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As consumers, we all have an obligation to conserve our resources and reduce the amount of waste we dispose of. And it's not that hard, too. Everyone can start implementing little life changes that will make a difference.

ReduceWasteNow is the place to go if you're starting to get more concerned about the environment. Not only does the online shop offer sustainable products that will help you avoid plastic, but it also shares comprehensive advice on how to minimize your ecological footprint.

A good example of it is the 'old me vs. new me' meme.

More info: reducewastenow.shop | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Graydon Lawson started ReduceWasteNow two years ago and has been operating it alone ever since. "I create all of the social media content, write the weekly blog posts, and manage the store — all while trying to balance school at the University of Victoria," Lawson told Bored Panda. "It's a lot of work, but every second is worth it. People seem to be really grateful to learn simple, actionable ways they can help the environment, and I love helping them do exactly that."

Lawson thinks social media is great for educational purposes mostly because of how convenient it is. "A lot of people use it every day, and if you want to see how you can be more eco friendly, all you have to do is visit ReduceWasteNow and you have access to hundreds of different ways you can help the environment," he said, adding that social media is also a really great place to share things you're interested in with your friends. "So if someone really likes this Instagram post about sustainable products that save you money, they can just tag their friends in it, and maybe that inspires them to try some of the tips and be more eco friendly as well."

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As you might've noticed, ReduceWasteNow features touch upon various environmental topics. With the 'old me vs. new me' meme alone, it has already addressed excessive plastic use, food waste, and other themes. Lawson said he gets most of his ideas from the company's followers, paying attention to what they comment under his posts on various platforms. That way, he knows he's talking about what's important to the people.

People who frown at such changes might say that individual efforts toward a greener planet are meaningless set against the huge systemic changes that are required to prevent devastating global warming. But Lawson doesn't think so. He believes in the power of the community. "If more and more people vote with their dollars, try their best to live more sustainably, and continue to use their voice as well as their vote, change will come," he said.

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"Cooper, one of my best friends, made a great point about this as well, and I 100% agree with him. He said, 'Due to the rise in popularity of social media, it has become easier for individuals to voice their opinion, and to have their opinion heard and shared. As a result, corporations are facing the largest amount of social pressure in history, which has the potential to create real change. The power of numbers has never been so great.'"

Lawson believes that nowadays individuals can speak louder than ever before, and that we can create real change "by using our collective voice to tell the big corporations what we want. All we have to do is step forward, and speak up."

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#19

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil
.
Directions:
1) In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir in water and oil. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10-12 times, adding a little flour or water if needed to achieve a smooth dough. Let rest for 10 minutes.
2) Divide dough into 8 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-in. circle.
3) In a greased cast-iron or other heavy skillet, cook tortillas over medium heat until lightly browned, 1 minute on each side. Serve warm.

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#41

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup cocoa powder
3 tbs coconut sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1.5 tbs pumpkin puree (can use mashed banana/applesauce)
1 flax “egg” (1 tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 3 tbsp water)
1/4 cup almond milk
2 tbs peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch salt
optional: handful of vegan chocolate chips
Note: please use a small loaf tin as this is a single portion! I imagine this will work if you bake them in several small ramekins to make a mini tiered cake. if you want to use a standard issue loaf tin, please double/triple the recipe!
Preheat your oven to 180C/360F and prepare a small loaf tin by greasing it well and lining with parchment paper. Prepare your flax egg as well.
Blend rolled oats until a flour-like consistency (or use oat flour). Mix in cocoa powder, baking powder and coconut sugar. Stir in pumpkin puree, flax egg, almond milk, vanilla and peanut butter. Batter should be thick and fudgy!
Bake at 180C/360F for about 25-30 minutes until the middle springs back to the touch -- it should be a little damp in the middle when a skewer comes out. cool completely in the pan on a wire rack and let chill overnight for maximum fudginess. I used my chocolate tahini ganache recipe:
For the tahini chocolate ganache, mix the following ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 tbs tahini
2 tbs maple syrup/liquid sweetener

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#45

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

1) Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice.
2) For the herbs, cut off the stems and remove any bruised, dry or damaged leaves.
3) Submerge the picked herbs into the ice bath.
4) Soak for about 15-30 minutes, or until they perk up and look refreshed.
5) Drain the herbs in a colander.
6) Dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
7) To store, place the herbs in an air-tight container lined with a thin cloth on the top and bottom to absorb any extra moisture. You can also do this in a reusable sandwich bag. Use within a couple of days.

