I was recently looking into some of the things I buy often and I had a look at what I could reduce further to save a bit of extra money. I put this impromptu list together of 5 items or ‘aspects of things’ that I have stopped or really reduced in buying. If you look at how much you spend on these small things over time, it can really add up and you will be surprised just how much of an impact it can really have!

What have you stopped buying or reduced in an effort to save a bit of money?

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I often buy or look for second hand items when looking to buy certain things, so I thought I would talk a bit about buying second hand and showcasing a few of the items I have managed to pick up at a bargain over the years. From tech items to a lot of furniture and even standing desks, I have found quite a variety of used quality stuff, which also turned out to be far cheaper than buying brand new items.

Buying second hand is such a great way to reuse things and ensure items are not thrown away and left to sit in landfills.

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Giridhari came from a wealthy family in the USA and has chosen to live a simple more fulfilling life in India. He builds his own houses, grows his own food and lives a very environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Learn more about him and his eco lifestyle is this cool documentary video on him:

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 1. Invest in sustainable workout clothing 

With sustainable clothing on the rise, gym gear is no exception. Popular materials, such as nylon and polyester, may look great but they are not as biodegradable or recyclable as cotton or organic hemp. They also require a great deal of energy to manufacture, lowering their eco-friendly status and carbon efficiency. A number of brands also design workout clothing and shoes made from repurposed ocean plastic, eucalyptus pulp, bamboo, corn, and even algae form. By researching conscious companies in your local area, you can not only look good but do good too. 

2. Switch to plant-based protein powder 

The plant-based protein powder market has surged in popularity in recent years. With more options to choose from than ever before, gym-goers are spoilt for choice. Some of the most common plant-based protein-based offerings include oats, nuts, beans, tofu, and butter.

One of the latest plant-based powders to take the industry by storm, however, is that of pea protein. Manufactured by extracting protein from peas, it is a hypoallergenic alternative to standard plant-based protein powders and can boost your protein as well as your iron levels when consumed on a regular basis. As well as enhancing your health and wellness, however, a number of popular brands, such as ioPea, have been designed with environmental sustainability in mind. 

3. Go plogging 

Emanating from Sweden, plogging is the latest fitness craze to take the world by storm. Derived from the Swedish words for pick up (plocka upp) and jog (jogga), it is the name given to the act of jogging whilst picking up litter. Although still a relatively modern concept, by incorporating bending, squatting, and stretching into your daily run, you can burn up to 50 more calories per hour plogging as opposed to regular jogging.

You can also make a difference to your local neighbourhood by ridding it of litter or debris with a bin bag or designated litter picker. This can ensure your surroundings are a happier, healthier place to live for you as well as those around you. 

4. Walk or cycle to the gym 

If you are within walking distance of your local gym or fitness center, you should consider walking or cycling as opposed to driving, or even using an electric skateboard. Not only is this a great extension of your existing exercise routine but can have a positive impact on the environment too. This can limit your contribution to air pollution and save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Commonly overlooked by fitness fanatics, walking is a great form of exercise that can be seamlessly incorporated into your daily routine. A 30-minute walk around the block during your lunch break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator is all it takes to boost your daily step count and elevate your mood. Commuting short distances on foot as opposed to by car can also protect biodiversity by limiting noise, air pollution, and emissions. 

5. Recycle old workout clothing and equipment 

Recycling is one of the quickest and easiest ways to go green. If you have outgrown your existing workout clothing or are just looking to update your wardrobe, you may be able to donate old items of clothing to local charities or organizations. Nike, for example, supposedly recycles running shoes that customers have donated and transforms them into playground materials.

Purchasing used workout clothing and equipment can be another great way to lower your carbon footprint and save a considerable amount of money in the long run. If your leggings have seen better days, however, drop them off at your local recycling point or clothing bank. You may believe they are destined for the bin, but an avid gym-goer might jump at the chance of owning the very pair you no longer need. 

6. Take up yoga

As well as improving your health and wellness, yoga can have a positive impact on the environment too. Yoga mats are one of the most commonly discarded fitness accessories. Those made from PVC plastic contain a number of harmful chemicals and toxins that can seep into the environment over time. By investing in a non-slip natural yoga mat, made from materials such as natural tree rubber or cork, you can relax knowing your favourite fitness accessory will gradually biodegrade over time and is unlikely to contribute towards the ever-increasing threat of global warming. Most natural yoga mats won’t break the bank either with the vast majority cheaper than plastic alternatives. 

