Sherly SusisThe first week of Raya has come and gone, and amidst all of the fun and celebrations, you’ve probably faced the familiar sight of your bins filled with disposable plates, cups and cutlery, and you might be wincing at how much you’ve already spent on electricity in the span of a few days alone. While the festive season usually calls for lights, food and plenty of travelling, it doesn’t mean you can’t be eco-conscious about how you’re spending this time.
And that’s why we here at Neue have decided to compile a simple list to help you be more eco-conscious during Raya!
1. Use eco-friendly utensils
Without a doubt, the biggest contributors to the trash heap during this time are the disposable plates, cups and cutlery. It makes sense, since it’s convenient to have single-use utensils, and washing a ton of plates and cups at the end of the day honestly doesn’t sound like a fun time.
However, you can still be eco-conscious with the things you choose to use by opting for eco-friendly utensils that are made of biodegradable materials, instead of those made with plastic.
2. Recycle
Since we’re on the topic of utensils, preparing specific bins for recyclable materials and a separate compartment for organic waste goes a long way towards being green for Raya, in more ways than one. Find out what your community accepts as recycling, and ensure that your trash is sorted properly.
After all, those empty canned drinks pile up in the span of a few hours, and this way, your guests will also be more aware about taking care of the environment.
3. Carpooling
Planning to go for a cross-country trip this weekend with family or friends? Instead of going in separate cars, why not carpool? There are a lot of benefits to carpooling; for one, it saves fuel, it reduces our carbon footprints, and it’s just plain fun.
What better way to lift your Hari Raya spirits than a good carpool karaoke session, Raya edition?
4. Switch the lights off
Especially the fairylights and the cucul. Your house may look beautiful when it’s all lit up at night, but that’s definitely going to take a toll on your electricity bill. Switch them off when you no longer need them, like when you’re not at home or at night, once the guests have left.
You’ll definitely sleep better knowing you’re not unnecessarily adding on to your bill.
5. Use organic items for decoration
When it comes to sprucing up the house for the festivities, there’s definitely going to be temptation to adhere to the phrase “out with the old, in with the new”. But what isn’t broken shouldn’t be thrown out, and that definitely goes for the things at home!
Instead of buying new furniture or decor, your current ones will most likely still suffice, and look good as new after some scrubbing and a wash. And if you’re still in the market for some new home decor, opt for something made with organic materials such as wood. Additionally, indoor plants are a great way to make your home look fresh and keeps the air healthier.
A little effort
All these steps are merely simple ways to help our environment, and while they might require a bit more work to carry out, that shouldn’t really be an issue when it comes to looking after our planet a little better.
Do you have any tips on how to be eco-conscious? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below, or on any of our social media platforms – Facebook or Instagram.