Hello lovelies! First off, let me apologise for not putting up a "pen-speaking" post yesterday. I should have but.. life! Thank God, here I am once again armed to continue with our minimalism series. This week is kind of a tricky one because I am minimising something I almost consider unimportant - waste.
Let me explain: I wouldn't consider myself much of a waster because I'm that person who tries to use up everything I have. I would eat up food I don't like in a restaurant because I don't want to waste the money used in purchasing that food. I would desist from cooking a new meal so we can finish up leftovers. I would desist from buying more food to add to a full freezer and pantry. I believe there should be space in them before more food comes in. So I try to use up whatever I have.
But still... I waste some things. Like empty cans and bottles that should be recycled. I dump them with regular trash. My daughter has been haunting me, asking me that we put them in a seperate bag for recycling. My excuse is always: "But we don't have a trash can for recycling." That is changing.
I want to be able to take care of the planet right because it matters. I am not an environmental scientist but after hearing many 'sermons' about the importance of taking care of your environment, I am finally indulging. Finally!
So here are three ways I am minimising waste:
1. Recycling all the recylables.
You already read that above but let me just say it again. I am taking that plunge to put recyclables in a seperate bag and dump them in the trash made for recycling. If not for anything, this will make me rest from the guilt-trips my daughters have put me through.
2. Planting a garden.
If you have read this blog for a while, well we all know how my flower garden turned out last year. I still bury my head in shame when I walk past my micro miserable flower pots with with few brown leaves hanging above them. Then I imagine my neighbours gossiping about me and saying things like; "she can't even keep a garden." My thoughts could be dramatic like that.
But still, my garden story has to change. I must plant and see flowers bloom and harvest this year. My seeds will not go to waste like that. No way! Also, I will make a compost bin with my perishable waste from food. This will go on my little cute garden in my backyard where tomatoes and green onions will blossom. Dreams, oh dreams!
3. Shop at Second-Hand Stores
Oh man, this is already my thing! I love thrift shopping. It saves TONS of money and there are lots of treasures at thrift stores. Here are things I get at thrift stores:
-Kid's clothing - Kids outgrow their clothes so fast so it is totally pointless buying new all the time when I could do thrift shopping and still get good looking clothes. Note that I only pick clothes that are absolutely in good shape.
-My clothing. I save tons of money by shopping at thrift stores for myself. I buy brand new once in a while but thrift-shopping is my go-to.
-Kitchen stuff, especially food photography props. Since I decluttered my kitchen, I am careful not to buy anything I do not need. But when I really need something, I will ransack the kitchen section of a grocery store first. If I do not find it there then I could buy new.
That's it, friends. Less-waste equals a more responsible life. I am so looking forward to my garden growing in the summer so I can take pics and show off here. Ha.
Next Tuesday will be all about stress - how I am letting go of stress. Hope to see you there.
Bisola says
Waste has to be minimized both because of the environment and because some people do not even have food to eat. Lucky, we have a dog so she eats most leftovers. Sometimes though, there's no leftover and you have to cook her what to eat
In Africa, we still have a long way to go as per recycling. We just dispose of reusable stuff, bottles and cans, dangerous stuff anywhere, anyhow.
Message to Seeds and plants in Precious's garden.
Hear me well oh, you must grow in that her garden this year. We want recipes with tomatoes and green onions grown in Precious's garden and beautiful pictures of her plants on her posts. . Amen.
Precious help me convey my message to those seeds and plants in case they can't read. ?
Precious says
Hahaha, I have seriously conveyed the message to the seeds. Girl, you just boosted my faith. Speak to it!
Chinelo Okoli says
This is very important. I really hate wasting food and it gets me so upset. Another way i reduce waste is by giving out clothes, shoes, bags to people in need. Some of these things go just they collect dust for wardrobe.
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Precious says
Long time, Chinelo!
I agree so much with giving out clothing and accessories. No need keeping what you are not using.
Olaitan Bobade says
When I saw the 'waste' in the title, I didn't imagine it would be something like this. Recycling would definitely make one feel better. Lol. Looking forward to how you minimise stress. Anticipating!!
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Precious says
Lol I know right?? It's a somewhat strange topic.
So looking forward to next week too.
favourmoyse says
Thrift stores are bae tho.. Recycle in naija????
I love my kitchen really full tho jus started getting some stuffs lately but because of finance i have to be sure its what i need and will use always
l just got married and this is my story
Precious says
No, I'm not in Naija. But we will hopefully get to that point in Africa.
Destiny says
Love the garden idea...looking forward to such post. Am so not the gardening type..lol maybe l learn a thing or two.enjoy your weekend.
Precious says
Me too, Destiny. I used to follow my grandma to the farm but I was only assisting her. Still trying to understand how to initiate and take care of a garden until harvest. Fingers crossed.
Dominika Goodness says
My dear Precious, it's such a relief that you are sincere to share with us that you thrift. As for your flower garden, please don't forget to share the pictures and the progress with us on the blog.
Precious says
Aww thanks for your kind words.
I won't hesitate to share pictures of my garden. Hope you are good, dear.
Funke Olotu says
About your thoughts being dramatic, loool
mine too!
i enjoyed this post and will be back for the stress post because i need that in my life
Precious says
Thanks dear.
Don't we all need a little stress relief?
mbori says
wow, i have learned how to minimise waist. thanks Precious.
looking forward on how to relief stress. i really need that
Precious says
I'm glad this helped, Mbori! The stress relief post is up. Have you seen it?