More people today are concerned about the lack of sustainability on our planet. To do our bit, at Tasmanian Soap Farm we ensured that our soap products and their packaging are as eco-friendly as possible. This means that they are able to decompose and return back to the soil as organic matter. I went to considerable lengths to ensure that the packaging we purchased had environmental credentials. We decided to have a theme of kraft boxes, tissue wrap, kraft paper and paper tape as they fitted our values and would serve as a plain backdrop to our products. Others are catching on. As of last night, the Hobart Council, Tasmania, voted to ban single-use plastic takeaway items after a period of trader and community education in 2021. Long may the trend continue.

Obviously, there are many other improvements industry and businesses need to make around the world if we are ever to have zero waste. Then, there are the changes each person can make. How much rubbish do you throw away each day? I daresay it’s mostly excess packaging. Australia was a world leader with the enforcement of plain packaging for cigarettes to try to reduce the take-up of smoking. But, we urgently need the enforcement of environmentally-friendly packaging for all products, including liquids, to stop the degradation of our planet. For example, cleaning products, juice etc. could be put into pouches that flatten and are compostable. I have heard that a dairy company in Tasmania is going back to using recyclable glass bottles! I’m a positive person: humans will keep driving the improvements needed.

Apparently, the largest component of household garbage, especially in America, is food waste. I struggle to understand that, as the direct food waste I generate, such as banana peels, goes on my garden. Some of you may not be lucky enough to have a garden. In that case, council bins for compost can, and do work. I believe that not enough people know how to store their fruit and vegetables for maximum longevity. Maybe using more perishable items sooner rather than later will help. Here’s an example. The French word ‘potage’ refers to a thick soup peasants made in medieval times. They put whatever meat, vegetables, grains and herbs they had into the cooking pot. I welcome you to experiment with dishes like this. I do, and freeze leftovers in meal-sized portions.

Since I’m onto one of my favourite subjects, food, it would be remiss of me if I neglected to tell you that Nick and I are (mostly) plant-based eaters. We watched The Gamechangers (on Netflix) around September last year and were impressed with the evidence-based approach. It was an instant change for me. Luckily, I’ve trained my willpower for many years and avoid alcohol, sugar, trans fat, preservatives and salt. (I know, what a goody two-shoes!) Nick liked 72 year old vegan Arnold Schwarzenegger’s advice that you could follow a plant-based diet gradually. I have to admit that Nick’s done pretty well with it. He had two months of professional training for a local power- lifting competition, set three Australian records and won a master’s gold medal in his age and weight division! (Proud wife here!) Needless to say, the strongest man in the world, Patrik Baboumian (featured in that documentary), follows a plant-based diet. The important point here, besides superior health, is about the better use of resources if animals aren’t farmed for food.

Overall, if we each do the best we can every day to have a light footprint on this earth now we will see the improvements in our lifetime and pass on a better world for the future generations. What’s more, we’re bound to be healthier and happier. Will you be the change you want to see in the world?

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Update: As of 1st July, 2021, Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, became the first Australian city to ban single use disposable plastics for takeaway food and drinks! :-)

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The contents of this sharing are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment . . . Read More →