Reducing plastic waste II: More ideas!
Last year I wrote a post about reducing the plastic waste we generate in our everyday lives. I listed some things I was doing, like using shampoo bars or reusable bags. If you missed that post, you can check it out here! These past days I noticed I’m doing some more things that were not included in that list so I thought about writing a follow-up post.
– Luffas
Luffas (also spelled loofahs) are a very cool vegetable. They can be eaten (they are called 丝瓜 sigua, “silk melon” in Chinese) but when they are fully ripened they become dry and what remains of them can be used as a sponge (they are hard but become quite soft when they are wet). We have been using a luffa as a kitchen sponge and they are actually very easy to find in China. The plants grow randomly (there’s one in my compound!) and if you happen to find one, you can just get the luffas from it! If not, they are available on Taobao. Kitchen sponges are normally made of plastic so this is a more natural option.
– Cloth diapers
I had not thought about using cloth diapers for my baby when I was pregnant. I didn’t even know they still existed! But, I don’t remember how, I was added to a cloth diapers group on WeChat and started learning a lot about them. I was still hesitant to use them because the idea of cleaning a diaper full of liquid poo from an exclusively breastfed baby didn’t seem very appealing. But I wanted to try, so I bought a set of 4 pocket diapers with inserts from a brand called Happy Flute that is available on Taobao and not expensive at all. My first tries were a bit of a mess and pee leaked out, maybe because my baby had very skinny legs. I gave up for the moment because it was the middle of winter and a leak meant changing and washing 3 layers of clothes (remember we don’t have heating here). I started trying again when it was warmer, was satisfied with the results and got a full stash. We are now using cloth diapers almost full time (we only use disposables at night or if we are going to be outside for long and I feel the baby will want to poo during that time). I love the cloth diapers because they are very pretty and also because not having a bin full of dirty disposable diapers every day feels very rewarding.
– Cloth menstrual pads
If I use cloth diapers for my baby, why not use cloth pads for myself? That’s what I thought so I bought a set of pads in different sizes from Taobao. I imagined using cloth pads would be uncomfortable, that I would feel wet and icky and that they would move around and make a mess out of my underwear. But I still wanted to sacrifice myself and use them, or at least try. And I’m glad I did, because they were a very pleasant surprise! They feel so much more comfortable than disposable pads, which I normally didn’t even use in the summer because they felt hot and disgusting. There’s no feeling of wetness either. And, surprisingly, they move around less than disposables, it’s like the cotton surface has more friction with the underwear and they stay in place even when I’m sleeping. I also don’t mind about cleaning them (it feels strangely satisfiying to rinse them after use) and I don’t think my own blood is gross or anything. I am now a big fan of cloth pads! And I will have to make a part 3 of this post when I finally get to try the menstrual cup!
– Second hand things
Buying second hand things or accepting giveaways from other people is a great way to reduce waste. When I gave birth, many Chinese friends gave me a lot of clothes for the baby, most of them second hand. I even got some things from fancy brands, like Ralph Lauren shirts or a Tommy Hilfiger jacket, which I would never have bought myself for the baby. I gladly accepted everything (except the split pants, haha) and I’ve had to buy very few new clothing items for Baby A. so far (I have several boxes of clothes until size 5 years!!). I’m also in a Suzhou mums group in WeChat where I’ve bought second hand baby clothes when I was missing some item. I also got a second hand crib, bedding, towels, lots of toys… Most of the things were in great condition and quite cheap. When buying second hand, you’re not only reusing the item itself, but also avoiding the environmental costs of manufacturing and transporting a new product and all the packaging that would come with it.
Baby A. with one of his second hand tshirts (and his cloth diapers).
Have you tried any of these? Any other easy tips to reduce the amount of waste we generate at home?
Wow, so many surprises in this post! I’m glad you had a good experience with cloth pads… I think I’d still need a bit of convincing before I try them myself, though!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
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Haha, try them and you might be surprised! I honestly wasn’t expecting them to be so comfortable!
I’m going to try out a loofah as dish sponge and bathroom cleaning sponge. I currently get vegetable based dish sponges (not loofah) from a local organic chain. Best bit the plastic packaging is biodegradable!
The menstrual cup is amazing. Once you’ve got the hang of it, no leaks or smell! I swear too it helps ease cramps. Plus pennies are saved too! Stock up when you next Spain or ask your Mum to send you one. I’ve read it can last a few years but I had to replace the first one after a year. Maybe it was the brand, but being silicone I think it’s easier to recycle, I’m not sure. Also get a little saucepan just for it as you have to sterilise by boiling it before and after your period. I’ll try to find the link, a company in Kenya that donates menstrual cups to girls so they could still attend school and women so they would have more freedom to work. I had tears in my eyes when they were handed a cup, a saucepan with a bow and a pretty cloth bag for the saucepan.The little details. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-49193355/could-the-menstrual-cup-eradicate-period-poverty-in-kenya
I’m going to Spain in 8 days and buying one is on my to do list!! Yes, I’ve seen that many cup companies have that “buy 1 and we donate 1” scheme, it’s a great idea! Also some bring a special recipient so you can boil the cup in the microwave!
Have an amazing time back in Spain! I hope it’s hot for you :)
Check out while you’re here Freshly Cosmetics. It’s not 100% plastic free however their bottles are either aluminium or glass and kinda reasonably priced. It’s a Spanish brand, using natural ingredients, is cruelty free and works with a reforestation scheme. I currently love their shampoo and conditioner! Shipping’s next day or 2 days after order and arrives the next day!
My bad, it was this one! Malawi! https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-48389920/this-invention-from-the-1930s-is-cutting-period-poverty
They have “period underwear” here. I haven’t tried it yet. Haven’t seen cloth pads, though.
Baby D was born during the very bad drought years in Los Angeles, so we had to weigh disposable diapers versus cloth and went with disposable.
It seems in the US many people considers and decides between cloth and disposable. In Spain cloth is very unusual nowadays, maybe because of the cost. My cousin checked and what she found was 25 EUR per piece! My full stash here was like 70 EUR… And yes, now the washing machine doesn’t rest a single day xD
We never really managed with the cloth diapers. We still have a few from Nathan’s time but we never used them with Nathalie. I guess we were just too lazy…
As for the sponge replacement now that is very interesting. Need to research whether there are similar products here in Germany
Look out for plants with cucumber-like fruits! They might be luffas, haha!
1 of my sisters outfitted for 2 children with 90% 2nd hand clothing. Just get a bunch of parents, some coffee/tea, etc. and start the swapping!
Needless I felt slightly useless as aunt giving my brand new children’s clothing gifts..
Well, it is also nice to have a few new items haha. Gifts are always welcome!
I was very interested to hear the one about cloth pads and always thought how they will feel like. Like you, I don’t feel grossed out washing my own blood. My concern was how long these cloth pads can last.
I think they can last a long time if washed and treated with care. The ones that are beige or colored are easier to wash, white is more difficult.
Reblogged this on Respect Your Mother! and commented:
These are some cool options for leading a plastic free and reusable lifestyle! It could save a lot of money as well! I am looking for new ways to reuse and reduce the amount of plastic that I use and encourage everyone else to do the same. We are making great strides.
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