It’s not that easy in today’s society to build a sustainable, waste-free home. Whilst I’m by no means fully sustainable, minimal or eco-friendly, I do however try my best where possible. To me, there’s nothing more luxurious than a fuss-free, minimal home awash with natural fibres and organic products. I don’t just mean in the beauty department, I mean cleaning equipment and in the kitchen too. I believe if everyone made an effort, the planet would be a much better place.
So here’s how I do waste-free luxury in my home:
Candles, Beauty & Clothing
Did you know that candles are often full of hidden chemicals or toxins? That’s why I prefer to use natural, organic candles to create beautiful ambiance and mood in the home. I’m a huge fan of YOPE candles; they’re handmade, naturally scented candles that are suitable for vegans (they don’t contain any animal ingredients). There are also no genetically modified substances, pesticides, crude oil or petroleum products, paraffin, palm wax and beeswax inside the candles. So they’re a real eco-friendly, luxury treat. They are made with 100% natural soy wax, meaning no smokey leave behind when blown out either. My favourite is the Vanilla. The jars are also great for repurposing (I use mine to store makeup brushes).
It’s quite easy to find sustainable beauty products these days. Many brands have taken note of the environmental impact that the industry is having and thus have changed their packaging and ingredients. I’m currently using OWAY Haircare, who are all about sourcing ingredients with no unnecessary chemicals, using formulas that are rich in natural ingredients, and they only come in glass and aluminium, precious, protective and completely recyclable materials. It means eliminating unnecessary and superfluous packaging and making the necessary tools exclusively in eco-sustainable paper, wood, metal, cotton: natural materials that convey authentic sensations. It means using renewable energy for business processes to reduce the environmental footprint. They’re really great products too!
It’s important for me to use reusable face pads too, I especially love the washable bamboo pads which you can buy almost anywhere. Cashmere socks are also great for keeping warm in the cooler evenings rather than putting on the heating (I know people who had their heating on in June)!
Kitchen
In the kitchen, I limit plastic where possible. We have a water filter instead of plastic bottles, I juice at home with my Philips Masticating Juicer to eliminate shop-bought bottles that are often plastic and I try where possible to source food locally (there’s a great ‘pick your own’ farm near us). I also grow my own herbs (but often forget to water them) and take my jars to the refillable food store where possible (great for chia seeds, cereals, flour etc). I’m a fan of homemade cleaners (vinegar is so useful you know) and I try to only buy what we are going to eat to reduce wastefulness. There’s nothing more luxury than a decluttered, waste free fridge!
Environment
It’s important for me mentally to keep my home as decluttered as possible. It’s equally as important to pay attention to technology and the radiation it’s giving off. I resist giving my phone or iPad to my daughter and I sleep with my phone on airplane mode away from my bed. When possible, we turn the Wifi off at night.
We have a ‘no junk mail’ sign on our front door to avoid wasting paper and I adore spending ages pouring over wooden toys (especially Montessori classics) for my daughter, instead of filling the home with plastic.
How do you plan on becoming more waste-free luxury?
