HOW LOW (WASTE)

CAN YOU GO?

Our AM-to-PM guide to a more
earth-conscious everyday routine

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HOW LOW (WASTE)
CAN YOU GO?

Our AM-to-PM guide to a more
earth-conscious everyday routine

Words: Thea Bichard

What if switching to using earth-conscious products didn’t change your life? We know, it’s a shocking thought. But it turns out that you can, indeed, follow all your daily habits, only in a way that’s far kinder on the planet. As part of Selfridges Project Earth (our new initiative which explores more sustainable ways to shop), we’ve posed ourselves a series of challenges to imagine a low-waste day in the life – of us, of you, of everyone – using the goodies from our Solutions Store. The edit, available here online and at Selfridges London on LG, covers handy household products – from kitchen gadgets to cleaning sprays – that make your daily routine more sustainable.

8am: caffeine calls

HOW CAN I MAKE A MORE CONSCIOUS CUP OF COFFEE?

Before your caffeine-starved brain can even process the very concept of anything eco, it’s calling out for coffee. Once you’ve picked out your favourite fair-trade beans or grounds, prepare a cuppa using Cookut’s filters, which are washable so you can use them time and again, instead of relying on disposables. For up-and-out days, an insulated travel mug like Bodum’s keeps your brew piping hot. If you’re loyal to your local barista, though, remember to slip Stojo’s collapsible mug into your bag so you can graciously (read: smugly) refuse single-use cups at the café.

9–5: places to go, people to see

HOW CAN I REDUCE WASTE WHEN I’M OUT AND ABOUT?

Think in stock phrases here: prevention is better than cure; always be prepared; a tote bag in hand is worth two plastic carrier bags in a bush. We’re a strong believer that there’s no need to choose between looking good and doing good for the planet. Kind Bag deals in bold, bright tote bags, or you can take your pick from our Responsible Leather edit if a classic cross-body is more your style. Remember to pack a glass or steel water bottle and a reusable straw – oh, and don’t forget your lunch (more on that in a moment).

Timeout: things have got a bit messy

HOW CAN I CLEAN UP WITHOUT MAKING AN ENVIRONMENTAL MESS?

Stop the clock – someone (let’s not name names, but your dog is looking shifty, and everyone else you live with seems to be blind to spills) has flung orange juice across the floor, and there’s something sticky on the worktop. Rather than unwrap another new stack of sponges, reach for the kitchen roll or grab the usual no-idea-what’s-in-there anti-bac spray, you can use an e-cloth (with nothing but water) to clear up spills and fill – or refill – a Neat bottle with a fruity-smelling cleaning solution for the rest. We’re also a fan of the Laundress’ shiny-new take on a cleaning classic: vinegar – their version is scented.

6pm: time to tackle the laundry basket

HOW CAN I CARE FOR MY CLOTHES AND THE PLANET?

There are countless ways to cut down on the environmental impact of your clothes – choosing natural or organic fibres that don’t shed microplastics is a good place to start. The not-for-profit movement Fashion Revolution also cites a scary stat that 90% of our clothes are thrown away prematurely, partly because of poor laundry habits (including overwashing), and recommends being smarter about how we care for our clothes. The Lab Co specialises in kits and cleaners that help us all to take better care of our clothes and keep them looking as good as new. Between cycles, you can use The Lab Co’s sports mist to freshen clothes, and Attirecare’s denim set to keep your jeans away from the washing machine for longer.

7.30pm: get cooking

HOW CAN I CUT DOWN ON KITCHEN WASTE?

It’s scary how quickly the rubbish bin and recycling boxes can fill up with discarded packaging, cling film, and leftovers that languished in the fridge for just a little bit too long (if you have a habit of wasting food, we have plenty of tips here). Cook up something (no doubt) delicious in Le Creuset’s skillet, which is made with recycled ceramic and steel, then save some for lunch the next day in a sturdy lunchbox such as Black + Blum’s sleek steel number or Takenaka’s two-tiered version. You can also cut down on single-use plastic by bundling up your sandwiches, carefully wrapping cakes or covering jars in beeswax wraps as an alternative to cling film or foil.

10.30pm: pre-bed beauty

HOW CAN I CUT PLASTIC OUT OF MY BEAUTY ROUTINE?

Just before you settle down for beauty sleep, rid your nightly routine of any plastic and other eco enemies. If you started your day with planet-friendly beauty brands – we don’t doubt that you did – you’ll need to wash them off. Enter: Face Halo’s reusable, kind-to-skin pads, which remove make-up and dirt with water (or your favourite cleanser, if you prefer). Finally, replace your usual toothbrush with a biodegradable bamboo version from Truthbrushes (coming soon to selfridges.com), freshen up with British-made toothpowder from Georganics and rinse with the brand’s oil-pulling mouthwash. Night-night!

Earth-conscious alternatives

LET’S CHANGE THE WAY WE SHOP

Join us to discover the most exciting design innovations, retail concepts and thought-provoking ideas in sustainability, as we launch a series of new commitments set to radically change our business with the launch of Project Earth.

Discover Project Earth