We realised we had no wrapping paper this morning for the party presents. I thought I knew where there would probably be some sheets of paper for sale in our local town, but in the end rather than risk spending too much time chasing an elusive plastic free option, I found some old brown packing paper we already in had in the house, and used twine and tags which we also already had to brighten it up a bit. So plastic-free crisis averted there. I guess once we have done a round or two of buying all these things, it will be easier, as we will know where to go.
Came home with some a couple of plastic party spoils. To me it would seem rude to no accept them, plus they were not for me, so it is Little MIHs choice. I was ruminating on this earlier though. I wonder if one day it could be socially acceptable to be ‘no plastic’ or ‘no/low waste’ in the same way as a vegetarian is ‘no meat’ and it isn’t considered judgy?
While Little MIH and I were partying, 4-year-old style, Mr MIH went on a top-up shop to get some of the things I couldn’t bring myself to buy in Waitrose, as Aldi was half the price. He was also stocking up on supplies for his lunches next week. We have cooked 2 loaves of wholemeal bread in our bread maker (hello free solar electricity and hello £6 Ebay breadmaker!). Our big, less-local Tesco (near Aldi) were apparently fairly grumpy about letting him have ham and bacon in his own container, so he had to come back to our smaller local Tesco to get those – which they did quite happily wrapped in paper, go figure.
He also did a little bit of investigating of other options out there. Another shop that does cleaning supply refills, and also stocks coffee in a tin with a metal lid and a ring pull seal (photo to follow).
Our aim is to have to buy things in as few places as possible, so we are constantly reassessing options.
Also, a new artisan-looking bakery has just opened. It looks like a good option for those sweet treats. Anyone who knows Mr MIH will appreciate he has a somewhat sweet tooth, and is quite happy to polish off a 6 pack of hot cross buns (time of year immaterial) in nearly one go. But sadly most options are plastic wrapped in our local supermarkets. I think this will be one of those change of mind sets things – instead of ‘treats’ being constantly on tap, they really will be reserved for treats and savoured.
Anyway, an early post today, as we are off to party 40-year-old style next – do we take cups with us in case there are only disposable? I would do it with no qualms for coffee, but I think we will feel a bit more embarrassed in this scenario. I suppose it is just a case of making it the new normal. Or maybe we will just drink from bottles today!
Fails
Washing powder box rip strip – thumbs up for the cardboard box, hadn’t appreciated the plastic rip strip until starting this challenge.
Things we couldn’t buy
Last minute wrapping paper.
Unsolicited items
Party spoils – bubble wand and finger puppet toy.
Update: Party 2 spoils – foam light wand. Two ice pop wrappers (not brought home).
Any good book recommendations about the effects of plastic and waste for 4 year olds?
Make It Happy 