Things My Grandparents Did Without Knowing It's Eco-Conscious!

Would love to share some of the simple, thoughtful habits I saw growing up in my house:

Coconut Coir as Scrub: They never bought synthetic scrubbers. The brown hairy coir from used coconuts was all we needed. Natural, biodegradable, and free!

Old Clothes as Wipe Cloths Torn sarees, veshtis, baniyans—nothing ever went to waste. They were cut up and used as kitchen cloths, dusters, or floor wipes.

Newspapers and Old Books for Recycling There was always a bundle of papers tied up and ready for the ‘old papermart’. Magazines and old notebooks were passed on, reused, or sold for recycling. Nothing ends up in dustbin.

Milk in Our Own Containers No milk packets. No plastic pouches. We carried our steel vessels to the local milkman, who cames home and delivers everyday with warm, fresh milk. I still remember the bell which indicates that the milkman has come.

Katta Pai for Groceries The iconic cloth bag from the textile shop—katta pai—was always ready. Whether it was the market, rice mill, or local kirana, it came along. Sturdy, reused endlessly, and filled with memories.

Buying in Bulk, Planning Ahead Grocery shopping wasn’t a daily or weekly affair. It was a well-planned, monthly ritual. Things were bought in bulk, stored in tins and jars. No tiny plastic sachets. No last-minute runs. Just thoughtful planning.

When I look back, I see how our grandparents were, unknowingly, the original environmentalists. No trends. No Pinterest boards. Just common sense, respect for resources, and a way of life rooted in frugality and care.

???? What are some eco-friendly habits you remember from your grandparents' time? Would love to hear your stories!