10 tips for more sustainability in everyday family life
1. new mindset
Re-establish the mindset and communicate it to the children: We take care of the environment and our things - and repairing something is really cool. The longer something lives, the better. Keeping the value of something in mind is the motto.
2. bike instead of car
Instead of the car, we saddle up our bikes. We love our Christiania bike and would never give it up again. We use the cargo bike for shopping, waste disposal, transporting children and parcels and much more.
3rd holiday: Swap flats
Swap flats with like-minded families. It works wonderfully and everything the children need for their holidays is already on site. Friends of ours live in the city of Bern, we live in Chur. We meet at the Glarnerland service station, swap keys and go on holiday in each other's flats. Or another family member from our extended families goes on holiday with us while we are at the campsite.
4. second-hand clothes
Sew (or have sewn) a new, matching piece from old clothes that are still in good condition and are no longer worn often. Shop in second-hand shops(Kidis.ch), swap, re-wear and don't jump on every fashion hype. It is better to buy long-lasting, classic winter clothing(Rotauf.ch). Swap, pass on or rent well-preserved baby clothes at clothing exchanges(Miniloop.ch)
5. pimping old furniture
A carpenter can also breathe new or even different life into furniture that is already old. Pay consistent attention to the material. We love our felt sofa.
6. food directly from the farm
Draw up a weekly meal plan and only buy in bulk once a week. Preferably from a farm shop or directly from the farm, at the market or even home-grown. Consistently use glass packaging, refill whenever possible instead of buying new. We buy bread from the baker, meat from the butcher, cheese from the cheesemaker.
7. waste separation
Separate waste as far as possible (cardboard, plastic, green waste, bottles, cans, wood, etc.) and join forces with neighbours for disposal so that the trip to the waste disposal site only has to be once a month.
8. refill cosmetics
Refill conditioners, shampoos and other cosmetic products at the drugstore or pharmacy, use only handmade soaps and shave with a safety razor, i.e. with a retractable blade.
9. use mobile phones for as long as possible
It doesn't always have to be the latest mobile phone or tablet. It is better to use the same electronic device for as long as possible and have it repaired whenever possible. If the device has had its day and you need a new one, you can buy one with a clear conscience at Fairfones or hand in your old one there. Revendo refurbishes used Apple devices and sells them.
10. wooden toys
Buy toys made of wood. It is not only environmentally friendly, but also durable. The solid beech stall is particularly popular with us at the moment because all the children can play together and there are always new play situations.
