When people think about reducing waste, it can feel like everything needs to change at once. In reality, the easiest way to begin is to focus on one small area. This month, we’re looking at the bathroom.

Bathrooms are often full of single use plastic. Bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand wash all add up over time. The good news is you don’t need to replace everything overnight. Start with just one product.

You might choose to switch your hand wash to a refill option. Bring back your empty bottle, top it up, and keep using it again and again. It’s a simple habit, but one that quickly becomes part of your routine.

Or you might try a shampoo bar or a bar of soap instead of liquid products. They last longer than you might expect, take up less space and remove the need for plastic packaging altogether. It can feel like a small change, but it’s often the one that surprises people the most.

Not every swap will suit everyone, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s finding what works for you and building from there. Once one change feels easy, the next one will too.

Making the switch to a more natural and low waste lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with one bottle, one bar, one small decision. And when it’s easy to refill or pick up alternatives as part of your usual shop, those small changes tend to stick.

Geraldine Fitzpatrick

Sometimes the best zero waste ideas come straight from our customers, and this one is too good not to share. One customer told me how she makes the most of a large 2.5kg tin of chickpeas, turning it into a weekly staple with very little waste.

When she gets the tin home, she drains and rinses the chickpeas, then pats them dry. From there, she portions them into freezer bags in sizes she knows she will use. This means she always has ready to go chickpeas on hand, without the risk of any going off in the fridge.

Each week, she takes out a portion to make fresh hummus. It’s quick, easy and far more economical than buying smaller tins or pre made options. It also cuts down on packaging and makes meal prep that bit simpler.

It’s such a practical reminder that buying in bulk can work really well when you have a simple system in place. A little bit of preparation at the start means less waste, more convenience and delicious homemade food throughout the week.

Small habits like this can make a big difference, and we love seeing these ideas shared within our community.

​Geraldine Fitzpatrick

March and April bring one of nature’s most generous gifts, wild garlic. Found growing in shady woodlands and along hedgerows, it is a perfect example of seasonal, local food that requires no packaging and very little effort once you know what to look for.

How to recognise it
Wild garlic has long, soft green leaves and a very distinct smell. The easiest way to identify it is to gently crush a leaf between your fingers. If it smells strongly of garlic, you are on the right track. Later in the season, it produces small white star-shaped flowers. Always be careful not to confuse it with similar-looking plants like lily of the valley, which are not edible, so when in doubt, rely on the garlic scent.

How to forage responsibly
Take only what you need and leave plenty behind so it can continue to grow and spread. Pick leaves from different plants rather than clearing one patch, and avoid pulling up the bulbs so the plant can regenerate year after year. A small handful goes a long way.

How to use it
Wild garlic is incredibly versatile. You can chop it fresh into salads, stir it through potatoes, blend it into pesto, add it to soups or mix it into butter for an easy flavour boost. It brings a gentle garlic taste without being overpowering.

​How to store it
Fresh leaves will keep in the fridge for a few days, but if you have a good haul, there are plenty of ways to preserve them. You can freeze it chopped, blend it into pesto and freeze in portions, or dry it for later use. Another simple option is to make wild garlic oil or butter, which can be stored and used over time.

Wild garlic is a lovely reminder that some of the best food is growing right around us. Foraging, when done thoughtfully, connects us to the seasons and helps reduce reliance on packaged ingredients. It is zero waste at its most natural.

If foraging is not for you, you can also drop in to The Urban Co-op and pick up locally foraged wild garlic leaves, making it easy to enjoy this seasonal treat without the guesswork.

Geraldine Fitzpatrick

It is easy to overlook the flavour-packed liquids left behind in jars, but that last bit of oil from a tuna jar or the tangy juice from kimchi can be surprisingly useful. Instead of pouring them down the sink, you can turn them into ingredients that add depth and character to everyday meals.
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The oil from a tuna jar is already infused with savoury flavour, which makes it perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, stirring into pasta, or using as a base for a quick salad dressing. It adds richness and seasoning without needing extra ingredients. Even a small amount can transform a simple dish.

Kimchi liquid is just as versatile. It carries all the bold, fermented flavour of the kimchi itself and can be stirred into soups, stews, fried rice, marinades or sauces. A spoonful can bring a dish to life and reduce the need for additional seasoning.

