Findings: LITTLE PEBBLES

Located in Kensington Market

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

Maybe it's where I am but I think the world is changing. Or the world is changing so quickly now and we can no longer ignore it. There are more conversations being had about how we can be kinder to the planet we are lucky enough to call home.

When we are children, we are taught the three R's. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Some of us remember it better than others. I can't claim to remember these R's the best. Over the past year or so, I have tried to make more conscious moves to be a little kinder to our planet. Here's what I've done (and maybe what you can do too):

1. Muji pen box, teaspoon, tea fork - I wanted something really small and easy to fit into my bags. I've been carrying this spoon and fork set for a little while now. (The pen box is new.) I put together a set because I was always taking plastic spoons and forks from work for lunch. I often brought my own food but I didn't bring my own utensils because it was bigger and less convenient to bring around. This small set is compact and convenient. I also put a piece of candy and Pepto Bismol with it. 
2. Metal straw from Bulk Barn - We started a no-straws challenge at work. It was what pushed me towards buying a set from Bulk Barn. I don't often drink using straws. I have no qualms drinking from the cup, which I do more often. However, there are certain drinks like smoothies that call for the straw. Now I have a metal one. 
3. 12oz KeepCup - I've talked about this before in another blog post. I love the look of KeepCups. They're adorable. As a barista, I like that they're standard barista sizes. They're very easy to clean. Every piece of the KeepCup can be taken apart to wash.
4. 18oz KleanKanteen - I have a bigger 27oz KleanKanteen that I put with my yoga stuff. I like it for long hikes and higher intensity physical activity. I wanted a smaller one for day-to-day though. My fragile composition demands that I stay hydrated. It's the easiest way for me to get a migraine and heatstroke in the summer. It's crucial to me that I have water with me at all times. A reusable water bottle is the easiest way to do just that. 
5. Baggu shopping bag - This little guy folds out into a big bag that holds up to 50lbs. It is amazing for groceries. It's easy to stroll away in my bag in case I do any less minute grocery shopping or just shopping.

Not pictured: 

I've done some other things in the past years to try to reduce my carbon footprint.

1. Since January, I have started a no-new-clothes challenge. I'm allowed to thrift and shop local designers but I cannot buy new clothes from fast fashion giants. So far, it's gone pretty well. I have bought a pair of Blundstones, made an order at Aritzia and bought a sweater at a King Krule concert but this is a significant improvement for me. 
2. I have been using a DivaCup for close to three years now. I'm a few weeks shy. It has made my period a lot easier to manage. I don't think about my period very much anymore.
3. My most recent adjustment is Knixwear Leakproof panties. Period panties. This is something I've considered off and on for a while. With my medication and body, there is still leakage from the DivaCup so I always end up using liners or pads anyway. I had considered Thinx for a while but they're very pricey. Knixwear is a local brand and their Leakproof panties are way more affordable. So far, I've been enjoying them. They feel great, dry, works. 

These are some of what I've been doing. I'm still learning. There's a lot I do that's not environmentally great. I'm trying. It's a process. I am not trying to be waste-free. I don't think I'm that ambitious. I am just trying to be better. I hope more people join me.