Q&A: Ethical Choices and Minimal-Waste Living

Questions Answered: Ethical Choices & Minimal-Waste Living 

Note: I'm delighted to be co-writing this post with my delightful housemate Ingrid Bartkowiak (pictured right). Ingrid is my primary role model in pursuing a minimal-waste life, and never ceases to inspire me with her reverence for nature and commitment to eco-friendly, ethical living. She works for Biome and is in her final year of a Fine Arts degree at QCA. You can check out her stunning painting and jewellery work on her website.

Hi humans! Kate and Ingrid here. We're your dorky friends who refuse plastic straws when we go out for drinks and ask the sushi vendor if they wouldn't mind putting it in this container we prepared earlier. Why be so dorky, you ask? Firstly cause it's fun. But also because we value the planet and the people, animals, and plants that live on it.

For the last three-ish years, we (independently and together) have been making a bunch of changes to our daily lifestyles to minimise the negative impact they have on the world. Neither of us feels like we're doing a very good job of it, and there's still a lot of things we'd love to improve on, but we hope we're moving in a positive direction.

Lots of you lovely humans out there have asked us questions about the changes we've been making, and little things you can do to reduce waste in your own lifestyle. Hopefully this Q&A blog post will help!

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When did you start pursuing minimal-waste living and what was the catalyst?

Ingrid: Towards the end of my final year of high school, I started working at Biome Eco Stores. In that environment, I was exposed to a lot of information on how our choices impact the planet, and ways to choose zero-waste and ethical alternatives. Then in 2015, while on a family holiday to Stradbroke Island, I had a chance to hear Dr Kathy Townsend speak about what plastic was doing to our oceans. Getting home from that trip sparked a lot of big changes for our family - getting Keep Cups, reusable sandwich wraps, etc. and brainstorming other ways to reduce waste. I came across the Plastic Free July challenge in the lead-up to planning my 18th birthday party, and thought it could be a cool challenge to plan a big event like this without impacting the environment negatively. By the end of 2015 I was trying to make plastic-free living one of my priorities on a daily basis.


Kate: In mid-2015, I read Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si' on caring for our common home. In this book, the Pope talks about with climate change, poverty, refugees, pollution, and a host of other issues. He traces them back to the attitudes of the human heart, and invites us to "ecological conversion". I had always loved animals, service projects for the disadvantaged, and being out in nature, but this encyclical was the first kick-up-the-backside to make me seriously consider the impact my choices were having on the planet and the poor. I was also able to attend a couple of events talking about the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which made me feel the need to be part of the broader narrative of ethical-environmental policy change. The next year I met Ingrid, who introduced me to Plastic Free July and kept me accountable to making positive changes.

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What are the key areas you've made changes in?

The big thing that both of us have consciously changed is our approach to self-education and the attitudes we have towards consumption and production. It's important to make yourself aware of things like:

• workers not being paid a fair wage, and the use of child labour
• animal welfare and livestock trafficking
• waste toxicity, especially near slums, and the exportation of rubbish overseas
• the impact of fossil fuels on the atmosphere
• climate refugees forced to leave their homes due to rising sea levels and natural disasters
• the pollution of drinking water in regions where supplies are scarce to begin with
• the aggregation of rubbish in the ocean and its impact on wildlife
• the burning down and levelling of forested areas for building materials or human living spaces
• the environmental impact of mass-production in the meat and dairy industries
• the environmental impact of poor-quality materials in the fashion industry

In this blog post, we're going to take a look at five key areas in which we've taken these issues into consideration, and try to do things differently to how we used to:

1) Food shopping, cooking and storage
2) Clothing, fashion and footwear
3) Bathroom and hygiene
4) Skin care and makeup
5) Work-related purchasing

Keep in mind, this isn't a comprehensive list of eco-friendly changes you can make. We don't, for instance, discuss electricity usage, transportation, investments, career choices, or advocacy. But there's so much scope to choose ethical and eco-friendly alternatives in these fields too!

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Okay, this sounds like a big and challenging overhaul. Where do I start?

I: Look at your bins. Every week we all throw stuff out, recycle other stuff, and send it off for someone else to deal with. Identifying and reducing what goes into the red bin is an important starting place - see what you could be recycling, what you could be cutting back on, and what you could replace with a more environmentally-friendly alternative.

