets and sleeping bags that are in good condition. You can drop them at any Cubitt & West and they will do the rest. For your nearest branch of Cubitt & West check this branch locator!
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