Róisín
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Easy downsizing - replacing x with yYou are all so much more knowledgeable than me and I'd like to steal some of your habits and ideas  What are some things that you've replaced in your life, with more ethical solutions? I'm sure we all have different lists of different lengths! Mine might be
downloading pdfs and reading online instead of printing
organic, fairtrade coffee instead of the other stuff
an extra cardigan instead of turning on the heat
updating old clothes instead of buying brandnew clothes
walking instead of taking the bus
organic jojoba oil instead of commercial moisturiser
I would love to hear yours 
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Mrs Fiddlesticks
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downsizer bags instead of plastic carriers.. (l'll think of others and add)
allotment veg and fruit box to reduce supermarket shopping
meat from local farm to reduce..
hens for eggs - see above
making not buying
stopping to think 1st on all things..
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2steps
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rucksack instead of carrier bags
library or book swap instead of buying
growing veg instead of buying
use local shops instead of supermarkets
keep chickens for eggs rather than buying them
save cereal boxes etc for local nursery school instead of throwing them away
cooking as much from scratch
resuing water from washing machine/dishwasher (we don't actually do yet but want to)
learn to knit/sew/chrochet to makeor adapt clothes, blankets, dish cloths, socks etc instead of buying
buy from charity shops where possible
reuse things at home if possible
Join your local freecycle group
I buy and sell on ebay so save packaging from the items I buy to send out what I sell it to recycle
walk or cycle instead of bus
always do a full load in washing machine/dishwasher
dry clothes outside anytime the weather allows instead of using a tumble dryer
buy energy saving light bulbs and applances
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sally_in_wales
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Try running the washing machine with home made soap, or even just a fifth of your usual dose of powder/liquid. A splosh of white vinegar helps in the conditioner drawer if you are used to using one, and can help with socky smells when using less powder.
Another good one is to always cook enoough of things like stew, pasta sauce, curry etc to be able to put a meal in teh freezer. Means you have a ready meal on hand for those days when previously the supermaket or takeaway might have lured
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ken69
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Pack up the car,and take to the buses (local is free at my age). Gonna be a wrench tho massive personal savings.
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dpack
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as many little things as possible .
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sally_in_wales
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| dpack wrote: | | as many little things as possible . |
too right, it all adds up
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Nick
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Coach class, not first.
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Penny
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As dpack says - lots of little things:
Being careful when buying packaging and recyling everying possible - down to less than one bin bag a week now
Cooking from scratch most of the time, and feeling guilty when I don't 
Not buying anything that isn't "of use"
Not using carrier bags
Making and mending anything we can
Growing own vege, only buying local, in season produce
Being frugal with energy use, in all forms
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sally_in_wales
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I reckon once this thread has run for a while there could be a good article in this, sort of a 'top 20 painless things you can do to Downsize', or even a 'add one of these a week to your normal way of life and be a better Downsizer a year from now' type of thing. Might be a good way to compile some great suggestions for easy use by others?
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2steps
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sounds like a great idea
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2steps
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I saw letters and any other simular paper to print on the back of fr draft prints, recipes, kids drawing paper, making parcel labels....
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wellington womble
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Compost your green waste, instead of binning it
recycle where you can (ditto)
don't buy new, reuse (freecycel, charity shops and car boots)
make a packed lunch, instead of buying one
use a box scheme instead of the supermaket
re-use your bathwater on the garden
grow a few herbs and tomatoes in pots instead of buying them
always keep a made up pizza/pasta dish in the freezer, for can't be buggered to cook days
go vege, or part vege and buy free range meat, from a real farmer
learn to make bread (and fit it into your daily routine)
and jam - you'll never go hungry!
investigate buying your store-cupboard goods in a buying co-op
use a local milkman
don't leave things on standby
there must be more - great idea to do an article - although we might be getting close to 100 easy downsizing tips!
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JB
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Counting the food miles when shopping
Refusing packaging whenever possible
Arguing with my boss for telecommuting (now that was a good one to get away with )
Composting waste
Shopping locally (though that's more of a community thing than a green thing)
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Cathryn
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| Mrs Fiddlesticks wrote: |
stopping to think 1st on all things.. |
I like this one and it is what I try to do - but the debates going on inside my head :compress: And i think for me it is a case of less less less. cleaners, soap powder, supermarket shopping, rubbish, heating, lighting... small things all adding up.
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Penny
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| ruby wrote: | | Mrs Fiddlesticks wrote: |
stopping to think 1st on all things.. |
I like this one and it is what I try to do - but the debates going on inside my head :compress: And i think for me it is a case of less less less. cleaners, soap powder, supermarket shopping, rubbish, heating, lighting... small things all adding up. |
That's a great list Ruby - I'd not really looked at it that way round, less really is more in this case 
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Rob R
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| Quote: | | replacing x with y |
though this was something to do with gender changing at first glance
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Penny
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| Rob R wrote: | | Quote: | | replacing x with y |
though this was something to do with gender changing at first glance |
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gil
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washing on a lower temperature.
using less powder in the machine.
combining several errands that involve a journey - planning ahead more.
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ken69
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x with yNot sure if this counts, but am presently trying to cram electric use into the Economy 7 hours.
And, joy, the meter clock is fast so get 10minutes use at a civilised hour.
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Róisín
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Thanks everyone - I'm saving all the tips and can't wait to see it turned into a list-thing
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