When went on holiday in May, and whilst we were in the airport (we paid a company to offset our carbon, which was pretty great) we got chatting about the different things people are doing to help the environment. Among us, we have all switched to various reusable products, and started shopping in refill shops etc. I turned to my other half, and asked the question that was buzzing around our little group – if everyone made changes like this, how long would it take to undo the damage that has been done? He responded, with a sad sigh, that we probably never could. Not to dishearten us, and look down on our efforts, as it’s something he’s really passionate about, but he explained that as long as big companies and corporations are destroying the rain forests, emitting mass amounts of C02, and polluting the earth with plastics, then our efforts would most likely make little difference.
This really stuck with me. It inspired me – how could I do more? How could the rest of us do more? I already know so many people who are trying hard, and all of sudden, it seems it’s not enough. I then became frustrated, because everywhere you look you see plastic bottles being used as if they are going out of fashion; straws; plastic wrapped fruit and veg; the list goes on.
I had to find something else to do, on top of the changes I’ve already made. Then I had a light bulb moment.
Step one – Find the Greenpeace list of the world’s worst plastic polluters – this also turned into a list of world’s worst palm oil users.
Step two – Research the companies to find out as much as I possibly can about their environmental impact.
Step three – write emails to all of the companies that I could find enough information about, telling them just what I think of their disgusting behaviour, and that I will be boycotting them, and send those emails once a both till we see a change.
Step four – Make a boycott list
Step five – Tell you lovely lot all about it!
Interestingly enough, I found that a lot of the companies crossed over onto both of the lists. It certainly made the research and the emails easier. In total there are twelve emails that I’ll be sending every month to the following companies –
- Coca-Cola
- Pepsi
- Proctor and Gamble
- Nestle
- Hershey
- Unilever
- Mars Inc
- Kellogg’s
- Mondelez International
- Colgate
- Heinz
- General Mills
- L’Oreal
I will also be writing to my local council, supermarkets and place of employment, about various changes should be making.
I’ll be sending my first lot of emails out on the 1st of August. I hope that I get some responses, look out for an update next month!
Also…
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Categories: Eco Friendly, sustainable living, Uncategorized
Hi lovely, just signed up to your news letter and caught up on loads of your blog posts. Myself and Gary are starting to make an effort to be more eco friendly and plastic free. It’s in it’s infant stages so your blog has definitely given me food for thought.
I decided to start off in the bathroom as there is a load of plastic waste there. It’s a bit of a mixed result. I have swopped to soap instead of shower gel. It was delivered plastic free and smells amazing. The shampoo bar is taking some getting used to. I need to was my hair less which is proving difficult as my hair is protesting in the form of a big claggy clump after day three. Deodorant. Strange one here. I switched to a deodorant paste and as I’m used to an anti perspirant spray (and it can only be Dove as I has sensitive underarms) I am conscious of my smell. I can still smell me and I’m not used to that. Plus I have an irritation under my right arm only when using it so I’m back to the Dove for now until I find something new.
There are a few other things I have switched to and some coming in the post to up my plastic free/a bit more eco friendly attempt (I think I just like shopping online in reality and this way I feel less guilty)
So, in conclusion, keep on doing what you do. (It’s very brave you taking on big companies like that) and I will look forward to your next update.
Thank you! It’s great to become more aware, and even the little changes can make a difference! I just hope more people start to think like you two!
Handy still, even a year later!
Sadly, it doesn’t appear to be changing much!