I have often thought that if people in first world countries stopped buying new ‘stuff’ we would all have enough to last us a very long time, by swapping, fixing and upcycling. I was the youngest of a large family of nine – my mother was already a grandmother and in her late 40s when I was born, and because of this, I learned the wisdom of an older generation. To me, it seems as if we have come full circle, from a sterile, disposable, plastic lifestyle, to one with natural, biodegradable and reusable products.
In my mother’s era, it was a case of needs must, adapt or die – people didn’t have a choice. Those of us who are mindful of our environmental impact can lead the way, by doing the right thing for the planet and for nature – saving money along the way is a bonus.