I can:
- make less plane journeys (and COVID is supporting me with that one!).
- use things until they wear out, buy organic and local where I can.
- re-use and repair/ buy second-hand.
- pick up rubbish and make sure it goes in the bin and not the ocean.
- use water carefully, being mindful of when the tap is full on.
- buy less plastic and remember to take my reusable shopping bag.
- use less electricity by drying my clothes on the line and turning off light switches.
- plant trees and treat my little patch of soil with care.
- choose natural products in my home.
And if you’re rolling your eyes at this, I should tell you that actually, this is the life I always dreamt of living! Hanging the washing out on the line to the sound of birds, picking fresh salad from the garden for dinner, walking around my local community instead of being in the car – actually these are all things that make my life feel better and more enjoyable too.
I really believe that taking action myself in all these small ways will make a difference. If my son sees me being resilient, finding creative solutions and ‘walking the talk’, hopefully he will be inspired to do the same.
If you feel like you need some inspiration, or you’d like to share this journey, head over to my website where I tell the story of making, growing, cooking, and creating.
Deborah Hide-Bayne is a writer, photographer, artist and keen amateur cook. She lives in the Coromandel with her husband, her son, four chickens, one cat and 20 goldfish. She is the author of Coastal, living the coastal life, cooking for the coastal table.
