How to Make an Environmental & Healthy Difference

Shelley Gawith, Functional Nutrition

So I thought it was worthwhile to take a moment to think about what we can do?

Why?

Well for example if you did the 31 day challenge over Christmas you would have learnt how plastics are impacting your health. It's impacting all of us directly or indirectly, via our health or via our environment.

It can feel really overwhelming but on the evening show with Miriama (https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/sundays-miriama-kamo-shares-her-zero-waste-journey) she shared the 6 r's:

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle - Refuse - Replace - Rot

Vicky Robertson, Chief Executive and Secretary for the Ministry for the Environment said, "Sometimes it can feel really overwhelming about where to start. I said to my sister on the weekend, this whole zero waste thing feels too hard. And she very rightly said but that's how changing your diet can feel for some people but you would just tell your clients to do one thing. Not do it all over night. That one thing ... whether it's reducing sugar, gluten, dairy, adding in good fats and not snacking in between meals, can have a big impact on your body and health as we all know."

I suggest either starting with a re useable coffee cup or taking a look in your fridge or pantry like what we had everyone do in the 31 day Shelley Says So challenge: What are you using to store your ingredients and leftover meals in?

Do you use a lot of plastic in your house?

Today, I want you to consider your plastic use. Then, if you are up to it, start switching to using glass containers and jars. My favourite is to recycle jars from spreads and to use them to stores nuts and seeds in. If you feel really inspired, go through your whole pantry and make the switch to glass storage containers. Have a look at what sort of containers you are taking your leftover dinner to work in. Remember, if you are heating up food, you don’t want the plastic melting into your food. Glass containers are the BEST.

Also for those of you who have already nailed this, as this was in last year's challenge, let's take it to the next step. What are you wrapping your food up in? This year can you make your own or invest in some beeswax wraps. They are amazing and can easily be brought online or from Commonsense Organics. I love mine. Making food wrapping is so easy and now I don't even own any other plastic wraps. BAGS: what sort of bags are using? I have to admit I did like the ease of plastic bags as I was (and sometimes still am) forgetting my re useable bags. I was very lucky to have a client give me some beautiful re useable bags for Christmas. I walk lots, so now I keep one in my bag all the time, otherwise, I tell clients to keep extras in their cars, so they always have one on hand. Also are you bulk bin buyer? Over Christmas I purchased from Good Housekeeping on Cuba Street in Wellington, the cutest re useable bags that you can use for all your bulk bin purchases. They can easily be watched too. We've already talked about hydration, but what bottles are you using? Plastic or glass bottles? Here's another easy swap you can make if you haven't already.

Remember it's starting wherever you are at, there is no pressure, just start small than build on this! Would love to hear any other swaps you have made to reduce plastic in your lives

👉Sign Up for My Online Course - 3 Steps to Finding your Personal Power Foods at https://shelleygawith.com/3-steps-your-foods