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ADVICE FOR THOSE WISHING TO LEAD A
TYPESET: Questrial and Chalkboard
CONTACT : celary@hotmail.co.uk
Got a roof over your head?
Food in your stomach?
Clean water to drink?
Feeling safe and secure?
Take a breath.
You are in an ideal position to help millions.
Let’s see what good you can do.
Here are some little tips to help you on your journey.
After WWII the country had to grow, and fast. This meant that new jobs, materials, products and lifestyles were made and sold quickly to get an economic system afloat again.
Consumerism was born and endless growth expected. The drive towards economic expansion has had a negative impact on our home, Earth.
A UN report published in December 2020 states some truly shocking and disheartening figures, exposing the amount of damage we have done to our natural world. These figures display the thoughtless and irresponsible practices that now underpin much of our western lifestyles.
Anyone who looks more deeply into this is likely to feel frustrated, angry and upset.
All these hard facts of our environmental impact can make us feel shocked, confused and helpless. But wait...
Let’s see this from a different angle. An angle of transformation.
If everything we currently do is damaging. It means everything we do has to change.
We can write our own future and embrace the opening up of new opportunities.
We have a chance to rebuild our world, bursting with happier and healthier people. People who are more connected to themselves and the world around them; to other people and our planet.
Real change comes from the people.
Small groups of people and individuals are having positive impacts around the globe, from clearing vast amounts of rubbish to creating new laws.
Seemingly small ethical choices that we make on a daily basis can quickly add up and collectively make a big positive impact.
If we collectively change our habits to prioritise the natural world and all life over individual gain, we can begin to help everyone and everything.
We could put more time and energy into creating a cleaner home, healthier people and a more connected Earth.
Change often happens from the bottom up. If we all ask for something our government are likely to respond.
PROTEST
LOCAL BUSINESSES
SUPPORT
STUDY
PERMACULTURE
SEEK NEW WAYS OF THINKING AND DOING
START / SIGN PETITIONS
CONSUME CAREFULLY GET INVOLVEDINLOCAL EVENTSANDCOMMUNITIES
INVESTINCLEANERENERGY
BASEDMAKEDECISIONS ONYOUR ETHICSANDMORALS
Define
We buy stuff. Lots of stuff. Some items are necessary, some have become common luxuries and some are simply nonsense. These products have a huge ripple effect on our world and those living in it.
We are at the end of the production line.
We buy items not knowing where or how they were made and we feel unable to fix them when they break.
The price we pay for consumer goods does not reflect the true cost - the huge damage we are having on natural ecosystems, the dwindling health and quality of life world wide, the mountains of waste we ship out of eye sight and the polluted air we all breathe.
We cannot consume our way out of this mess.
But we can consume and create consciously.
Where were the metals extracted? Where was the plastic forged? Where was it assembled? Where does it go when it no longer works? Where was it packaged?
Who extracted the materials? Who assembled it? Who breaks it apart into components?
Who benefits from the production? Who can help me fix it?
What is it made of?
What function does it serve? What happens when it breaks? What is it packaged in? What would I do without one? What regulations are there in place to help workers?
Why do we use this? Why do I want it?
Why is it designed like that? Why are those materials used? Why is it manufactured in that country?
How was it manufactured? How did they glue pieces together? How did they test it? How far has it traveled? How much energy did it take to produce? How much energy does it use to function?
It is mind boggling to consider every element of a products footprint and you may find yourself spinning in a world of questions and worries if you do.
It is difficult to understand how production and disposal of products affects people and planet because we are so far away from these chapters in the products life. We only use products when they work and throw them away when they no longer serve us.
If we do entertain such thoughts they are confusing, upsetting and difficult. It is much easier to pretend everything is fine or that it doesn’t really matter. There are some businesses and companies out there that carefully consider where their materials come from, who makes their products and what happens to them after they’ve been used.
By supporting businesses who are aware of their impact, who are attempting to become more positively engaged with people and planet, we are actively encouraging this behavior to grow.
For instance; If we start consuming less plastic, less plastic will be created.
If we begin consuming more biodegradable plastic, more bioplastic will be created, therefore more money will be invested into developing better bioplastic.
Acknowledge what efforts you are supporting and what practices you are dismissing. A few extra pennies or pounds can have a huge impact for people and the environment.
Our actions have knock on effects across the world, on real peoples homes, lives and the planet. Make it a positive one.
Most clothing is made quickly, poorly and cheaply. Produced In vast quantities, often by poorly treated workers, to be worn a handful of times then chucked, perhaps in favour of new fashions or a little wear and tear.
This happens at very little cost to us directly but has a huge effect on those who made the garments and on the
Invest in a few high quality items that you really like that will last you a long time. Well made clothes will cost more outright but should last you many more years.
Support companies that are ethical and transparent. There are many companies out there that are trying to produce clothes sustainability (and some that only appear to be! See Greenwashing for advice)
Fast fashion has introduced so many mini seasons encouraging you to refresh your wardrobe constantly. Consider what kind of look you truly like, what suits you best and what you feel comfortable wearing.
Transform old garments into spectacular new pieces of clothing or simply repair worn clothes.
DIY or check your local area for professionals who are able to fix/alter your clothes seamlessly!
Our bodies goes through changes frequently and this can mean clothes no longer fit. Consider donating used good quality clothes to charities or sharing with friends.
(See Waste for advice)
Keep a set of clothes just for messy activities. It will save ruining clothes over and over and you might end up with a funky new t-shirt by the time you’ve finished painting several walls!
Collected from plants and animals, these fabrics require minimal processing.
(Note: Cotton is extremely water, land and chemically demanding to produce)
SEMI-SYNTHETIC These start their life as natural materials
Synthetic fibres are made from crude oil, extremely energy intense to produce and will sit in landfill for hundreds of years.
(commonly cellulose) and are then processed into synthetic fibers. This can be done in a closed loop system, producing relatively sustainable materials.
We’ve all heard of plastics problems. Although difficult to hear it is encouraging that we have begun talking honestly about how plastics are impacting our world globally, especially on our personal health, oceans and wildlife.
Plastics are so versatile, they are used for an enormous range of products and have become ubiquitous. They are cheap to produce but come with an alarmingly high environmental cost.
Plastics are ecologically damaging to produce, process, use and dispose of. They are hugely energy and chemically intensive and unbelievably polluting.
Synthetic plastic does not decompose or biodegrade. It simply breaks down into smaller and smaller microscopic pieces. The visible plastic waste we see washed up on the beach is the tip of the iceberg.
The idea of recycling plastic was dreamt up, financed and manufactured by the plastic producing industry when people began noticing plastic pollution will be a problem - it cost them millions of pounds but secured the future of plastic production.
8 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced in the past seven decades, only 9% of which has been recycled.
The lucky 9% that has been recycled can only be recycled maximum of 3 times until the polymer chains break down and it ends up in landfill anyway.
Recycling is not the solution.
It is only a solution to make consumers feel better about purchasing plastic in the first place.
The best thing you can do is not purchase plastic.
However it is very difficult to avoid, so if you do buy it, consider and understand what it is you are buying.
Printed or embossed somewhere on every piece of plastic is one of these symbols, telling you what type of plastic that piece is made from:
Low Density
highly unrecyclable
Other Mixed plastic AVOID
highly unrecyclable and chemically intensive
The compostable plastic logo - for industrial aerobic digesters or hot composts
The home compostable plastic logo - for all standard cold compost heaps
Bioplastic technology is constantly evolving, growing and developing.
Compostable, biodegradable and even edible plastics have emerged on our markets. These plastics are often made from plant cellulose and break down leaving little or no synthetic residue.
Look out for the compostable plastic and home compost logos shown opposite, on things such as food packaging or magazine wrapping.
Rather confusingly It’s important you don’t throw them into landfill or into the recycling bin as bacteria won’t be able to digest it properly.
Pop the compostable plastic into your local green collection or your own hot compost if you are lucky enough to have one !
Home compostable plastics can break down easily in your standard compost heap.
Tree guards that nourish trees as they grow and cutlery you can eat after your picnic are already a reality!
Avoiding and refusing to consume ‘disposable’ and single use plastic is a powerful protest against plastic pollution and you can do it easily as a consumer. There are plenty of reusable alternatives out there.
Avoid exceptionally energy consuming and unrecyclable plastic by looking for the numbered triangle ‘resin code’ embossed somewhere on the plastic.
Support the production of compostable and bioplastic by actively seeking and consuming these options.
Purchase products plastic free when possible (markets, refill shops etc) and if the product can be made of an alternative material opt for that option!
Ask yourself is plastic the only possible material choice for this product or use? Message or talk to suppliers to question their use of plastic.
A small list of commonly used household goods
Cling Film
Microfiber Dishcloths
Foam Scrubbers
Paper Towels
Teabags
Coffee Pods
Disposable Cutlery
Juice Drink Pouches
Coffee Cups
Plastic Water Bottles
Plastic Bags
Plastic Food Bags
Beeswax Wrap / Silicon Cover
Terry Towel Dishcloths
Loofa / Bamboo / Coconut
Husk Sponges
Washable Towels / Cloths
Loose Tea Leaves & Strainer
Coffee Percolator
Wooden / Bamboo / Bioplastic / Stainless Steel Cutlery
Reusable Juice Containers
Reusable Silicone / Bamboo Cups
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Canvas / Jute Bag / Rucksack
Reusable Silicone Bags /
Tupperware / Bioplastic Bags
Plastic Straws
Lighters
Cut Flowers
Steel / Silicone / Paper Straws
Matches
House Plants / Grow Your Own
goods
and some more sustainable alternatives:
Plastic Toothbrush
Bottled shampoo
Make Up Wipes
Spray Deodorant
Disposable Shavers
Disposable Sanitary Pads
Tampons
Toilet Paper
Dog Poo Bags
Disposable Nappies
Baby Wipes
Bamboo / Beech Toothbrush
Shampoo Bar / Tablets / Refill
Reusable Wipes / Coconut Oil
Roll On / Tinned Deodorant
Electric Shavers / Safety Razors
Washable Sanitary Pads
Menstrual Cups
Recycled / FSC Toilet Paper
Compostable / Bioplastic Bags
Cloth / Biodegradable Nappies
Reusable Wipes / Wet Cloths / Refillable Wipes
Acrylic String
Standard Mobile Phone
Balloons
Wrapping Paper
Cotton / Jute / Hemp String
Fairphone
Latex Balloons
Recycled / Reused Patterned
Paper / Upcycled Textiles
Cellotape
Paper Tape / Twine / Ribbon
Define: Disinformation disseminated by an organisation so as to present an environmentally responsible public image
We are faced with so many choices daily, it is difficult to know what is the greenest decision.
Labeling and marketing throw in all sorts of confusions and mixed messages.
Often you think you are doing the right thing only to later learn otherwise.
This is the process of unpicking the truth and it is not easy.
There are companies truly trying to be ‘greener’, there are also those just trying to look good. Ultimately it’s up to us as consumers to do our own research and find those we want to support.
If we all try it will encourage businesses to truly become more ethical and environmentally aware.
Here are the ‘seven sins of greenwashing’ to help you spot greenwashing and make informed decisions:
Advertising one tiny aspect of that product that is sustainable when the rest of it is not.
i.e. 100% Recycled packaging on new mobile phone
Making big environmental claims without providing easily accessible evidence on either the label or the product website, making them very questionable.
i.e. an energy efficient light bulb with no supporting data
Using terms that are too broad, poorly defined or even made up, meaning they are not properly understood.
i.e., a “natural” cleaner may still contain harmful ingredients that are naturally occurring
Stating something that is technically true but not relevant when looking for truly sustainable products.
i.e. advertised as “BPA-Free” - BPAs are banned by law and often replaced using other questionable plastics
Claiming to be greener than other products in its category when the category as a whole may be environmentally unfriendly.
i.e. organic cigarettes
Advertising something that just isn’t true.
i.e. claims to be Organic Certified, but isn’t
Implying that a product has a third-party endorsement or certification that doesn’t actually exist, often through the use of fake certification labels.owing numbers of large brands have developed their own certification schemes, be sceptical!)
Here is a collection of organisations that are trying to have a positive impact in the way they are run, for ethical and/ or environmental reasons. Look out for these labels:
High standards for plants or animals grown both organically and ethically
Cradle to Cradle is certified on products that are considered more sustainable and part of a circular economy
Farms, forests and businesses that are achieving a high level of environmental, social and economic sustainability
Ensures decent working conditions and offers a decent price for the given product
Paper / wood products made from well managed woodlands and/or recycled materials
Working towards sustainable fishing, from respecting habitats to a fair price for fish
Awarded to products and services that meet high environmental standards. From materials extraction to waste disposal. Encourages self repair
Stating basic energy consumption for new home appliances on the market. Allows the consumer to make an informed decision and opt for a more efficient machine
There are many more labeling schemes out there that mean very little. Do your research.
(These are only UK / EU based labeling schemes)
Write down the item you are tempted to purchase. Wait one week. If you still feel in need of it after a week, only then purchase it
Only go to shops if you need something, likewise try not to browse shopping websites aimlessly
Keep your local area thriving by supporting local businesses when you can. They often have expert knowledge and are willing to go that extra mile
Every little step takes you forwards and changes your thinking. We are all at different stages of our eco journey and all do things differently, take it steady!
The circular economy considers the entire lifespan of a given product, with sustainability a top priority.
It’s rethinking and redesigning the way we currently consume (which is often a linear system) into a circular one.
Nowadays products are often designed with built in planned obsolescence - designed to break after limited use; parts that are made difficult or expensive to fix and trends or updates that push products to become out of date exceptionally fast.
