How consumers can become zero waste

Becoming a zero waste consumer is essential, and you're definitely making a huge positive impact on the environment and the world. So don't worry, every single individual makes a huge difference. Keep going; it really is working! The zero waste generation is a big deal, and it is encouraging communities to get on board. 

The world is beginning to embrace sustainability and jump on the zero waste movement. Remarkebly after David Attenborough's Blue Planet II in 2017, a follow up on the 2001 documentary. Attenborough tells the compelling stories of the world's deepwater inhabitants, creating an irreversible relationship between the earth and mankind. Other inspirational television such as the movie A Plastic Ocean in 2016, where Craig Leeson reveals the terrifying impact of pollution and the vast amount of plastic materials dumped on the earth's soil. 

More and more sustainable products are beginning to take the market, with more entrepreneurs siding with zero waste and companies discovering how easy it is to contribute. We love that at Madia & Matilda, we can rent clothing; this is a great way to produce less waste and a cheaper alternative to buying clothes you will only wear for a specific occasion or event!

So how can you be a zero waste consumer? 

It's pretty easy and very possible. Here, let us help you get started if you haven't already! At Madia & Matilda we pride ourselves on our sustainable ethics, as a little goes a long way. 

Check out our sustainable ethics at : https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/sustainable-matters 

First of all, have a clear mindset. Sometimes we simply cannot be bothered to do the little things, such as recycling or being mindful of waste. That's understandable; we are only human. However, we can change this mindset by embedding zero waste routines into our daily lives just like any other activity, that way it does not become an 'extra' task; it just becomes normality. If you make it normal, it encourages others around you to do the same. Make zero waste lifestyles something that should be a reality and a necessity. 

Take a look and do some research if possible, to inform yourself more on the zero waste movement; look at TerraCycle for inspiration. 

Another great idea is to buy your shopping in bulk, or buy from local produces that do not use over excessive packaging like the supermarkets. However, fingers crossed that supermarkets will be eliminating plastic soon to come, and we have high hopes for this change. For example, Iceland has vowed to eliminate plastic packaging on its own products by the latest 2023. With these encouraging statistics, other supermarkets have jumped on board such as Morrisons, they are in the middle of trialing plastic bags into paper bags and hopes by 2025 to have mastered this task.  

Electric cars are also becoming very popular, and they emit fewer greenhouse gases than petrol cars being run by electricity. Many companies are hoping to switch to electric within the next decade, such as Ford. So, maybe consider switching from petrol to electric, or even hybrid for the current moment. Reducing your amount of petrol stops air pollution from increasing. 

Another great tip is always carrying bags in your car, in case you go shopping last minute and need a bag! I know it is easy to forget, this way if you have them already there, what is really stopping us. If you are clothes shopping, take a look in your wardrobe and see if you really need everything or you can pass it on or recycle. More garments are bought than ever in 2020 and 2021, with a statistic of 57% of these materials going to landfill, and 35% of materials in the supply chain also being put to waste. Make sure you read up on where you are shopping and shop for sustainable brands like us! Madia & Matilda. 

Image from: https://www.commonobjective.co/article/fashion-and-waste-an-uneasy-relationship 

It is important to become part of the zero waste movement, simply because we are the change!

Images from: https://pixabay.com 

                                                    

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Creating positive habits in lockdown

Since we are now in the third UK lockdown, we have experienced life indoors and there are many habits both positive and negative we may have experienced.

Here at Madia & Matilda, we believe it is important to learn and create positive habits that we can use in and after this lockdown experience.

1. One hour a day for a form of creative meditation 

Try not to be put off by the word 'meditation' all we mean is using some form of art therapy, this can be anything from painting, yoga, cooking, baking, journaling, a relaxing bath, or a nap. If you schedule this into your day every day, not only will it break up your day but it will also allow you to slow down, relieve anxiety and stress, take a break from any worries you may feel.

2.  Get outdoors and embrace nature

I think the first reason for us all getting back out into nature after the winter months being so cold, we are finally starting to see a bit of sunshine. Lockdown feels more isolating when the weather is bad, and now things are starting to look up. Getting outside does not need to be a lockdown routine, it can be part of your new normal. Learning to switch off from the inside, social media, and television and take time to breathe in the fresh air every day. Lockdown has encouraged us to increase our time spent outdoors, supporting mental health and getting some Vitamin D from the sun.

3. Physical and mental health 

10 minutes a day or more dedicated to a physical workout, whether that means stretching in the garden, watching a workout youtube video or learning how to make healthy juices and smoothies. Try to take this discipline and turn it into a routine, keep moving and learning.

4. Appreciate the world around us 

Now that we cannot travel frequently or visit places we once loved, it is time to appreciate the little things and the world's beauty. The lockdown has actually caused less airbourne pollution, and many destinations are now visible such as the Himalayas are a lot clearer than ever before. You can take virtual tours of these fantastic destinations and write them on your bucket list to visit once travel and leisure are possible again. 

5. Time

Time goes so quickly, and usually when we are living our day to day lives we are busy working, socialising and never truely have the time to just be at one with ourselves. all this time we have been given, use it and appreciate it.

Images from: https://pixabay.com 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Easy to follow lockdown challenge

 

Whilst we are in lockdown, why not follow a challenge with us to keep yourself feeling entertained and organised?

Here is our 5 task challenge!

              Set yourself 5 tasks you wish to complete, they can be anything and there is no pressure.

Some of our ideas..

1. Clean out that wardrobe...

We have all been there, the cluttered wardrobe is no secret, set yourself a task to throw out the old and bring in the new! It is oddly satisfying to sort your clothes out in colours, seasons or however you wish to be organised. Also, buying the same hanger for all your clothes looks great.

2.  Switch socials for podcasts

We can all become consumed with social media to the point where it distracts us from our daily goals. We suggest trying the 1 hour free social media morning when you wake up, looking at a blue screen on your phone as soon as you wake up is not only bad for your health but also distracts you from your daily routine. Try waking up and listening to a podcast that interests you, this allows you to complete your daily tasks but also learn new things. You can find podcasts on Spotify and Youtube for inspiration.

3. Write yourself a letter

Dear future me... 

Give yourself some advice, anything you want to get off your chest, any thoughts and feelings and also future desires and goals. It is really healthy to express your emotions through literature and is a great excerise if you are feeling down.

4. Cooking!

Did you know that baking and cooking are actually forms of artistic meditation? Meditation does not have to be your stereotypical sit down in silence expression. Cooking allows your mind to focus and lets you be rid of outside thoughts. Even if it is not your thing (it certainly was not mine at first) challenge yourself! Find something you have always wanted to try and keep at it until you perfect it to your liking. Focus on creating rather than stressing. 

5. Pamper pamper pamper

Face food masks, self manicure and a hot bubble bath always go down a treat. How about challenge yourself to let go and give yourself some self-love? We will be!

Images from: https://pixabay.com/images/search/wardrobe/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Self Care Yoga Tips

 

With the current lockdown and strict tier system in place, this is the perfect time to focus on the mind and body. With our quick yoga tips you can begin to practice self-care at home. 

Yoga can be accessible and adaptable to the individual. The practice of yoga is not just physical, it is 90% mindful. Once you begin to align both of these together you will see the true benefits. If you are a beginner you can start off with some easy breathing techniques for your mind, and some beneficial stretches for your body.

Yoga is scientifically known to boost your immune system, improving your health, which it is essential to stay fit and healthy during the current pandemic. 

Lets begin with breathing, if you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed or stressed with exterior problems such as work, take two minutes to deep breathe. Take a long inhalation, following your breathing as it circulates the body and becomes a deep exhalation. Keep following those inhales and exhales, letting the shoulders release on the exhalation and your ribs lift on the inhalation. 

You can also try counting the breath, this is a great technique if you suffer from anxiety, lets try it now. Deep breath in for the count of 1, 2, 3 seconds. Deep breath out for the count of 3, 2, 1 seconds. Continue this and concentrate on the breath, this allows you to divert your focus on your body rather than your thoughts and overworked mind. 

Now some self-care yoga stretches, if you are sat at a desk or working from home, try this.. 

Begin with a supine twist for 8 breaths on your right side, followed by 8 breaths on your left side. This should release any tension built up in the lower back. 

Stretch your arms over the chair and lift your chest tilting the head back, from here we can take a shoulder squeeze pose. 

If you can take 10 minutes out of your day in the morning or evening, it is great for the mind and body to take a childs pose followed by a cobra pose on a yoga matt. These are simple yet effective. 