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#47

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

How to make an activated charcoal face mask
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon bentonite clay
1 teaspoon activated charcoal
1 teaspoon organic raw apple cider vinegar
3 drops tea tree oil


Directions:
1) In a small glass bowl, combine clay, charcoal powder, apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Stir to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add a few drops of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
2) Apply mask to clean face, spreading in an even layer. Wash hands and rinse out glass bowl.
3) Leave mask on for 10 minutes. Rinse mask off with warm water and a washcloth. If you have trouble getting rid of the colour, apply a bit of makeup remover with a reusable facial pad to stained spots.
4) Moisturize as normal.

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#48

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

Ingredients:
2 cups warm water 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
5-6 cups flour You can use all-purpose flour OR bread flour!
.
Recipe:
1) In a large bowl, dissolve the 1 TBSP of the sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
2) Mix remaining sugar, salt and oil into the yeast. Mix in flour one cup at a time. Dough should be tacky and clean the sides of the bowl save for a small part at the bottom. Too much flour added in yields a dry loaf of bread, so if you're worried you added too much, add a bit more hot water, until you get the correct consistency.
3) Knead dough for 7 minutes. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
4) Punch dough down. Knead for 1 minute and divide in half. Shape into loaves and place into two greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
5) Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-40 minutes. Let cool, then eat!

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#49

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

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Daria B
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one depends on many things. It takes longer for long hair, especially if you need conditioner. Also, if your water heating system takes a bit for the warm water to come out, a couple of minutes (and some water) will be wasted on waiting for the warm water alone. You may still turn it off while applying soap/shampoo/etc. and turn it back on to wash it off.

Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree Daria. Because I have long hair, I only wash it a couple of times a week. I don't wash it when i shower because it makes my shower way longer, but when i wash my hair separately, I can turn the water off while I'm lathering, etc.

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lenka
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The mother of every Australian...... you've been in the shower for more than THREE minutes get out NOW! You are wasting water!

Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can save water by taking a "Navy shower." Get yourself all wet, turn the water off, soap & shampoo up, then turn water back on & rinse.

Johnny
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a valve on my shower head to help do that, so you just reach up and turn off the water while you lather, then when you're ready to rinse, turn it back on and the water temperature is the same.

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Amy Pattie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Australia during a drought, a four minute shower is deemed sufficient. Also, in many industries it’s socially acceptable to shower every second day.

Ms Phit
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes!!!! I've just had the timed showers talk with my teenager.... they were "timing" by listening to music, until I pointed out that songs can range from 1 to 12+ minutes... they're now adding a timer and are down to 8 minutes, which is a vast improvement. We live in a desert, so water is super expensive for good reason. I'm not fond of $300/month water bills!

Paula Divello
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yup! volume doesn't equal pressure either you can have good water pressure with less water

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Irina Deneva-Slav
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A series of horrible water outages years ago trained me to shower in 3 minutes or less. I'm glad I stuck with the habit.

Jessica Friend
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

or get a eco friendly shower head? I take 20 min showers some times longer and i know i don't use any where near 50 gallons, plug the tub while showering will tell you an estimate most slandered tubs hold about 30-50 gallons.

clive apps
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Overall a good collection of tips. Soaking and turning water off while cleaning, then back on to rinse can cut water use even further. Water may only be running for about 1 minutes total of any length shower this way.

Eliana Mount
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my showers are usually 7-8 mins. I have long hair. No one can take a 5 min shower and wash their hair and condition in. (maybe men can or ladies with short hair)

Z. O. E.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but there is no way I can do everything (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shave and wash face) in 5 mins! If you did, then you didn't do it well and I would doubt that your clean!

E Tastic
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't mess around in the shower and it takes me as long as it takes me. The government cleans the waste water and resells it to you anyways

Sapna Sarfare
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Use buckets for anything, from bathing and so on. Helps big time

Cheryl Glawe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had my water heater go out on me and created a "cistern" style water dispenser out of an ice cream bucket and a spare shower head. Hot water came off of a pan on a wood stove, was put in the ice cream bucket (add cold water to preferred temp) and was hung on a hook over the tub. I took a Navy shower with 1 gallon of water. Wash hair the same way.

