‘Conscious consuming’ relates to sustainable practices around food, fashion and everyday life. But despite the great intentions, it’s a concept that can feel complicated, quickly. In Parnell however, that need not be the case, these five simple suggestions will see you living a life that’s better for you and your environment.
1. Buy organic
In order for something to be classified as ‘organic’, its production methods must be free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides or sprays that are not only harmful to the atmosphere but make the food more toxic to consume. Compared to 15 years ago, buying organic is relatively easy with organic grocers like Huckleberry’s (located at 125 The Strand). They offer wholesome produce and healthy snacks to keep us on the right track.
2. Refill where possible
The system that encourages you to buy only what you need and reduce packaging waste should be your new shopping method. At the newly opened Goodfor (located at 79 St Georges Bay Road) you can take your own bags, jars or containers and fill them with the goods you need, before paying by weight and eschewing unnecessary plastics.
3. Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Ecostore really knows what’s up when it comes to keeping things ‘green’ around the house. Offering sprays, dishwashing liquids, washing powders and virtually any product one might require to keep a household spick and span free from harsh chemicals, you can rest assured that soap scum or cleaning residue going down the sink won’t be doing any damage. Ecostore products area available at both Huckleberry’s and Goodfor.
4. Reuse
Rather than taking a new coffee cup every time you make your morning order, start using a reusable KeepCup (it will keep your coffee warm for longer). Old habits die hard, we know, but in the long run, if we all saved five cups a week or reduced our plastic waste, the cumulative effect on the environment would be tremendous. Most cafes in Parnell support Keepcups and Wake Up and Little John’s even sell them.
5. B.Y.O shopping bag
Whether it’s cloth, mesh or a cooler bag, bringing your own shopping tote to the weekly Parnell Farmers Market or La Cigale Markets will not only reduce your waste, but ensure you avoid any risk of your produce falling out the bottom of the bag — very user-friendly.
