Clean Green Kiwis

Kiwis pride themselves with trying their best to keep their environment healthy and clean. I think living so close to the ocean and forests will do that to you. Since living here I have been surprised at how much less waste (rubbish) we produce.  For rubbish pick-up each week we only have about one bag to put out and then a can for recycling (a wheelie bin). Back in the states it seemed like we would put out a full can of recycling and rubbish each week. I don't feel like we have made huge behavioural changes to create less rubbish. I guess it's because we don't have Costcos here. I do love Costco, but I think their product packaging creates a lot of excessive waste.

Back in the states I'd stopped using plastic grocery bags years ago and I love it. For a long time I have also wanted reusable bags for my produce. I've finally gotten around to buying some. I think they are great, but I find that my carrots don't keep as long in my fridge not being in a plastic bag. I will have to figure out a solution to that.

Also, I have become a little obsessed with vegan leather made from mushrooms. My daughters and I are going to figure out how we can grow our own vegan leather so we can sew bags out of it. These bags could replace plastic bags.

I am a big believer in picking up rubbish out on the streets and in nature. Often I am the crazy lady that picks up rubbish as she goes for a jog. I just can't stand rubbish junking up our neighbourhoods and nature. I feel like it is a simple service I can give to my community. We have taken many opportunities to join in on rubbish pick-up service projects. In a few weeks I will be taking the young women from my church on hike, and sure enough I will make them pick-up any rubbish they see.

The girls removing rubbish and non-native plants from stream.

One environmentally friendly behaviour I have added to my life is hanging our laundry out to dry. I've been pleasantly surprised at how satisfying it is to hang our clothes and see how quickly the sun and wind will dry them and all for free! Sure, it takes my time and energy. But, even my kids enjoy it.

"The answer my friend is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind."

Another environmentally friendly thing Kiwis do is when they are hosting a party they ask their guest to bring their own "take away containers." I've seen this at a few school events and community parties where food is available for purchase. Everyone coming is asked to bring their own containers to hold their food. I think this is so smart. It eliminates so much waste from disposable paper plates and plastic cutlery. And it makes the the party clean a breeze.

For years we have had "Meatless Monday Meals." I did it mostly for health. But, recently I have have been reading more on the benefits to the environment eating less meat can do. So, I have been doing a few meals a week as meatless. I have really tried to incorporate more veggie based recipes. I'm always looking for easy and satisfying veggie recipes.

Here's a good veggie recipe my mom shared with me.  We nicknamed it Veggie Confetti Casserole. 

I sure love this beautiful world we have to live on. I best do my part to keep it clean.

The chooks. Our environmentally friendly pest exterminators and garden fertilisers.