I'm loving the 'OSOF (Our Seas Our Future) Sustainable Me Challenge'. Each month this year we will be challenged to test out an environmentally friendly behaviour that in some way impacts ocean health. It gives us the challenge to try something new for the month and decide if we want to adopt it more in our lives. January's challenge was to stay away from one use plastic and styrofoam when eating out, February was to drive less, March was to avoid micro plastic and other chemicals in personal products, April was to preserve some fresh produce and May was to reduce our energy usage.  It's great to try a new challenge and take something out of it to use in our everyday life.  Why not join in!

This month's challenge is an interesting one, it's to reduce non-recyclable paper tissue waste!  I've never really worried about paper tissue waste, I've never thought about what happens to it after it's used.  I didn't realise that is wasn't recycled somehow.  And did you know that it's normally made from virgin pulp directly from trees?  Because it can't be recycled that paper only has one single use and then ends up in the landfill!  It's sad to think a huge amount of trees can provide tissue paper and nothing else, it seems such a waste of trees. 

Also making paper uses a lot of water as well as harsh chemicals to attain that pure white look.  OSOF say choosing and using re-useable cloth saves water, reduces the number of trees that need to be harvested to support your lifestyle, and reduces landfill inputs. All of these things add up to a healthier, more sustainable world.

We're going to stop using tissues and use hankies all the time, go back to cloth serviettes and use loo paper more sparingly.  How about you, are you keen to try this month's challenge?
 

Here's What The Challenge Suggests:

Beginner: Find a handkerchief and use it! Better yet, find a bunch of them so you can always have a clean one on hand.

Step it up: Already using a handkerchief or just want to boost this month’s challenge? Add in cloth napkins if you use paper ones, and/or ditch paper towels. Use loo paper that is made from recycled paper, there are a few available now.  These are other examples of problematic single-use paper items that end up in landfills.

Want more? Re-evaluate all your home disposable paper use – switch to 100% recycled or bamboo toilet paper, make your own cloth wet wipes (not just for babies), or if you’re feeling really brave, try washable cloth toilet paper, hmmm not sure I'm quite up to that level!

See the OSOF website to read more tips

Read more about:

• The Sustainable Me Challenge
• January Challenge - reducing one use plastic
• February Challenge - drive less
• March Challenge - reduce personal care product footprint
• April Challenge - preserve fresh produce
• May Challenge - reduce energy usage

Check out the eco-friendly items in our online store!