My word of the year for 2025 - and I said that I wanted it to reflect the way my life impacts others. and the things that impact me.
Here are three groups I have come across recently who are making an impact, which I think are worth sharing. Thank you Kezzie for sending me the links to the first two, which I am more than happy to share
- repairing a rip in a waterproof coat = saves 45kg CO₂ emissions= 300 washes in the machine
- repairing a hole in a wool jumper = 16kg CO₂ = leaving a lightbulb on for 50 days
- repairing a cotton teeshirt = 7.5kg CO₂ = ironing for 25 hours
The message is clear, MEND IT, DON'T BIN IT!
second - Saathi Pads are not available to us in the UK - but what a genius idea for using the waste from the banana harvest! and the potential impact to the environment is amazing
finally - a book company I have recently started using. Awesome Books, whose strapline is "Making an impact with every book"
- you buy one - we give one- how good is that?
I use Awesome too as, like you, I prefer to buy second hand. However, i have my concerns about their "Buy one, give one" policy. I worked in libraries in Nigeria when I was younger and we used to receive vast quantities of second hand books which were of no use at all. They were often outdated and not suited to an African situation. Things may have improved but this may just be a ploy to make the company look good. Sorry, I'm a bit of a cynic on this one.
ReplyDeleteThat's a valid point, and I shall try to check it out.
DeleteAll great ideas which will have a huge impact! I often find books on World Of Books or similar ones! Very useful and slightly cheaper than buying new, sometimes, much cheaper.
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DeleteI've just checked out sojo and awesome. They look - awesome!
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DeleteI think you make an impact on all of us who read your blog. Thank you for sharing all this information. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Bless 💕
DeleteI have bought a few of my second-hand books via Awesome Books recently, they have very distinctive packaging. I love watching the 'how to repair' various sewn items on Instagram and YouTube, the comments that say 'You shouldn't use red thread to mend those jeans!' etc make me smile as everyone else rushes to let the commenter know that it's so we can see how invisible the mend actually is when done. I do think that happily there is a swing in the direction of repairing all sorts of things these days.
ReplyDeleteThe comments are a scream sometimes. You wonder if they just type without thinking...
DeleteI guess those of us who are older grew up with the idea of mending garments, but also there was more time. Those who are working outside the home have enough to do to try to take the time to make nutritious meals rather than buying preprepared ones. I remember years ago another member of the parish council, who had 3 children, turning up for a meeting with a large bag of mending, stating unashamedly that she needed to get it done and that was the only time she had. I was impressed.
ReplyDeleteI think it is good if we who have more time can offer to help busy people by doing mending for them. We need to learn to share resources and gifts more. Years ago I gave an older woman from church a lift in my car "Is there anything I can do to help you?" she asked. I said I was really busy, and needed to take a cake into school the following week - so she produced a lovely home-made one for me.
DeleteI always buy my books secondhand, we have a fabulous Oxfam bookshop in Belper which I donate to as well. Otherwise I ask on our local FB recycling site and our own residents site if anyone wants them. Xx
ReplyDeleteI love CS which have a theme - often it is books, sometimes vintage clothing, Salisbury used to have a good CS dedicated to childrenswear, toys and baby equipment. And the BigC Craft Emporium in Wymondham is an excellent source of well sorted crafting materials., as is Re:Make in Crieff Scotland. Very often these secondhand books and goods are barely used, but a fraction of the 'new' price.
DeleteThanks for the links to the various sites who speak my language-reduce, re-use, recycle. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you can recommend excellent re-use shops near you, Catriona. And N. will be putting many old tools and discarded wood etc to good use at his Men's Shed. This is our language, and we must spread the word.
DeleteI think the Saathi pads are a brilliant idea as a bi product of the banana skin.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of Awsome books, but I will take a look at them now. I have used WOB for a few years and been happy with them.
Sojo also have the right idea to repair and reuse clothing instead of throwing things away.
Thank you for bringing these three organisations to my attention.
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