The circular economy encourages designers and manufacturers to take into consideration the entire lifespan of a product, with continual use of resources, so products don’t end up as waste after single or multiple use, but get reused, recycled or reproduced in some form.
The circular economy takes responsibility back to the producers and respect back to the consumers and earth.
Let us be inspired by nature and discourage the very man made concept of waste.
When you buy items second hand compared to purchasing new, fewer resources and energy are required. You actively save masses of energy and reduce environmental damage considerably.
You are offering these precious unwanted products an extended life for a short while longer.
There is so much excess that high quality second hand goods are often found completely unused, at unbelievably cheap prices.
You might be amazed what you find or what offers you get for products that no longer serve you.
Of course, be selective, as some second hand items aren’t always practical, functional or worthwhile.
Learning how to repair broken goods is hugely empowering. From simple fixes to complex rebuilds, anyone can learn how to do it!
Once learned you can reapply this new skill over and over to similar products. Constantly strengthening your practice and learning new techniques.
If you are short on time support a local business or friend who possess this magical skill.
Reusing, repurposing and upcycling items has lots of potential.
There are endless books, magazines and websites dedicated to upcycling and transforming goods to create your own unique creation.
If you feel the need for something new, express yourself!
Discover, create and tailer to your individual demands. Give an old product a new lease of life.
Build something completely different out of old parts. Don’t just make do and mend, transform!
Waste is staggering. Often out of sight, out of mind. Shipped across the seas to other peoples homes, there are piles of our clothes, electronics, plastics and everything else.
Perhaps the best waste-reducing practice is not to consume in the first place.
And when you inevitably do, consume carefully. Be conscious of the entire lifespan of the product and dispose of it appropriately when necessary.
New laws are coming in that will hold some businesses and retails responsible for their goods, even after they’ve been sold and used. This means the circular economy and products that are designed to be fixed when broken might soon become the norm!
You can support these practices, consume wisely. And try to reduce waste to a minimum.
GENERAL STUFF
Gumtree / Ebay / Freecycle / Give
It Away / Trade Or Swap / Look For
Specialist Charities / Free Shop / Boot
Fair / Local Recycling / Refuse Facility
BROKEN ELECTRICAL GOODS
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE) / IT For Charities / Computer Aid
International / Battery Recycling Stations /
Lampcare Recycling / Local Recycling Centers
/ Recycle 4 Charity - ink cartridge recycling
CLOTHING & TEXTILES
bluejeansgogreen.org / charity shop it / textile recycling center / brarecycling.com / local clothes bank / National Childbirth Trust (NCT) - create bundles from baby, children’s & maternity clothes / fashionforchange.comboutique for selling designer clothes / some high street stores now collect their old clothes (Northface, M&S...)
Listed here are some UK organisations you may or may not have heard of that try in various ways to connect us to the bigger world picture around consumerism :
CRADLE TO CRADLE
MEN IN SHEDS
TRIODOS BANK
THE PERMACULTURE NETWORK
WASTE AND RESOURCES ACTION PROGRAMME (WRAP)
DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS (DEFRA)
WASTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT (WEEE)
HIRE STREET (Hire Clothing)
FAT LLAMA (Hire Stuff)
CRADLE TO CRADLE: Remaking The Way We Make Things (2002)
Michael Braungart and William McDonough
SUSTAINABILITY BY DESIGN: A Subversive Stratergy
For Transforming Our Consumer Culture (2009)
John R. Ehrenfeld
HOW BAD ARE BANANAS? The Carbon Footprint Of Everything (2010)
Mike Bernes-Lee
THE GREEN COLLAR ECONOMY (2008)
Van Jones
POSITIVE NEWS MAGAZINE
ETHICAL CONSUMER MAGAZINE
thoughtmaybe.com
loveyourclothes.org
myplasticfreelife.com
sevensinsofgreenwashing.org
The smallest of changes can have far reaching effects. With each of us taking a few small steps we can begin the process of positive change but remember, no one can transform their energy efficiently and ecological footprint overnight, it will take time.
This is almost like learning a new way of thinking, of seeing the world and it takes time to process, learn and act.
We are collectively beginning to work on it!
Our whole infrastructure and behavior is beginning to change for the better!
We are armed with the tools and ability to make informed decisions.
Our choices and actions have an impact every time we do and don’t purchase something, let’s make it a positive one.
You can be part of this solution.
We can steer change together.
Let’s enjoy creating the world we want to see.
This booklet offers advice on how you can have a positive impact on the production, consumption and disposal of goods.
Dip your toes into environmental thought provoking ideas on conscious decision making and empowering you to see the positive effect you can have on our planet, people and wildlife.
It is a fresh perspective on a new world we can create together.