Using every last drop is a simple zero-waste habit that saves money, reduces food waste and makes your cooking more creative. Sometimes the most flavourful ingredient is the one we almost threw away. Enjoy!

Geraldine Fitzpatrick

Zero waste does not always mean buying something new. Sometimes it is about seeing the potential in what already exists. This month we are delighted to share the story of one of our suppliers Natallia, who creates beautiful, practical door mats from old t shirts.

The process is simple but thoughtful. The t shirts are washed, cut into long strips and then knitted by hand into textured mats. What might have ended up in landfill is transformed into something useful and long lasting.

Each mat is completely unique, with colours and patterns shaped by the original fabrics. They are durable, washable and perfect for busy doorways. Some people also like to use them as bath mats, thanks to their soft feel and absorbent nature.

Products like these show how creativity can play a powerful role in reducing waste. By choosing reused materials and supporting local makers, we keep textiles in use for longer and give everyday items a second life.

Geraldine Fitzpatrick

When I first started thinking about switching to more environmentally friendly products at home, it felt quite overwhelming. There seemed to be so much to change, and I wasn’t sure where to begin. What really helped was breaking it down into small, manageable steps and reminding myself that it didn’t all have to happen at once.

One of the easiest places for me to start was with cleaning products. Swapping out chemical dishwashing powders and household cleaners for gentler, eco-friendly alternatives felt achievable and made an immediate difference. These products clean just as well, without the harsh chemicals, and they’re kinder to our homes and the environment.

Refillable cleaning products made the change even simpler. Reusing my bottles and topping them up with natural liquid cleaners reduced plastic waste and felt like a positive, practical habit I could stick with.

Taking things slowly made the whole process far less daunting. By focusing on one area at a time, greener living started to feel doable and even enjoyable. Small changes really do add up.

The real bonus for me is that I can make these changes easily at The Urban Co-op, where I can refill what I need and choose greener options all in one place.​

​Geraldine Fitzpatrick

Epsom salts are one of those simple everyday items that do far more than most people realise. They are inexpensive, easy to store, and completely plastic free when bought in bulk or paper packaging. By choosing a product that works in more than one area of your home, you reduce waste and cut down on unnecessary purchases.

Annes is a big fan of Epsom salts baths for her health routine! Not only does it help to give her the benefits of the magnesium support she doesn’t waste the water afterwards but uses to water the house plants inside and outside in the polytunnel! Wait until it cools down first though! 

​Geraldine Fitzpatrick

✨ Bring the magic of the season to life sustainably. Discover how to create beautiful, zero-waste Christmas decorations using nature’s own materials.

This year, let your festive sparkle come from creativity, not plastic. With just a few simple swaps, you can transform your holiday décor into something both beautiful and planet-friendly.
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Start by dehydrating slices of oranges, apples, or lemons; they glow like stained glass when hung on the tree. Pair them with cinnamon sticks, pinecones, or sprigs of rosemary for a naturally scented home that feels cosy and timeless.
 
Old fabric scraps or brown paper can become rustic garlands or reusable gift wrap, adding texture and charm without the waste. Think slow, simple, and sustainable, decorations that look good, smell wonderful, and leave nothing behind but good memories.
 
This Christmas, embrace the art of thoughtful celebration. A little creativity goes a long way toward a truly zero-waste holiday.
 
🪴 DIY Tip Box: How to Make Dried Fruit Decorations

• Slice it thin: Cut oranges, lemons, or apples into even slices about 5mm thick.
• Pat dry: Gently blot with a towel to remove extra moisture.
• Dry low & slow: Heat oven to 140C/120C fan/gas 1 and line 2 baking sheets with baking parchment. Arrange the slices on the trays, then bake for 45 mins-1 hr, turning halfway through cooking, until completely dried out or use a dehydrator.
• Cool completely: Let them cool on a rack before threading with twine or ribbon.
• Get creative: Mix with star anise, cinnamon sticks, or bay leaves for a natural festive garland.

 
🎄 We’d love to see your creations! Share your zero-waste holiday décor with us on social media and tag @TheUrbanCoop. Let’s inspire each other to make this Christmas beautifully sustainable.
 
Geraldine Fitzpatrick