10 Lockdown Lessons
A global pandemic has brought with it many challenges but also some welcome lockdown lessons. There is a lot of talk about society returning to ‘normal’ but, actually, is that what we want? There have been quite a few finds from the past few months that we would quite like to keep.
1. Eating seasonally and locally
During the height of the pandemic veg box delivery companies saw demand for their service rise like never before. Abel & Cole (BeeBee & Leaf stockists), who on average distribute 55,000 food boxes a week, experienced a 25% increase in orders. Using companies like this, supporting your local farmers markets, and eating seasonally has many benefits – the produce tastes better, the money supports your local economy, products cost less, and it has a lower impact on the environment. It’s also likely to involve less plastic. An example - did you know that a punnet of strawberries grown in your own country has a carbon footprint of 150g CO2. Grown out of season and out of your own country, or locally in a hothouse, that rises to 1.8kg CO2.
2. Appreciation for nature
For years it’s been widely cited that getting outside in nature is good for your mental and physical health, but it’s fair to say we took it for granted. In the UK during lockdown we were allowed out just once a day, and, for those shielding not, at all. The saying ‘you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone’ rings true. Now we’re booking tickets to National Trust sites with the same anticipation of the biggest music festival, and planning pilgrimages to beaches. If you do go just please follow the social distancing guidelines and leave no trace. The grass is greener, and the birds are singing louder - long may they stay that way.
3. Kindness and stories of hope
Amidst the heartache there have been countless stories of kindness and triumph, never have we needed them more. There can’t be a soul untouched by the story of Captain Tom Moore’s 100 laps of his garden fundraiser. Or the story of the hospital in Barcelona where medical staff have been wheeling out recovering Covid-19 patients to be closer to the ocean for short breaks.Then there’s national treasure Joe Wicks who has put us through 70+ PE classes since 23 March, with all the money generated from YouTube ads being donated to NHS Charities Together. Add to that the reduction in pollution, wildlife regaining natural habitats, and communities working together, and we’ve got a lot to feel fuzzy about.
4. Greater respect
We have all been humbled by the sacrifices shown by all of our keyworkers - our nurses, doctors, cleaners, emergency services, bin men and women, posties, and shop workers. Those who kept showing up when the rest of us retreated. BeeBee clapped and supported the Community Masks for NHS campaign by donating our organic cotton. It will never feel enough, but it’s a start.
5. Home cooking
Ok so a takeaway, or to be waited on once in a while might be nice, but there is no doubt that during the pandemic our home cooking efforts have ramped up. The average UK employee was spending an estimated £10-£15 on lunch every week pre-pandemic, and also those lunches likely came in single use plastic. As we head back to work and the outside world let’s keep home cooking, save money and reduce our plastic. If you need any help with keeping your food fresh take a look at our innovative ways of wrapping / pouch making with our BeeBee & Leaf Wraps.
6. Sustainable shopping
Our favourite discovery has been Thrift+ - an online shopping platform for second-hand fashion that donates money to charity. You donate your best second-hand clothes and choose which charity you would like the proceeds of the sales to go to. As a bonus you can also earn credits for yourself to redeem against future purchases. Thrift+ has given BeeBee customers a 25% off discount code for July, just enter: BEEBEE25 at the checkout.
7. Flexible working
Before the pandemic, only around 5% of the UK workforce worked mainly from home (CIPD). Flexible working has been on the campaign agenda for years, with journalist Anna Whitehouse leading the way since 2015. It has faced considerable resistance. During the pandemic companies have been forced to adopt a more flexible working approach and forced to face the excuses they’ve previously given. It looks set to stick with UK charity Working Families revealing that more than nine in ten working parents and carers want their workplace to retain flexible working post Covid-19. Despite current circumstances not being a true reflection of flexible working, with many of us having children around, family to care for, and the stress of a pandemic over our heads. It has given us a taste of what it could be like to have a lifestyle that allows greater capacity to blend home and work together and tilt between the two when we need.
8. Less commuting
Clearly less commuting has had a positive impact on the environment but also on our mental health. We’re in less of a rush. We’ve been given that time back. Some commutes can go into the hours, often with people working while travelling. The flexibility of working from home means more time for exercise, fresh air, meditation, and/or extra sleep before we log on.
9. More time
There is no denying that no matter how much you resist the churn of daily life it’s still busy. The school run, work deadlines, keeping the house relatively acceptable, taking the pet to the vet, sorting out your admin. It all adds up and it’s a lot. The last few months have given us permission to slow right down. They’ve taken the pressure away, the expectations – internal and external. More time has been spent together with loved ones. Playing games, taking walks, baking – the simple things have become the big things.
10. Holidaying locally
Easier to get to, less expense, better for the environment, and supporting our economy. As overseas travel is harder to navigate, we’re all turning to holidaying in our own countries. In the UK, camping and caravanning is proving popular, likely due to the more independent nature of it. UK campervan and caravan dealers are reporting booming sales post lockdown. VW Kampers agree, they usually have 30 Danbury vans for sale at this time of year but currently they only have two. It seems we’re all looking for that freedom of our summer holiday but this year it will be a bit closer to home.
We would love to hear what you want to keep post pandemic. Get in touch via our blog comments, or social media channels.
