Our first Plastic Free Pop up Event in Cusco, Peru.
Loran and I had spent 8 weeks travelling around South East Asia, long before we had kids. We would often see travelling families, playing games together in cafes and beach bars, and from then, our dream of travelling as a family was born.
We are now almost three months into our twelve month trip as a travelling family. The experience so far has been everything we had hoped, and more. The closeness as a family, the new experiences we are sharing together, the awe and wonder we feel, as we discover more of our beautiful planet together. We are building memories that will last a lifetime. It really has been worth the blood, sweat and tears it took to get us here, to make the leap from the intensity of our daily lives back in the UK.
Travelling as a family is a whole different experience to our previous adventures though. We tend to move at a slower pace, finding a base and staying put for longer. We're finding this works for us, and we have found there are gifts to be found in staying put, gaining deeper understanding of a place, its rhythms, local customs. I have enjoyed attending local yoga classes in each location, Dylan has had fun finding local football clubs. This way, we have more chance to find community and cultivate friendships as we travel.
The recent news from UN, that we have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe, has been hard to hear, and like many of us. I have been feeling overwhelm and desperate.
Finding ways to come together as a community at times like can help us feel connected and restore a sense of hope. I know no better way of bringing people together, than through the sharing of food.
So, last week we hosted a plastic-free pot luck supper from our apartment in Cusco, Peru. It was to be our first community event whilst travelling.
After reaching out to the community via a few local facebook groups, a number of people showed interest, so we set a date, prepared some food, (without the use of single use plastic) and awaited our guests.
It was encouraging to find a tribe of like minded people in the city, passionate about the protection of our wonderful planet and open to finding ways to reduce waste together.
The evening was light and informal, we shared a delicious meal that we all contributed to. It was a great way to find community, share experiences and ideas. The atmosphere was positive and non judgemental.
Following the meeting, we met with our new friends on a few occasions. A local facebook group will be set up, so updates can be shared and future meet ups planned.
Here are some simple steps we shared, to make an impact in Cusco for both travellers and residents:
It is well known that reducing our consumption of meat is beneficial for the planet. Cusco is a Mecca for Vegan/ Vegetarian food. The Farm to table movement is well established here also. Supporting these resturants and cafes wherever possible. Our best finds were Green Point, LaBom, The Churro Bar, Organika,
Carry a travel mug if you are taking out. Many cafes will fill your mug at no additional charge.
Use a reusable, stainless steel drinking bottle and refill water (The Churro Bar in San Blas offers this service)
Carry re-usable straws/ cutlery and bags. (Many zero waste items can be sourced at the Churro Bar in San Blas).
Where possible buy fresh fruits and vegetables, taking your own bags along. Shopping at markets helps. The main markets are San Pedro. Open every day, and Huancaro Market, on a Saturday.
Recycle where possible. Plastic bottles can be deposited at the Churro Bar, and Green Point restaurant in San Blas. (There is also a recycling center in wanchaq).
Consider buying store cupboard items in bulk when possible. Shopping in markets, using your own containers from home to eliminate the use of can, carton, and plastic bag packaging.
When you next need a toothbrush, consider bamboo: (Check out: Brush withBamboo.com)
Consider homemade cosmetics, some great recipes at Wellnessmama.com
DIY cleaning products. Care2 is a great resource for recipes.
Consider your choice of search engine (Try Ecosia, who’s profits are used to plant trees).
Put pressure on your local council to ban single use plastics.
Put pressure on coporations by tagging rubbish (Litterati)
Join the Plastic pollution Coalition:
Use the Greenpeace Toolkit:
Planning a trip to Peru? Check out Eco expeditions: