10 Tiny Ways To Not Be A Garbage Person.

The garbage crisis in Colombo is genuinely scary and the product of decades of our negligence. It seems like a problem that's beyond repair, but there are a few tiny things to do to stop being a total garbage person. Most of our tips are food-related because that's what we at YAMU do best!

1. BYOB

Bring Your Own Bag! You can buy a tough reusable cloth supermarket bag at all supermarkets now (for about Rs. 60-70), or just bring your own bag along. Vegetables are a bit more tricky – instead of getting each vegetable individually wrapped in plastic, just take a scrap of paper with you and ask them to stick the price stickers on to that. Keep some old newspapers with you if you're worried about your fruits getting bruised.

2. Support The Good Guys

Vote with your rupee – if you know of brands with sustainable practices, opt for them. Use sites like the Good Market as a guideline. If you have proof of brands doing crappy things like mass dumping, using way too much plastic as part of their policy, or refusing to recycle etc, avoid them but also let them know (politely). Most brands these days are highly perceptive to their image and social media, so drop them a Facebook post or email explaining why you hope they'll change their policies. 

3. That (Sustainable) Time Of The Month

If you're a menstruating human, live with one, or even know one, you already know that periods suck. But they also kind of suck for the environment, as the most popular form of sanitary wear in Sri Lanka is the disposable sanitary napkin, which uses a whole heap of polymers etc that are virtually non bio-degradable, and has the plastic content of about 4 plastic bags. Instead, you can try opting for reusable cotton napkins, menstrual cups (both available at the Good Market shop), or if you have the disposable income eco-friendly tampons (not tampons with plastic applicators) or pricey period underwear like Thinx.

4. Do Takeaway Right

All you need to do is carry around a lunchbox or two (if you anyway take a lunch box to work or school, just wash it out and keep in your bag). When you dine out and have leftovers or get takeaway, just hand them your box and ask them to put the food in that so you can avoid wastage of food or usage of styrofoam and plastic. This can work for coffee and juice too – if it's part of your daily routine, just pack in a little thermos. Some restaurants like Kumbuk Kitchen will even give you a discount if you bring your own box! 

If you're getting delivery, it's a bit more tricky. You can choose to opt for restaurants like Arabian Knights, Calorie Counter, Giovanni's, or Momo's by Ruvi that avoid plastic packaging, or at the very least ask the restaurant to avoid sending plastic utensils if you're at home or office.

5. Say No To Straws!

Unless you're trying to drink hands-free, straws are kind of pointless. If they're unwrapped, their insides are inevitably coated with dirt, dust, and if you're unlucky insects and eggs (I've witnessed this twice). Also, they're disposable, non-degradable bits of plastic that just get washed out to sea where they cause total havoc on marine life. If you really need a straw, some restaurants now have reusable metal ones. I picked one up at Hideaway Arugambay's Sunday Market and I carry it around with me if I'm feeling particularly thirsty (not even a joke). You can pick yours up from the Camel's Back directly for wholesale orders.

6. Opt For Pre-Loved Things

Furniture, shoes, books, all often last a lifetime if you take care of them. Fortunately, Sri Lanka has a big (and rotating) expat population, so a lot of people end up leaving their stuff behind. Don't buy new, buy lovely pre-used stuff at lower prices instead! Or even get them for free at Free Your Stuff. Here are some spots we suggest for

7. Carry Your Own Bothal

This is one tip the tuk tuk drivers of Colombo have known for years. Why waste money on shiny plastic bottles of water when you can just carry around a funky empty whisky bottle like a goddamn hipster or drink out of a Smirnoff litre bottle at work and scare your co-workers? If you're not as daring, you can opt for a normal glass bottle, a thermos, or a sports bottle. You can refill them with water at work, at a restaurant, or at free spots around the city

8. Sort Out Your Garbage (And Your Life)

This is less of a tip and more of a compulsory point. Make the garbage collector's lives easier (and yours, because they won't collect unsorted garbage now). You need to separate them into

  1. Degradable Garbage
  2. Recyclable Garbage
  3. Non-Recyclable Garbage

9. Got A Garden? Compost!

Ok, this is definitely on the more difficult end of the tips we've suggested here because you'll have to go out and buy a little composting bin from Arpico. You'll also have to ensure rats and stuff don't get at your bin because you'll be throwing away organic material, from tea leaves to bread crumbs (some people avoid meat residue). But if you've got a garden, you know the benefits of good manure! Your compost can then go towards feeding your garden, where you can grow vegetables for consumption and continue the positive cycle. Here's a very easy guide to creating your compost line, what to compost, and different methods.

10. Just Throw Less

Think before you throw. Instead of throwing your stuff, you can:

  1. If the goods are still usable, donate to charities, orphanages, foundations. Check our DEMU section, or head to Free Your Stuff.
  2. Upcycle by giving your stuff to brands like House of Lonali or Sari Connection. Or just get crafty at home by turning wine bottles into vases, old clothes into rags or blankets, the options (and the suggestions on the internet) are endless!
  3. Fix your broken stuff instead of throwing away and replacing them. It may take some time but you'll save money and the environment! 
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Celebrate the Season with The Kingsbury’s Festive High Tea Buffet at Churros

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a Festive High Tea Buffet at

Trending

A Limited-Edition Christmas Masterpiece: Hazelnut & Passion Yule Log Train by Shangri-La Colombo

This festive season, Shangri-La Colombo unveils an exclusive culinary treasure - the Hazelnut & Passion

Trending

Colombo’s Most Anticipated Holiday Sing-Along Is Back in Town!

This December, the festive spirit is set to hit a high note as Christmas Crescendo,

Trending

Cook, Dine, and Celebrate the Season with Tabletop Teppanyaki at Tenkū

This Christmas, Tenkū offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that puts you in control of the

Trending

A Taste of the Atlantic at The Kingsbury’s Ocean

This festive season, Ocean, The Kingsbury’s celebrated seafood restaurant, invites you to embrace a world

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Tea, Treats, and Tidings: The Christmas Menu of t-Lounge by Dilmah

By Vimasha Weerawansha t-Lounge by Dilmah is a sophisticated tea experience that blends tradition with

Highlights Yamu Guide

Festive Feasts: Top Christmas Buffets of 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect spot to indulge in a festive Christmas buffet?

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide