Do you feel like you’re living life in a whirlwind? Is everyday rushed and frantic? Are you constantly struggling to keep on top of daily life? Do you wish you could live a simpler, more stress-free life that’s kinder both to you and to the environment?
Well, you’re not alone. Many people are getting fed up of the hectic pace at which we live our lives and want to make their home environments and lifestyles simpler. Here are a few ways in which you can take inspiration from days gone by to simplify family life whilst having a positive impact on the environment:
Transport
Almost every family today has at least one car but 60 years ago, only the wealthy would have had their own transport. Think about the journeys you make and rather than automatically jumping into the car, try cycling or walking instead. Not only is this better for your health but will help cut your carbon emissions too.
Clothes
Whether the buttons have fallen off your shirt or you just feel like something new to wear for a night out, it’s become normal to buy new clothes on a regular basis. Rather than mending clothes, we choose to buy new ones and with low prices and more choice than ever before, most of us have wardrobes bulging with cheap items that are only worn a handful of times. In the past, people cared for their clothes a lot more carefully and would mend items rather than replace them. By investing in fewer but better quality items, you’ll have a more stylish wardrobe and feel less stressed when deciding what to wear. And in addition you’ll be helping the environment by reducing the number of textiles sent to landfill and help cut the energy used in producing new clothes.
Recycling
In more frugal times, nothing was thrown away if it could be reused or repurposed. Think about the things you throw away and see if there is a new use for them. For example, empty jam jars can be washed and used as pretty flower containers, old envelopes can be used as scrap paper and empty boxes can be given to children for craft projects.
Cooking
Today we throw away more food than ever before. Of course, during the wartime rationing of the 1940s and 50s, many ingredients were incredibly scarce and people simply wouldn’t have dreamt of throwing food away. Today’s supermarkets and convenience food makes it easier than ever to buy and throw away food. Try making a food plan for the week, just as households in the 1940s and 50s would have done and then you will only need to buy the ingredients that you know you are going to use. Not only will this save you money and cut waste but could also lead to a healthier diet as you plan nutritious home cooked food rather than relying on ready-meals and takeaways.
Of course, many aspects of life in the 1940s and 50s were much tougher than today and it’s great that we have access to mod-cons and luxury items that make life easier but if you’re looking for easy ways to make your home environment and lifestyle simpler and more relaxed, then these by-gone eras may have lessons to offer.
For more information about creating a green family lifestyle, visit: www.futurefriendly.co.uk
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