INTERVIEW: Tracey Smith, author of The Book of Rubbish Ideas

Tracey Smith's Book of Rubbish Ideas is a must-read for anyone trying to get out of the wasteful habits that 21st century life encourages in us all: it gives practical advice on how to clear out the superfluous stuff that's cluttering up your home and your life, how to avoid unnecessary waste and even Help you to see 'rubbish' as a resource.

I spoke to Tracey to find out what changes she's made to de-junk her life.

Follow the jump for the interview and a chance to win a copy of The Book of Rubbish Ideas.

1. Were you always quite good at saving things and avoiding waste? Or was this a dramatic lifestyle change for you?

To be honest, I think I've been as guilty as sin in my early days as a working girl (not that sort) in the City. With few cares, a half-decent salary and money to blow back in the 80's, I paid next to naff all attention to the environment, so I'd say probably no to both of your questions. But as my life progressed, I realised money didn't really rock my world; life did and I needed to tune into the planet to start to make a difference. Once my children arrived, my evolution towards being a more eco-conscientious person was moving along at a steady pace and I haven't looked back since.

2. What do you personally find the biggest challenge when it comes to avoiding waste?

Flippin' plastic film and wrappings in one form or another and it drives me to distraction! You just cannot avoid the covering on your favourite packet of custard creams and there are lots of other items just like that. Even when you make huge efforts to cook from fresh, they still manage to creep in, wrapped around something or other.

Raisins, dried apricots, the label around a bottle of tonic or the hygienic seal around a jar. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everything was as it used to be, printed and/or enclosed by paper? Yes, I realise the sell-by dates would probably change and there might even be a slightly higher price for the item, but we wouldn't be left with tonnes and tonnes (which is what it collectively amounts to) of this flippin' plackie film!

3. What wasteful behaviour annoys you most in other people?

All sorts! Energy from tumble dryers belting away when stuff could be pegged on the line or put on a hanger in the kitchen. Washing machines churning away, boiling clothes that are barely worn. Heaters on with doors and windows wide open, then hearing those same people grumbling when they open their electricity bills! And before you ask, I'm on their case, really I am, but sometimes it's like King Canute trying to hold back an electrical tide. Do you know, I almost jumped over a counter at a beachside fish and chip hut as the cook left a tap running and gallons and gallons of water poured over a bucket full of frozen fish! Thankfully, many more people are eco-savvy these days and are more respectful for their environment, but others aren't even out of the changing rooms, let alone standing in the starting blocks! I guess it'll keep me in work though, so I'm not complaining.

4. You book is split into sections dealing with different parts of the house. Which presented the most problems?

I wouldn't say any had problems really, it's just some rooms were bursting with rubbish over others. The kitchen, utility and bathroom are three key areas where you can make dramatic and instant changes to the size of your bin and lots of the tips I give for one of these rooms can be applied to another. For example some of the simple recipes I give for cleaning the bathroom can be used and adapted in both of the others; one new chemical-free squirty gun and so many different applications!

We've got a copy of the book to give away to one hippyshopper reader, so if you'd like a kickstart in de-junking your life right now, simply email us wiith your name, postal address and the subject header 'the book of rubbish ideas'.


Check out Tracey's blog for more tips, news and wisdom on reducing waste

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