Bitesize Blog

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m Emily and I run an Instagram account all about sustainable living, with a focus on conscious consumerism. If you’ve not heard that term before, conscious consumerism is basically voting with your money for the kind of world you want to build. I encourage people to slow down their personal consumption, avoid unethical businesses, and find sustainable companies to support instead.

Where can people follow your blog?

You can follow me on Instagram @simplelife.freelychosen.

simplelife.freelychosen.

Interview

What made you start your blog?

In 2020, during the pandemic, small businesses were really struggling and there were lots of calls to support local businesses more. Plus, there were also BLM rallies going on and I heard lots of speakers asking for us to buy from Black-owned businesses. It all made me realise my money could have a much bigger impact if I chose to spend it with businesses who represent my personal values, rather than with the big chain companies who we all know are doing horrendous, unethical things.
I then started researching better places to buy from, better companies to support. I already boycotted Amazon and Shein, but now I was looking for a sustainable option every time I went to buy something new. And I thought, more people need to know about these sustainable companies!
So, I set up my account in March 2021, to champion these sustainable businesses. I wanted to help spread the word because I knew there would be people like me who don’t support the big unethical businesses but just didn’t realise there was a better option out there.

What are your thoughts on Climate Change?

Climate Change terrifies me. When you hear dates like 2030 and 2050 for certain climate tipping points – those dates are well within my expected lifetime. I don’t understand how companies and governments are continuing as they always have done. The longer we wait to change, the harder it will be, and the more people and wildlife will be affected on the way.

Have you changed much about your lifestyle?

It’s hard to say because I come from a very eco-conscious family – so I’ve always incorporated sustainable habits into my life! I’m very grateful to my parents for creating a space where it’s the norm to reuse things as much as possible, to repair things instead of buying new, to recycle and compost etc…
I suppose a recent-ish change would be refill shopping from my local zero-waste store. You take your own containers to fill, and it dramatically reduces how much packaging waste you bring into your home!

What sort of reactions do you get from people who come across this?

Most people are keen to talk about solutions! I think climate change is something everyone is aware of nowadays, and people know that the governments aren’t doing enough so they’re looking for something they can do themselves.

Emily

What changes have you found the hardest to make and what have you done to overcome them?

My personal hurdle is probably food waste. As someone who is just not that kitchen-savvy, I’m guilty of letting food go off. I’m working on that by planning my meals better – meaning I only buy what I am going to actually use. I also found a way to compost, even though I live in a tiny flat. The ShareWaste app lets you find people near you with composts that you can ‘donate’ to! So, I take my compost caddie to a neighbour, or to a local allotment, instead of throwing food waste in the bin.

What is your biggest fear about the future?

My biggest fear is that climate change will become irreversible. I think many changes already are unfortunately. But maybe communities and governments will come together enough to prevent truly disastrous changes.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Probably my parents! As I said, they’ve been living a sustainable life much longer than I have. They’re the ones who taught me to love and respect nature. They have incredibly strong values and they always fight for what’s right.

What is the one thing you would like people to take away from this?

That there’s nearly always a sustainable option out there! I don’t just mean finding a sustainable business to buy from. It’s hard to find sustainable tech companies for example but you can still buy 2nd hand. Or a more sustainable option than throwing something in landfill – repurposing, repairing, recycling. There’s nearly always a more sustainable option.

Do you have any advice for Appletree and Avalon?

I’m a big believer in how individual actions can ripple out and create change. Individual changes create an eco-conscious mindset for you to take out into the world and you will influence those around you. Individual changes lead to community changes, and cultural changes. It’s all connected. So never think that what you’re doing isn’t worth it.

Bitesize Blog

What great tips from Emily here, what do you think of the work she’s doing?

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