Most importantly, for self-care, celebrate yourself and trust yourself. Slow down and give yourself a few minutes a day to breathe, stretch, focus on your mind, body, and health. By doing this, we can heal ourselves through yoga. Allow yourself to let go each day at a time. 

Images from: https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-panorama-dusk-nature-3084651/

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

Lockdown 2.0

 

Here we are - back in another national lockdown. During these four weeks you might begin to feel overwhelmed by it all or anxious about the future. We are here to help and for that we have composed a list of things you can do to make this period a little more easier and fun.

It’s easy to pressure yourself into being ‘productive’, many of us may be part of the furlough scheme or not currently working which often can make us feel we have to compensate for this by setting several goals to achieve in this time frame. For example, learning a new language or painting that bathroom you have always put off painting. Well, instead, let’s try and ease that pressure by setting yourself one goal at a time and accepting that it is ok to complete this goal in your own time and comfort. 

1. Start journaling. Writing down your thoughts can be very cathartic and help you gain some perspective on your emotions.

Image from MetroParent

https://www.metroparent.com/daily/family-fun/family-activities/journaling-for-families/ 

2. Learn a language. What better time to do so than right now?

The language learning app Duolingo

3. Declutter and organize your wardrobe! Decide which clothes you do not use anymore and recycle them. If you find that you might need some new pieces - check out Madia & Matilda! Out with the old in with the new – yes, that’s right, this is the ideal time to get rid of all those unwanted clothes in your wardrobe – recycle, make it sustainable, re sell, or create new garments. Take this time to fill your wardrobe with things that are lockdown appropriate, for example, loungewear like our Kirsty top.  Need some help decluttering why not try out our virtual styling consultations we can help you to declutter.

Clarisse Skirt from Madia & Matilda

https://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/allclothing-madiamatilda/Clarisse-Side-Split-Skirt-p49344951 

4. Learn a new dance! Whether you're quarantining by yourself or with friends and family, dancing will definitely help lift your spirits.

5. Cook something you've never tried before. Staying at home can become quite boring - bring a little excitement into your meals by trying out new recipes.

It’s ok to take a break from the news, sometimes it can become overwhelming. Saying this, it’s a great idea to have some time off of your phone and set it aside too, you can set up in iPhone settings for a specific part of the day to be phone free. This is a great way to encourage yourself to take some time away from your screen.

If you feel your routine has been lost, create a new one. Whether this is setting an alarm to wake yourself up in the morning, to having an afternoon cup of tea, create a new path for yourself over the next coming weeks. You may want to break the day up with a run or walk, fresh air is great for your lungs and heart and can also make you feel refreshed. 

There are several different ways of meditating, this does not have to be meditation itself, it can be meditating through activity such as painting, gardening, baking and cooking. Allow your mind to become focused on something artistic to relieve any stress or anxieties you may feel.

P.S…We would love to see how you are getting on during this time, tag us in your social media lockdown posts with #MADIAMATILDATOGETHER, we are in this together!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda 

How To Hang Out With Friends During Lockdown

 

Quarantining can be tough, especially when you can't see your mates. It is important to do regular check-ins on your friends to make sure that no one feels alone during this difficult time. However, how can you turn these catch-up sessions into more fun?

1. Download Houseparty. It is an app on which you can play games like Pictionary, take quizzes and so much more with up to eight people on one video call.

2. Virtual workouts. By watching a Youtube workout video simultaneously you can get your daily exercise done together. You will find yourself having a lot more motivation for it!

3. Use Teleparty - a new way to watch TV in synchronization with your friends online.

4. Try cooking together. Prop your phone or computer up somewhere in your kitchen, pick out a recipe both you and your friends are curious to try and cook the same dish whilst catching up.

5. Create a TikTok account. It is fun to learn TikTok dances through a video call, but even more fun when you can then go on to duet your mates dance videos.

6. Host a presentation evening - everyone picks their favourite movie, book or something they are passionate about and prepares a quick presentation about it.

7. DIY projects. Pick some kind of an arts & crafts project for you and your friends to do whilst on a call and afterwards compare the results. This way you might also learn new tips and tricks to simplify your everyday life!

Even though we cannot see our closed ones physically, that does not have to stop us from being able to still have fun and do activities together with them. We hope these ideas will come in handy for your next catch-up session!

 Sincerely Madia & Matilda