7. Eat green 

When it comes to leading a fit and healthy lifestyle, exercise is only half of the equation. It may be tempting to refuel after a heavy gym session by indulging in simple carbs, fat, and sugar, but this is unlikely to do any good to your body or the environment. Sustainable options, including fruits and vegetables, will replenish your mind and body and provide you with the nutrients you need to enter recovery mode.

If you are looking to up your protein intake, a plant-based protein powder, such as pea or hemp protein, can be incorporated into a refreshing morning smoothie or nutrient-boosting post-workout drink. Also try to buy from plastic packaging free shops to reduce your waste even further.

When it comes to your fitness routine, getting a sweat on shouldn’t cost the planet. There are a number of steps you can take to workout whilst protecting the environment so you can look good and feel even better. If you don’t know where to start, try investing in sustainable workout clothing, switching to a plant-based protein powder, going plogging, walking or cycling to the gym, recycling old workout clothing and equipment, taking up yoga, and eating green. 

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For me, becoming more and more eco conscious and eco friendly, and reducing my waste allowed me to also become much more of a minimalist. I like the minimalist approach because it shows you how a lot of the stuff we have/want, is very unnecessary and not useful and we clearly do not need a lot of it.

One thing to note, if you are trying to follow a more eco friendly life or a more minimalist approach to life, it is not about stopping everything entirely, or making a massive change overnight, unless you really want to. All these things were a gradual change for me and over time it all became more and more of a habit, and yes ideally it is the plan to get to zero waste, but it is difficult in this day and age. So don’t get caught up with that, just focus on making a change as small as it may seem, it all adds up and over time does get bigger.

On that note, in this video I show 5 Simple Waste Free Swaps that you can try on your quest for a more Zero Waste Lifestyle

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Does this sound like you or like a situation you may be in:

You have a spare room, or a garage, or even a cupboard (or cupboards) that you put stuff into that you don’t know what to do with. Or you keep putting things into there, thinking you may need them at some stage in life…

And then fast forward 5 years and you still have not used anything in that room or cupboard and each time you see it or think about it, you get overwhelmed at just the thought of going through it all!

So if that does sound like you, then please do get in touch with me I can help with:

• Going through all the stuff.
• Helping you decide what you need and what you should let go of.
• Helping you recycle or sell or donate excess things.
• Reorganizing and decluttering the spaces.
• If there is any sensitive things I am happy to sign a sort of NDA if needs be.

I try to live a more minimalistic lifestyle and really enjoy the process of ‘decluttering’ and cleaning up. I am am trustworthy and loyal and have many people you can chat to, to hear more about me. I have decluttered many a cupboard, garage and rooms, mostly for myself as well as for family members and thoroughly enjoy the process. 

It is always such a good feeling to get rid of excess things that I don’t need, kind of like a feeling of freedom, and through doing this regularly I feel like attachment to material things lessens more and more. Through this you learn to appreciate and value things that much more and it helps with buying only what you need, which will save you money!

Currently I am based in Gauteng, so feel free to drop me an email or contact me via social media channels and I would be happy to chat more if you have any questions on how I can help you

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With all the anxiety and stress that comes attached to modern life, the idea of living a simpler one is not only appealing but may be life-saving for some. This short guide will present a few tips on how to live a simpler life and make the most out of each day. 

What Does a Simple Life Mean? 

A simple life can look completely different from one person to the next, and it’s important to embark on a path of self-reflection to understand what areas of the modern way of living are affecting a person the most. 

Living simply doesn’t necessarily mean completely renouncing modern life and its offerings, but rather changing the Self and how it fits into the current world. 

Here are tips on how to live simply and changing oneself from the inside:

Leveraging the Present 

Modern life rarely makes room for people to appreciate the present and everything it means. It’s important to dedicate even just a few moments in a day and leverage that moment, be it through yoga, meditation, or other calming activities. 

The goal is to bring a bit of self-awareness and allow the pace of life to slow down for a bit.

Reviewing (and Letting Go of) Attachments to Material Objects 

So much of the modern way of living revolves around material gains: more money, more clothes, more gadgets, etc. 

This creates a never-ending race to gather the most material objects in which nobody truly wins. A simpler way of life proposes keeping what is needed to function and be happy and letting go of this desire to add more. 

Focusing on the Self 

Humans cannot function without social relationships, but it’s important to prioritize the Self before others. Seeking calmness and happiness in the Self can help improve interactions with the outside world as well.

