Zero waste movement

                                                                 Week 8  ( Save $8 )

Did you know that all the Bulk Barn's across Canada have a zero waste reusable container program since the beginning of 2017?

I have had the odd flyer given to me with my receipt at the Bulk Barn and was interested to give it a try in the near future and I need to investigate to see how the program works. 

I spoke with one of the managers at Bulk Barn to really get the details. In the flyer, it shows 3 steps : bring your containers, fill your containers, pay for your bulk item. Is it really that simple?

Here is what I found out:
1. You have an option to buy Bulk Barn's jars or lined linen bags or bring your own ( mason jars, canning jars, or jars with latch lid ). All jars will be inspected by the cashier before you start filling for chips, cleanliness. They expect you to either put the jars through the dishwasher or hot soapy wash it and vinegar soak etc. ( check their site for cleaning suggestions)

2. Once the jars have passed inspection, the jars will be weighed.  A tiny sticker of the weight will be stuck on to the jar ( this weight number will be minus later).

3. Go fill your jars with your bulk items and head to the cash to check out.

NO more Plastic!

It may sound like a long process and takes organization and not to mention handling fragile bulky jars but to go "Green" makes a difference. By eliminating plastic and bags, we are making a difference. We need to think and change the way we shop!

I hope many more grocery and food chains follow Canada's Bulk Barn's revolution to eliminate plastic. It is up to us to tell the grocery chains to tell their suppliers to "how we want our goods packaged!".  This can be done because in Europe this is already happening. .. and why can't it happen here in Canada!


Contact your local grocery chains via email, phone, snail mail and let them know about your concerns with too much plastic in our packaging!

If you need anymore information regarding Bulk Barns program, go to their site : https://www.bulkbarn.ca/Reusable-Container-Program/


                                                  Let's make a difference!

Week 7

                                                                Week 7 ( Save $7 )

Valentines + Family Day = Extra Long Weekend with Love Ones!

 

💕

Year of the Pig

                                                              Week 6 ( Save $6 )

I am so glad there are two New Years to celebrate and if the first New Year sucks, there is second New Year... just one month later to start over again!
 

The Year of the Pig = Success!   

Predictions for 2019, this year is a great year to make money. Whether it be through investments (or following this blog and saving weekly). Save! Save! Save! Get rid of your personal debts. There will be many rainy days!
Just think before you buy!! Decide before making purchases if it's a want or need situation.

This year invest your time with new friends, families and loved ones. Socialise is key.

Don't forget to upgrade and learn new skills for yourself.  You will find a better balance in your life/work but to achieve that, you must prepare, focus, plan, organize, prioritise, yourself everyday to achieve results for what is to come in the near future.

Be active and eat healthier. Get into physical shape one step at a time. With results, you will find more will power and purpose.

Time is not on your side, don't waste valuable time.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 6, 8
Lucky colors: grey, brown, yellows
 

                                               2019 Year of the Pig, this is your year!
 

 

To beeswax or wrap

                                                                      Week 5 ( Save $5 )

Is there another natural GREEN alternative for food storage instead of PLASTIC cling wraps ? I want to start by doing my part more by finding something that is reusable, keeps food fresher and ZERO waste.



I have my block of cheese all beeswax up!

Actually there is sustainable fabric bees wax wraps which are slowly finding it's way on store shelves. These organic cotton fabric sheets comes in many sizes and shapes.  They are lightly coated with bees wax and jojoba oil. They are reusable!

Just a simple wash with gentle soap in cool water, air dry and good to wrap again for up to a year! Price tag : 3 for $18 (sizes: small, medium or large)

#beeswax

After looking at different methods of making these wraps on the internet...Why don't I TRY to DIY my own ! Now, the most important thing to source : 100 % beeswax ( the wax must be food safe ! )

I was fortunate that my big chain health food store did carry a few varieties of  beeswax's and it made sense to buy the small bar (and if I am not happy with the wraps, look out for future candle tutorials).  Beeswax is also available at Michaels so I was told *shrugs

My fabric was purchased for a few bucks and it was perfect for this project especially with the food motif ( it was also 100 % cotton).  **Make sure your fabric is washed, dried and pressed before starting.

You will need : measuring tape, scissors, cheese shredder, parchment paper,  safe ironing area , large old towels and an iron.

Let's get started! (I decided to make ONE square wrap 12 x 12" to test without any essential oils )

Figure out what size wraps work best for you: 7x7, 10x10, 13x13.
Cut your fabric size and shape out ( maybe you rather use circular shapes vs. squares ).

grate the wax

sprinkle the wax

On your ironing board or area, place an old large towel with a piece of parchment paper larger than your fabric cut out. Place the fabric on top of the parchment paper ( it does not matter whether the fabric is the right or wrong side) .

With your shredder, either shred the wax on the fabric or in a container and spread the wax generously only on half of the fabric only (Shredder washes easily clean). For my fabric,  I only covered 6 inches with the wax.

Fold the non waxed side of the fabric over the wax covered side.  Place another piece of parchment sheet over the folded fabric.

With your iron set on medium-high, slowly iron the parchment paper slowly to melt the wax through the two layers. You will see the waxy grease spots and keep ironing. Remove the top parchment paper and wave the fabric to air dry.

I am using a small
travel iron

Once the fabric has cooled, touch the fabric to make sure every square inch has been covered by melted wax. If you find some bare spots, sprinkle some more shredded wax and iron again between the 2 parchment papers. You can iron on single sheet and do not have to fold in half for this process, Repeat the process until you think the fabric is evenly coated.

Once the fabric dries, it will be stiff yet pliable.

With the warmth of your hands, you can  press it over a bowl, fold it around a block of cheese, fruit or vegetables. You may need to tie a string around your bowl or wrapped item. You will never get that plastic cling wrap seal which is fine because its works! Never wrap raw meat with the wraps, it's not ideal for all foods!

Apparently, you can recoat the surface of your fabric again when you find the wraps are a little worn and not as pliable...how awesome is that!

Here are my thoughts : I used only about 1/8 " of the beeswax. I can probably make about 12 more wraps with the one block of wax ( I paid $8 ). It's very economical to make.  I will use a larger grater next time for larger coverage... it is a learning process to figure how much wax to spread on the fabric. The beeswax is food safe and the waxy grater did come out clean easily .
Overall, I am quite happy with the final product and I will update you next time regarding wax wrapped items.  I was told sometimes the scent from of the beeswax gets absorbs into the wrapped food item.

Are you convinced to go with the Beeswax ?  Let me know your thoughts below in the comment section.


                                                           Enjoy!