Bored Monkei
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never notice how long I take shower, until one day my partner bought a water-resistance clock and put it in the shower cubicle. I enjoy long shower, it's kind of therapeutic and relaxing. :-)

*sigh*, The Yellow Teletubby
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and I'm over here taking 45 minute showers... I need to relax and get thoroughly clean, along with getting my long ass hair clean...

Kim
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sure, if I only wanna wash half my body and not rinse my hair... 🤨 It’s better to use a low flow shower head and turn off the water in between latherings to save water.

Martha Meyer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people have never heard of wash cloths, it seems. No need to take a shower every day at all.

Elsker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet we still flush our toilets with drinking water. I'm really looking foreward to a solution there

Lucas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bucket in the shower. It fills up even if you turn off the shower between soaping and rinsing and if you have a bath you can use the bucket to pour bathwater down the loo. That way less guilt for lounging in the bath. Do it all the time.

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Susan Reid Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where I live, agriculture uses 80% of the water, and in domestic use, 80% of that is used by lawns and gardens. I am going to enjoy my showers, especially since I have 3-4 inches more hair because of closed salons and covid related risks.

lenka
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with this logic is that there isn't more water just because everyone uses more. Agriculture needs water to feed you. You want to take a 10 minute shower? Thats cool. Next time you complain about the price of fruit, vegetables or meat, remember that part of that cost is the increasing cost of water because people insist on taking 10 minute showers.

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Isabella
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We use less water [and I have bills to prove it] when using a bathtub than we were when used shower.

Jim Ellington
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried turning off the water when I was lathering but I slipped and broke my penis in three places.

Krazy Kat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a shower head on a nice long hose. Squeeze the handle, the water comes out. Release the handle, the water stops but still maintains the original temp.

Niko Alarcon
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

;-; people take ten minute showers? *me who takes at least 45 minutes at a bare minimum* what kind of schedule do they live by?

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#55

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

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#57

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

½ cup sugar (100 g)
¾ cup dark brown sugar (165 g), packed
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup refined coconut oil (120 g), melted
¼ cup non-dairy milk (60 mL)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups flour (185 g)
½ teaspoon baking soda
4 oz vegan semi-sweet chocolate (115 g), chunks
4 oz vegan dark chocolate (115 g), chunks
Directions
1) In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, salt, and coconut oil until combined.
2) Whisk in non-dairy milk and vanilla, until all sugar has dissolved and the batter is smooth.
3) Sift in the flour and baking soda, then fold the mixture with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
4) Fold in the chocolate chunks evenly.
5) Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
6) Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
7) Scoop the dough with an ice cream scoop onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave at least 2 inches of space between cookies and the edges of the pan so cookies can spread evenly.
8) Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cookies just begin to brown.
9) Cool completely.
10) Enjoy!

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#59

Old-Me-vs.-New-Me-Reduce-Waste-Now

Ingredients needed:
2 Large Oranges
1 cup Water (250 ml)
1 cup Sugar (250 ml)
3 ounces Dark Chocolate, 70% Cocoa content (90 grams)
(most dark chocolate with over 50% cocoa is vegan)
Recipe (by @appetizeraddiction):
1) Wash the oranges thoroughly under running hot water.
2) Cut the top and bottom off. Make 4 or 5 vertical incisions running all the way from top to bottom of the peel and into the flesh.
3) With your hands, remove the peel carefully. Cut each piece into thin strips and transfer them into a pot. Pour over about 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain. Pour fresh water (2 cups) in the same pot and add the peels in. Repeat the same process. This will remove some of the peel’s bitterness.
4) In small sauce pan, dissolve 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water, add the peels and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the peels are translucent.
5) When done, spread them out on a wire rack so the syrup can drip off and the peels can cool completely.
6) Melt the chocolate over a pot of simmering water. Dip the peel in chocolate and using a fork, transfer it onto a baking parchment, aluminum foil, or preferably straight onto the pan or a reusable baking sheet. Let them set completely in the fridge (for about an hour) before serving/enjoying them.

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