Some time ago, I joined a fabulous group of women in a global writing challenge. Each month, we all take on a prompt and share our musings with you. Gail from Is This Mutton? (UK), Deb from Deb’s World (Australia), Jill from Grown Up Glamour (Australia), Mary Katherine from MK’s Adventures in Style (USA), Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper (UK), Leslie from Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After (USA), Marsha from Marsha In The Middle (USA) and Rosie from Rosie Amber, (UK). Every third Thursday, we publish our thoughts on a new theme. Last month, we wrote about confidence. This month, the theme is Going Green, chosen by Penny.
Green happens to be my absolute favourite colour, and I could easily write an entire post waxing lyrical about its many gorgeous shades and why it brings me so much joy! But, as tempting as that is, I’ll take this opportunity to talk about something more urgent and impactful—living in a way that’s kinder to the planet.
Climate and Consciousness
Living in Portugal, I’ve seen firsthand how the climate is shifting. Summers are becoming more intense, and for someone like me who hates the heat, it’s unsettling. Gone are the days when summer brought a gentle warmth; now, it often feels stifling, with long stretches of extreme temperatures. Scientists have pointed to rising global temperatures as a driver of these changes, leading to more frequent heatwaves, wildfires, and erratic weather patterns.
A particularly worrisome trend is the increasing frequency of extreme rain events. Portugal and Spain have experienced sudden downpours and flooding in recent years, highlighting how unpredictable the climate has become. It’s hard not to wonder—what will the future hold if we don’t collectively act to slow this shift?
Interestingly, conversations about the environment often bring up conspiracy theories, a topic my husband is always fascinated by (just don’t mention the moon landing!). For example, one theory that’s been doing the rounds is the claim that governments are using geoengineering (spraying chemicals in the atmosphere, also known as ‘chemtrails’) to control the climate. While there’s no evidence to support this, it’s a topic that gets a lot of people talking. Another hot topic is whether certain corporations are withholding clean energy technologies to maintain profits from fossil fuels! It’s food for thought, even if you’re sceptical about such claims.
What do you think? Are these just wild theories, or is there something to them? I’d love to hear your take in the comments.
Sustainable Fashion with Vinted
Another way I’ve embraced going green is by completely rethinking how I shop for clothes. Over the past few months, I’ve fallen in love with Vinted, an online platform for buying and selling second-hand items. It’s been a revelation! Not only am I saving money (well…kind of!), but I’m also helping reduce the demand for fast fashion, which we all know is a major environmental offender.
That being said, I do occasionally buy new items—I’ve always loved shopping, and let’s face it, some things are just necessary to be new! But overall, I’ve shifted my mindset to focus on sustainability where I can. On Vinted, I’ve sold many pieces of jewellery and clothing that no longer fit my style, using the proceeds to curate a wardrobe that reflects my whimsigoth and sometimes quirky aesthetic. And instead of buying brand-new items, I’ve been hunting for unique second-hand pieces with character and charm. It’s a joy to give pre-loved clothes a new home, and it feels good knowing I’m contributing to a more sustainable future.
The Charm of Old Furniture
My love for second-hand extends beyond clothes. I’ve always been drawn to older pieces of furniture. There’s just something magical about giving old things new life, isn’t there? Not only are these pieces often better made than modern flat-pack furniture, but they also have stories to tell. Whether it’s a vintage sideboard or a weathered armchair, I adore the character and history these items bring to our home. Plus, buying second-hand furniture is another way to minimise waste and reduce our environmental footprint. We’ve been very fortunate to have just agreed to buy some amazing solid wood pieces for our new house from a lady who is downsizing. I can’t wait to show you!
Small Steps, Big Impact
Going green doesn’t have to mean massive lifestyle overhauls. It can be as simple as rethinking how we shop, recycling, or choosing second-hand over new. Each small step we take adds up, and collectively, we can make a difference.
I’d love to know: what steps are you taking to go green? Do you have any tips or tricks for living more sustainably? And what do you think about the conspiracy theories surrounding climate change—plausible or pure fiction? Let me know in the comments.
Before we see what the others thought about Going Green, I wanted to share one of the photos AI created when I was trying to get suitable images…thought it would give you a giggle!!! …
Rosie has chosen 3 of her favourite eco-friendly ideas that she implements in her life. Rosie Amber.
Penny thinks that Going Green is very much about changing one’s lifestyle to be more environmentally aware to reduce one’s personal waste and carbon footprint. However, if she was younger she would definitely be acting in a far more radical way. However, there is still much one can do and maybe 2025 is a year to make some changes! Frugal Fashion Shopper.
Gail from Is This Mutton recalls the green initiatives of her childhood, which were more closely linked to frugality, and outlines her current approach to Going Green. Is This Mutton.
Leslie has been going green since the dark ages of her junior year of college!! Before going green was even a thing!! Stop by to find out how. Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After.
Marsha has a couple of things recycled by her dad way before recycling was a thing. One of them is a treasure. The other lives with her son. In the early days of recycling at her hometown, Marsha was definitely a hands-on recycler! Marsha in the Middle.
Mary Katherine shares her thoughts at MK’s Adventures in Style.
Debbie goes green in a slightly different way with fashion and native flowers. She also shares some eco friendly products. Deb’s World.
Jill is focusing on the impact appreciating the natural world can have in our every day lives.
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