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Tips and ideas

On our facebook page people regularly share tips and information for sustainable living. We are keen to share some of this information here and develop this website into a useful resource for anyone who is looking to live more sustainably.

Below are a few topics which have been discussed on the facebook page as well as some useful links to businesses and organisations. If you would like to add any tips or information then please email greencaerleon@gmail.com

Sustainable Christmas

Environmentally friendly bathroom

Some useful Links...

Sustainable Christmas

With Christmas looming here are some ideas of ways to reduce the environmental impact of the big day...

Only buy food that you are really confident will be eaten
Make sure that all packaging / paper that can be recycled is put in the right bin. A lot of wrapping paper (such as paper with glitter on or paper that doesnt 'scrunch' up cant be recycled so try and keep any salvageable paper to reuse next year.
Wrap presents with brown paper and paper tape or even fabric
Get creative with left over turkey and other leftovers (turkey curry etc.) Maybe even think about having a vegetarian Christmas dinner?
Use plastic free crackers
Talk to family and friends about your desire to reduce consumption and the environmental impact of Christmas
Use rechargeable batteries in toys
Do something positive in the community such as joining in a litter pick over the Christmas period

9. Not hitting the Boxing Day sales!

10. Not buying outfits just for Christmas Day or the Christmas period

11. Gifting experiences more than 'things'

12. Buying second hand presents where possible - facebook market place and charity shops are great for this.

13. Using the costume library for childrens costumes and Christmas jumpers instead of buying new

The infographic below can be really helpful when thinking about gifts...

Environmentally friendly bathroom

There are lots of changes you can make in the bathroom which can reduce the amount of chemicals and therefore the impact on the environment and also reduce the amount of plastic you use.

Our local zero waste shops (linked below) can help with many of these items...

Buying in bulk such as the 5 litre Faith in nature shampoo and conditioner which can be refilled at a refill shop (5L can last a couple of years!!). You could also experiment with shampoo and conditioner bars.

Buying a safety razor instead of disposables (the razor blades can be taken to the tip)

Buying bamboo cotton buds instead of plastic.

Buying natural toothpaste / tooth tabs. Holland and Barrett for example sell Dr Organics which has less nasty ingredients than the mainstream brands. You can also buy biodegradable dental floss.

Switching to bamboo toothbrushes

Switching to a more natural and plastic free deodorant

Buying recycled or bamboo toilet paper, once again our local zero waste shops can help you out with this.

Be warned...once you start to think about all of the changes you can make at home it can become a bit addictive!