K: Look at your budget. I'm a big advocate of voting with your dollar. Every cent we spend says to an industry that we do or do not support it. I want to make my dollar-vote count in supporting things that are ethical and environmentally responsible! Have a think both about quantity and quality: how much do I spend on different things? do I believe in the values of the businesses I'm purchasing from? am I aware of their supply chains?

Try asking yourself, "Do I consume goods and produce waste which could be universalised without destroying the planet?" If the answer is no, what's one way you could start working towards that goal?

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What's different about the way you shop for, cook, and store food?

K: When I started rethinking the way I bought food in 2016, I realised how much more fun it was to go to the markets than to go to the supermarket. I could talk to vendors who had grown the fruit themselves, enjoy live busking, and take in the sights and smells of a really fun place. Food mileage is a really important concept to think about - the carbon footprint of fruit from Queensland is so much smaller than that of imports from the other side of the world! If you can buy locally grown, try to.
That year I was vegan (I've since gone back to just vegetarianism due to health issues), so I didn't have to think about animal rights when it came to purchasing meat. However, if you do eat meat try to think about whether you can cut down a bit, and also whether what you're purchasing has been treated ethically. I don't think everybody has to go vegan or vegetarian, but it's good to recognise the impact that meat and dairy have on the planet, and to eliminate these where you feel able to.

The other big consideration when purchasing food is what it comes in. Food packaging is the worst for single-use plastic, especially if you're buying a lot of processed food. A good way to get around this is by choosing fresh, whole foods that don't come in packaging at all - bring your own produce bags (my mum sewed me some for Christmas!) to put everything in.

I: When we think about ways to reduce food-related waste, we often just look at the choices we make in the supermarket. However, we also produce a fair amount of waste by using unnecessary products like glad wrap, baking paper, and disposable takeaway containers. Instead of using glad wrap on leftovers, put them in a container or cover them with a reusable beeswax wrap; use a silicone mat instead of baking paper. Check out what's going in your kitchen bins - try composting food scraps, and make sure everything that's recyclable is going in recycling, because Brisbane City Council has got a really comprehensive scheme.

Having a stainless steel lunchbox for uni is great because packing food is way cheaper. If I'm at uni for a long time and run out of food, I can always wash out the container and go get sushi in my own container. Also a handy hint for when you're out and about or traveling: packing a cutlery set, a sandwich wrap and even a small container if you can fit it. Bring a reusable water bottle everywhere, and a keep cup if you're a coffee drinker. If you're on an airplane and they give you plastic cutlery, keep it and use it for the rest of your trip. Say no to plastic straws!

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What's your approach to fashion and footwear?

I: This was difficult at first because I'd just graduated from high school. After years of wearing a uniform every day, all of a sudden I had to choose outfits and develop a workable wardrobe. It was tricky not to just impulse buy. However, in senior economics I'd learned about the impacts of fast fashion, the pros and cons of different fabrics types, and cost expectations with regards to ethics. This meant that I could ask questions like "If this only costs $20, how much did the maker get paid?" The principles I try to keep in mind are: (1) only buying things that will last a long time both in terms of quality and fashion; (2) only buying things that are multipurpose and I know I'll get a lot of wear out of; (3) only buying things that have transparent and ethical supply chains. It's nice to be getting to a point where I've got a wardrobe that I'm pretty happy with, so I don't feel the need to keep adding to it.

K: I'm a huge fan of op shops! I find the ethics of supply chains and worker pay really stressful to think about, so I tend to just avoid mainstream shopping where I can. If I'm buying second-hand, I know I'm not contributing to the consumer cycle. Plus my dollars are heading to a charity I want to support. A thing I really want to learn more about is material quality and the impact that synthetic fabrics have on the environment. Ingrid's been teaching me about the microplastic particles that come off polyester every time you wash it and eventually end up in the ocean. I think in the long run I'd love to base my wardrobe more around cotton, wool, and bamboo rather than synthetic materials.

I: We forgot to talk about shoes! This one really depends on your stance on leather. In my own experience, I find that a good-quality pair of leather shoes will last a long time, and I'd rather invest in that than lots of cheap synthetic pairs that have to be replaced every six months. I personally am a fan of Rollies, Birkenstocks, and Saltwater sandals. The fewer pairs of shoes the better - it makes it easier to decide what shoes to wear each day if they go with everything you own!

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What does your bathroom look like?

K: It's really pretty simple. We've just managed to eliminate all plastic from our shower (yay!) by both having metal safety razors, Ethique shampoo bars, and bar soap instead of liquid. Toothbrushes are bamboo rather than plastic (these are just as cheap and can be composted at the end of their life); we get our toilet paper in bulk from the great brand Who Gives a Crap (and then make pyramids out of it)

I: Just to expand on a few of those things: metal razors really do stand the test of time - mine is my grandfather's! All you have to replace is the blade, or you can even just sharpen it. Making your own toothpaste can be a great way to eliminate single-use plastic from the bathroom, but you really have to consult your dentist about this first. I also make my own deodorant because I don't react to bi-carb as badly as Kate does. I also recently got a foaming soap dispenser for hand soap, because it means we go through way less of it. Hand soap is liquid castille soap which you can buy in bulk at Biome.

K: The other thing to consider (if you're a woman) is the impact of your period on the environment. So many feminine hygiene products have hectic amounts of plastic wrapping involved. I switched over to a menstrual cup a few years ago and have no regrets - it's WAY cheaper in the long run, a lot simpler than having to keep supplies on hand, and, once you're used to it, a lot more comfortable.

I: Or, if you're not a fan of that option, you can always go for a few pairs of Thinx undies and Hannah cloth pads. These solutions are surprisingly easy to manage - just soak them and then chuck them in with the rest of your laundry.

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What's your approach to skin care and makeup? 

I: Well this one has been a long time coming, mainly because it's best to use up old products before you buy anything new. I'm lucky working at Biome in that I often get to test new environmentally-friendly products out, and I've found a few I really like: ecominerals foundation made in Byron Bay (you can get refills for this rather than having to buy new containers); a wooden eyeliner pencil by Inika; compostable konjac sponges for washing your face; moisturiser by Earthly Organics that comes in a glass jar. I also make my own products like lip balm, makeup remover  - some good ingredients to have on hand are coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax beads, charcoal, bentonite clay, and essential oils. If you've got old beauty containers, Biome recycles these, so send them in!

K: I pretty much gave up make-up when I got home from Jamberoo Abbey six weeks ago. My skin is honestly feeling so much healthier without anything on it! I've struggled with acne since I was in high school, so the temptation is always to cover it up during the day and then attack it with products at nighttime - but I think this mostly worsens it, for me at least. Instead, I'm opting for a naked-faced-without-shame approach: wash face morning and night with water and a washcloth, pop a bit of baby powder or tea tree oil on angry spots, always wear sunscreen if I'm hiking - but literally nothing else unless I'm going somewhere fancy. This means that what's left of my dubiously-ethical makeup products will hopefully last a long time.

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How do you navigate the challenges of minimal-waste living in regards to your career?

I: For me, this is one of the hardest areas to reconcile with my values. As an artist, I have to use supplies that generate a lot of waste and are generally produced without much concern for the environment. I'm on a journey to try and figure out more ethical solutions. I've started making my own boards to paint on rather than buying them - this takes a lot of time, but it's way cheaper and I'm able to get FSC certified wood. I always check that the paper I'm buying is FSC certified and recycled where possible - there's a great brand that makes watercolour paper using the offcuts from cotton t-shirts. There's also an attitude shift involved: choosing to be grateful for your materials, and conserving them where possible, rather than taking anything for granted. I'm hoping that in the next few years we'll see a bigger market for eco-friendly arts supplies as other people choose to be conscious of the resources they're using.

K: Working as a youth minister is another tricky area to try and pursue minimal-waste solutions. A lot of the time you've got a tight budget and you're pressed for time - it's a lot easier to get cheap solutions from places that don't trace their supply chain, buy snacks in plastic packaging, and print off hundreds of pages of content on the super-quick parish office printer. A few steps I've taken to try and minimise the environmental impact of our youth group include: getting reusable cups for water/cordial and washing them rather than throw them out each week; making sure to bring cloth bags when I shop for food and materials; minimising plastic-wrapped products in favour of fresh foods like carrot sticks and bulk popcorn; talking about earth issues with our young people; having youth group prayer outside sometimes to become aware of things like birdsong and sunsets; not using air conditioning, etc.

I'm also blessed to be part of an Archdiocesan subcommittee called Living Laudato Si' that meets monthly to discuss the encyclical and look towards the future of a more eco-friendly, ethical Church. We're hoping to put together resources for parishes and ministries to take positive steps in prioritising the planet and the poor. Message me if you want to find out more!