But for most, this path must start and try to understand what their brain, body, or even spirit needs. Because a lot of people are not truly connected to themselves, they can completely miss the signs these elements are giving, and get more involved in what the people around them need. 

Reconnecting with Nature 

Nothing says more “modern way of living” than the image of an urban jungle. This environment can sometimes augment the rapid pace of life, which is why removing oneself from this environment, even just for a few hours, can be extremely beneficial. 

Reconnecting with nature and its powers helps keep people centered, more grounded with the natural pace life was designed to have, and gives the mind the space to let go of worries and troubles. 

Learning to Celebrate Life and Its Moments 

Often, people that let themselves get carried away by the modern way of living remain clueless about the many gifts they already possess. 

In a simpler form of living, these small gifts are acknowledged and celebrated. Similarly, steps that take people closer to victory, no matter how small, are also reasons for gratitude and celebrations. Life isn’t always about the big, flashy lights people often actively seek. 

Challenging the Mind 

Habits formed throughout life often prevent people from letting go of what they know to be true, and this can apply to trying to live a simple life too. 

Sometimes, to achieve living simply, one has to challenge their perception of life and the world around them, possibly even their role in the world. But, the payoff is worth that effort!
 

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One simple way to reduce your waste and become more environmentally friendly, is to switch to alternative products that do not use plastic packaging that end up being tossed into the bin once they’re used up, like a shampoo bar. Another simple way to reduce a lot of waste is to start composting.

I tried some of South African’s very own Zero shampoo bars before and was thoroughly impressed by them and have been using them for some time now. Recently they introduced a charcoal shampoo bar, which I managed to try out and I must say I think is my favourite one!

“Our Proudly South African, Zero Shampoo Bars are anything but average. Packed full of all the good stuff, and made using zero of the things that leave behind a mess. This shampoo bar will get you through 55 – 70 hair washes which will outlast most of your favourite bottled shampoo’s. Wash away knowing you are leaving behind zero waste!”

• Zero plastic packaging
• Zero palm oil in the ingredients
• Zero water in the ingredients

The Charcoal Bar

“I’m the lightweight cleanser. I deeply nourish and cleanse both your hair and scalp. I’m packed with activated charcoal to help wash away scalp build-up.”

“A scalp refresher you never knew you needed!”

Some of the Ingredients:

• Argan oil (hydrates and softens)
• Macadamia nut oil (shines and strengthens)
• Avocado oil (a deep penetrating moisturiser)
• Linseed oil (nutritious for hair follicles)
• Grapeseed oil (moisturises and conditions)
• Sunflower oil (nourishes and soothes the scalp)
• Coconut oil (stimulates hair growth)

Why switch to shampoo bars

1. Reduce plastic bottle waste. Think about all those shampoo and conditioner plastic bottles that get thrown away every few months when the shampoo is finished. You could avoid sending all that plastic into the environment by making the switch to a shampoo bar.
2. Less palm oil use. Palm oil production results in a lot of deforestation.
3. More natural. Most shampoo bars like this use more natural ingredients and ones that are biodegradable than most bottled shampoos.
4. Ease of use. Shampoo bars are easier to carry and travel with. They are nice and small and won’t spill and you can take them on the plane without that hassle of having to make sure you only have 100 mls of liquid.

The Review

Use:

When I received this charcoal shampoo bar to try, I was using another generic charcoal soap bar, which you can find at most plastic free shops. I naturally had to draw a comparison between the two and without a doubt the Zero bar charcoal shampoo bar is much better suited as a ‘shampoo bar’. As a soap bar the generic one is wonderful and can be used as a sort of exfoliating soap as well, but the Zero bar lathers and foams a lot more making it the ideal shampoo bar. I also feel my hair feels a lot better and less oily after a wash with the zero bar.

The other thing that makes this charcoal shampoo bar my favourite, is the fragrance. It has a lovely eucalyptus fragrance that is just incredible. That alone got me hooked as I really love the eucalyptus smell!

It is easy to use. Use it just like a soap bar, lather between your hands and apply to your hair (and body). You don’t need that much, just a bit and then rub your hands together to get it to foam up. Ladies with longer hair would probably need a bit more of a lather, or may need to put a hand through your hair a couple of times. 

