"Little Helpers pt. 2": Austrian family-blogger @diekleinebotin about sustainability

Once a week it’s time: we write a list of everyday items we have run out of. Time to go shopping!
Without fail our route takes us to the supermarket and the drug store. With kids the shopping marathon is not really a bundle of joy and in between shouts of „Mum. I want THAT!“ „I am HUNGRY!“ and “I am really HOT/COLD/BORED!“ we still have to get the shopping done without buying too many “extra” things.

Mistake #1: Setting off without a list.

A shopping list is a major help. Firstly, it helps us to stay focused and not forget anything despite the discussions at the sweets aisle and another good thing is that the kids can get in on the act. I like to set them tasks. Each of us gets their own shopping trolley and 3 things that they have to shop for and then off we go! Children who cannot read yet enjoy having a shopping list with drawings!

Mistake #2: Relying on appealing advertisements.

For me it is important to buy wisely. I want to know WHAT is actually contained in the product I purchase. Shopping for the things that a family needs every day is an important first step in my opinion and marks the start of your journey towards your own „sustainability“.
If we succeed in making a decision in the supermarket, which is not controlled by advertising, packaging design or brand loyalty, but is rather based on ecological criteria, then that is one giant step. It is a decision, which lies in our hands and can have a great impact at the end of the day.
And it feels really good: less packaging, less waste.

Mistake #3: Deducing the ingredients from the design of the packaging.

Just a moment – this is not particularly easy! Of course, I want to be able to fall back on practical and helpful things in everyday life as well.
At the supermarket or at the farmers‘ market this works really well with food stuff but it becomes much more of a challenge with toiletries for daily life.
It is worth taking a critical look at the list of ingredients. My first rule: „The fewer the amount of ingredients, the better!“
So if the list appears endlessly long and cannot be deciphered without having studied chemistry, I tend to stay away from the product. With some products, it can be helpful to consult an App for advice to decode the ingredients. These Apps can offer practical advice. With textile products, however, like wet wipes for example, they are very often stumped for an answer, particularly when it comes to the carrier material.

It is in our hands. #ItsInOurHands.