What are the tipping points that encourage people to make significant changes to their behavior? Small Steps to Less Waste includes ten stories of personal enlightenment and the practical changes made. The book offers simple alternatives to mass-produced, store-bought, packaged goods. People of all ages can develop the skills and courage to make, create, repair, and look after what they have instead of away and buying new.
Each chapter suggests practical changes, recipes, and methods. The reader is introduced to the idea of making things they've probably never even thought of making before (for example toothpaste or lip salve). This can be a revelation to and help people feel as if they have more control.
The reader will read about the journey of each maker and what led them to change their perspective and actions. Included are tips on how to change our behavior; saving money; how to cut waste and reduce consumption; tips on how to repair, reuse, and recycle--and why.
All royalties for this book go to Stroud District Action on Plastic, part of Transition Stroud (UK), which actively works with the town and district council to reduce single-use plastic in the local area. The fund will support outreach to lead workshops, attend conferences, and educate.
Quickthorn works in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire Photography Department, featuring the beach-waste photographs of course leader Trudie Ballantyne, as well as images by Amy Harvey.
C H A P T E R S:
Claudi's plastic-free year - Claudi Williams lived without plastic for a year; how and what prompted her make the changes
The Truth about Waste by Dr Simon Pickering, local Green Councilor and ecologist--and why recycling isn't the whole answer
Protect the Earth by Anita van Rossum - the Earth Protector movement and Ecocide
Plastic-Free Stories - from eleven other Stroud residents who have made small changes to their lives in response to the climate crisis
Step-by-step projects - make your own food wraps, sanitary towels, toothpaste, cleansing pads, household cleaning alternatives, clothes, and repairs