How the Howards dramatically reduced their rubbish
Can you imagine a family of five producing just one little bag of rubbish once a week? This Adelaide family did it. Here’s how.
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A small bag of rubbish a week in a household of five seems impossible — but that is what the Howards have achieved.
The Port Noarlunga South family live near the Onkaparinga river mouth, which Amber Howard, 34, says is constantly littered.
“My husband used to host Clean Up Australia Day here and just the amount of rubbish we used to get out of that is unbelievable,” she says.
So, two years ago, the family started with small changes to reduce their plastic consumption.
“The biggest advice is work with what you’ve got already,” Mrs Howard says.
“If you’ve got heaps of containers, don’t go getting rid of them just to replace them with jars.”
Slowly, her family replaced one item at a time with a more sustainable alternative.
“For instance, I had a pack of plastic razors, so I used those up slowly then replaced it with a stainless steel razor — I’m trying to do everything that way,” Mrs Howard says.
“It is more expensive at the time but it’s something you’ll have for ever — so, it’s cheaper in the long run.”
They also produce a lot of their own food and make natural deodorant and cleaning products.
“I’ve found recipes online and adapted them to my taste, like deodorant — I didn’t like the way it smelt, so I adapted it,” she says.
The oral health therapist won’t go so far as making toothpaste, but is looking forward to the release of toothpaste tablets.
The Howards recycle their soft plastic, as well as using stainless steel drink bottles and reusable produce bags.
“I usually go to a bulk food store called Suntralis Foods, for all my kids’ snacks and sweets, but then I go somewhere else for a fruit and veg,” Mrs Howard says.
“What I do find really challenging is we’re gluten and dairy-free — but finding gluten-free bread that doesn’t come in plastic bag is ridiculously hard.”
Their lifestyle is a perfect fit for Plastic Free July — a global movement to reduce our waste.
Onkaparinga Council is hosting workshops and activities through the month.
TIPS:
■ Replace one item at a time with a more sustainable item
■ Produce your own food
■ Find recipes for household products
■ Use stainless steel drink bottles
■ Buy reusable produce bags
■ Buy fruit and vegetables without packaging
■ Shop at greengrocers
■ Use compartmental lunch boxes instead of packaged snacks
Do you have an interesting story to share? Email tara.nash@news.com.au