Sustainable Tackley
Reduce. Reuse. Restore.
The beginning of the new year, while it is dark and stormy outside, is always a good time for reflection and thoughts on what we will do in the coming months. For a small village we have many allotment plots. Some are strictly traditional, pleasingly neat rows of vegetables, others are a little rougher around the edges with flowers for the bees and a few more caterpillar holes in the brassicas (ahem, that will be mine!). Many of us have gardens some are beautiful creations and again, some are a little rougher, but all can be good for the wildlife we share this planet with. But it’s not just our gardens and allotments we need to think of while we consider the homes of other creatures. All our actions, from eating to sleeping, playing to working, have an impact on our environment. While we may think about where our food comes from or buy environmentally friendly products, sometimes we can get a little over enthusiastic and just buy too much!
One idea I have seen on the internet is to try a spend fast. Just for a month, restrict your spending to only those things you absolutely need to survive, like rent, utilities, medicines, basic food, petrol for your car or bus fare to work. Ask yourself before you buy anything, “Do I need this to survive?” and if the answer is No, then don’t buy it. Things you will avoid buying for 30 days include movie tickets, junk food, fancy coffee drinks, clothing, music, haircuts, and such like. Doing this just for a month will help you become much more mindful of your spending habits. It will certainly make you think about what you need round your home. While discussing this on the Sustainable Tackley WhatsApp thread it was pointed out that while a spend fast is a great idea, we also need to consider the current COVID crisis. Supporting small local businesses is actually really important at the moment. Many small business owners are struggling both financially and emotionally. So, if you like the idea of a spend fast, have a go, but when you do need to buy something, really think about where it is coming from and who it is benefitting. There are several small businesses selling eco-friendly kitchen and bathroom products (e.g. The Village Refill ltd, based in Yarnton; Non Plastic Beach, based south of Wallingford). North Aston Organics do a local veg box scheme delivering to the village shop and there are (in normal times, at least) several local farmers markets. Sometimes we really are too tired to cook (or the shopping hasn’t arrived!) and there’s nothing wrong with the odd takeaway. There are several nearby as well as our very own Mariella Bliss and the highly popular chip van. And of course, our wonderful village shop has to be mentioned too! Maybe you know of someone who is having to isolate alone, is struggling and you’d like to get them a gift to cheer them up. If you are sending them something think about what you could get that they would like, has a low impact on our planet as well as supporting a local business or artist. Our school is also running a wonderful food bank for those who are struggling for many reasons due to COVD, so if you don’t know anyone personally who you could help, then the school would be grateful for donations. As a family we have already decided that we won’t buy any clothes this year unless something needs replacing due to damage or wear. In addition, over February, I will be thinking hard about everything I buy. As I’m currently going through a reading phase, maybe I can help Woodstock books (when they’re open) instead of that particular online store which sells them cheap and posts them rather swiftly. Perhaps that will make me enjoy the books even more. Whatever you decide, stay safe. Liz
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