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Easiest swaps to make? 

Oh look! We made you a pretty picture to answer this question!


















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What's been the hardest?

K: I think the hardest thing to navigate is the cost-ethics-health triangle when it comes to food. In 2016, I tried going vegan, and by December I was exhausted, nutrient-depleted, and forced to go back to plain vegetarianism. Even as a vego, you still face the challenge of sourcing protein that doesn't come in plastic - tofu and meat replacements tend to be highly packaged. I find myself discouraged sometimes when I hear reports about the environmental impact of things like almonds or the economic quandaries of quinoa. I think the reality is that unless you're growing every single thing you consume, you can't really guarantee that you're eating ethically.

I: The hardest product to swap out was shampoo, because it's tricky to find ethical, plastic-free shampoo bars that actually work for your hair type. I'm so happy with the Ethique brand - they can be pretty pricey, but if you get them on a good special from somewhere like Conscious Kin it doesn't have to break the budget. Probably the hardest lifestyle changes are things like taking shorter showers - where you have to fight that instinct to be comfortable - and navigating being an artist without destroying the planet.

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What are your current goals for ethical & eco-friendly living?

I: I'd love to be able to go completely waste-free when it comes to food, but this is hard in a household of six people with different dietary preferences. I also want to be more aware of where products are coming from and their ethical impact, especially when making big purchases like a new piece of technology. It would be cool to investigate non-mainstream ways of doing this, like getting technology second-hand.

K: Consistency. When I'm feeling calm and balanced, I choose ethically 99% of the time. But that percentage drastically drops if I'm in a hurry or trying to juggle a million things. I think that's the case for a lot of people: the world keeps moving, and sometimes you just want to choose easy rather than thoughtful. Walking reverently and living softly is a beautiful concept shared by a lot of different aboriginal peoples throughout the world. I think I want to rush less so that I have the presence of mind to make better and more loving choices.

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But seriously. You guys are just two people making some marginal changes. Do you think it actually makes a difference?

I: Yes and no. But more yes than no. The thing is, there really is a ripple effect. I've had friends come up to me and say, "you were talking about plastic, and now I think about it when I do this". The only way you can pass it on is by making those little changes, because you never know who you might end up impacting. It's pretty cool as well to see change happening at a bigger scale. Working at Biome I've been blown away by the way the ABC series "War on Waste" changed things - we sold out of Keep Cups for six weeks! That kind of nationwide change is so encouraging.

K: Even the fact that Australian supermarkets are getting rid of plastic bags on July 1st - that's pretty incredible, and it shows that we do have a desire and the capacity to make a difference. The other thing for me is a concept that Pope Francis touches on really well in Laudato Si': "We have only one heart." The attitudes that make us disregard the environment and the poor are also eventually going to show up in how we treat those closest to us, how we treat God, how we feel about our own identity. The more I can make 'marginal changes' that teach me how to love the world and others more, the more loving a person I will eventually become, I hope.

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Final thoughts?

K: I reckon one of the most important things you can do is just spend quality time with nature and other humans. It's hard to completely rewrite your purchasing instincts for something you don't care about! At the end of the day, I want to choose ethical and eco-friendly options not out of slavery to some standard, but out of love for God's creation and every beautiful human that walks to face of this earth. The best way to remind myself what it's all about can be as simple as exploring a national park, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or simply sitting still on the verandah to watch the cockatoos.

I: Keep a positive outlook. Human beings are actually pretty amazing, and we don't have to make everything doom and gloom. Don't let the horrible facts keep you from living a full life. Eventually you learn to weight things up - like a passion for travel, or art - and realise that the occasional slip-up isn't the end of the world. We shouldn't ever shame people for not living an eco-friendly life, because everyone has their own things going on. It's better just to make changes where you're able and to help people if they also want to make those changes.

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That was a lot of information. Can you summarise plz?

• Look at your budget and your bins to see what changes you can make
• Swap out single-use plastic for reusable alternatives
• Choose locally grown, plastic-free food
• Choose ethical and environmentally responsible clothing and footwear
• Opt for bathroom and skincare products with less packaging and better ingredients
• Expose yourself to current affairs issues, the beauty of nature, and the needs of the poor
• Be merciful to yourself and take baby steps as you attempt to make positive changes.

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Okay, that's all!

Lots of love
Ingrid and Kate xxx


AMDG