For me, the bar worked well on my hair. I have oily hair that builds up after a few days, and after washing my hair with this bar all that oily build up was gone leaving it feeling refreshed (and smelt so nice :p ). I do not see myself ever going back to conventional shampoos or conditioners ever again thanks to these shampoo bars.

Cost

The bars can be purchased online from various places as well as from their website for +- R85. It may sound expensive, but when you compare them with conventional shampoos and how long the bars last you realize it really is not that bad. And you are reducing your waste without even trying Check their website for a full list of stockists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eco living in SA (@letsecolife)

The best thing to do is give one of these bars a try and see if you like it! It may take a bit of getting used to, using a ‘soap bar as a shampoo’ instead of liquid shampoo, but once you get a feel for it, you won’t look back. They are really magnificent and smell really great, and with many different fragrances you are bound to find your favourite. Do let me know your experiences with them or if you need any  more info!

For more Photos:

• @fitnish

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I recently ordered a few package free goodies from The Refillery, and tried out a Falafel mix from a brand called Outcast foods. To find out more about this cool and easy mix, check out my post on qoo.co.za!

“Outcast Foods creates easy-to-prepare healthy and yummy plant-based meals. We create instant whole-food pre-mixes, but we don’t believe in shortcuts. Our pulses are activated to increase nutrient absorption and we use only whole foods. So no gluten, fillers, preservatives or additives. Just pure quality ingredients where natural flavours are brought to life.”

“To prepare our products at home simply add water and heat. And then devour them freshly made. Our products are loved by vegans, the health conscious and the lazy who are looking to include more plant based meals into their diet.”

Photo credit:

• Daria Nepriakhina

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“The Refillery is an exciting, new planet-friendly grocer offering a stylish, convenient, PLASTIC-FREE, ‘weigh-and-pay’ shopping experience that helps you to stock and re-stock your pantry with the highest quality, ethically-sourced products without all that wasteful packaging normally associated with a trip to the grocery store.”

The store operates and looks similar to other package free shops like Shop Zero or Nudefoods in Cape Town. They have a large selection of products ranging from package free chocolates, to grains, lentils and rice, to even nutritional yeast and natural soaps and cosmetics!

There are paper bags available as well as reusable glass bottles and containers that you can buy, or alternatively you can bring your own and fill them up. You then just weigh it and everything is charged per weight (usually per 100 grams).

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Supporting small business is the only way forward. Together we can overcome anything. . . . #strongertogether #communityiseverything #communityovereverything #therefillerysa #plasticfreeshoppingjhb #zerowasteliving #zerowastejoburg #livewithlessplastic #plasticisnotfantastic #refillrevolution #plasticfreepantry @kuier.co in love with your work

A post shared by The Refillery (@therefillerysa) on May 26, 2020 at 7:07am PDT

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@naturallyvegg rocking the plastic free pantry and decanting her online deliveries #plasticfreeforthesea #therefillerycedar #therefillerysa #refillshopping #refillrevolution @naturallyvegg @consolglass

A post shared by The Refillery (@therefillerysa) on May 30, 2020 at 3:53am PDT

why The need for the Refillery?

“‘The Refillery’ makes it easier for the environmentally-concerned as well as convenience-seeking customers to fill their pantries and play a part in helping to reduce South Africa’s (and the world’s) plastic pollution crisis.”

“We started The Refillery because we are really concerned about our beautiful planet and we want to try (in our own small way) to help.”

Delivery

The Refillery does deliver, and charges R100 delivery fee, and does so plastic packaging free!

All delivery orders are packaged in brown paper bags which are placed in a cardboard box.

Or you can simply order and pay online and request a pick up for free at one of the stores. Once your order is ready and waiting for you they will let you know to come and pick it up from whichever store you specified.

Contact details

The Refillery has two physical stores in Johannesburg South Africa. One in Cedar Square and the other in the Morning side Shopping Center.

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"It is in your hands to create a better world for all to live in" Nelson Mandela Sustainability matters . Ethical business practices matter . Planet focused matters . zero waste principles matter . Less plastic matters . Community matters . Supporting small businesses matter . Supporting local matters. An image from our beautiful second store in @morningside_sc @gnawlehcar thanks for the pic Shop in store. Shop online. Click to collect.

A post shared by The Refillery (@therefillerysa) on Jun 4, 2020 at 11:21pm PDT

Their contact information being:

• info[at]therefillery.co.za
• sam[at]therefillery.co.za
• dom[at]therefillery.co.za
• Cedar square: 011 465 4426 / Morning side: 010 495 7476

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