How to consume less and save more — 10 things learnt from 10 years in Cuba

Cuba has been living under an economic embargo from the US for 60 years now, one of the effects of which is a scarcity of goods. It now has an economy suffering after months of COVID-19 closure to its main income source of tourism, is reeling from the effects of 4 years of anti-Cuba Trump government and blockage of payments into the island, and is currently transitioning from a dual to single currency. Times are hard, but not just on this Caribbean island. In times of pandemic, what Cubans know is useful anywhere right now, and good for the planet.

1. Reuse packaging — don’t waste money buying colour coordinated plastic containers and bottles — it all adds up. Water bottles reused for keeping drinks cool in the fridge, jars reused to store homemade sauces, yoghurt pots reused to make jellies, plain and washed plastic bags to freeze meat portions, perfume bottles for room freshener solutions..and so on.
2. Walk or use a bike. Most Cubans don’t have a car or access to one and transport in many areas of Cuba is pretty lacking. Bicycles were promoted as an alternative to public transport during the 90s ‘special period’ when the fall of the Soviet Union left Cuba without access to oil. Cubans had quite an aversion to them after those difficult memories but they made a comeback during this year’s lockdown, when public transport was stopped for some time but people still needed to go out and buy food.
3. Cooking from fresh saves a TON of money. Anything coming in a can or frozen is more expensive and you have less control of what goes in. Cook in batches so you can freeze meals for later and thus save time and effort. Nice. Maybe you have neighbours who are struggling or have a new baby or a family member in hospital or just lost their job. What nicer way to help than to bring food. Cubans do this A LOT! And they have VERY LITTLE.
4. Bring your lunch to work. Cubans cook family style, so after a meal it is common to put leftover rice, meat, vegetables, salad separated in the fridge for a later day. This serves ideally for lunch next day, maybe freshened up with an alternative accompaniment.
5. Re-use old bread to make breadcrumbs. In Cuba, it’s rare to find ready-made breadcrumbs to buy and my (Cuban) husband cannot believe that I didn’t always make my own. Best of all, you can freeze the old bread until you need it or make the breadcrumbs and then freeze, you never need to be without them! And who doesn’t like a bit of crunch to their food?
6. Make mayonnaise yourself. So easy. Eggs, mustard, oil and vinegar. And way cheaper.
7. Buy a pressure cooker. Cooking based on steam. These are commonplace in Cuba and ideal for someone like me who has never really enjoying cooking. You just put everything in, set the time, and BAM. It also uses far less energy than other appliances and keep all the nutrients in.
8. You don’t need to buy shoes or clothes as often as you think you do. Clothes you love can be refashioned, repurposed, a skirt made shorter, elastic replaced. Most Cubans know how to do this, and what better time to learn than during lockdown?
9. Are your shoes looking tired and worn? Clean them properly, wash them if you can, and get them repaired! Cubans don’t go anywhere without immaculate-looking shoes, and it’s not because they always replace them. They look after them.
10. You don’t need to buy a gazillion different liquids and pastes to wash. All that unnecessary packaging! In Cuba, where there is shortage of everything (did I mentioned that already?!), washing powder can be used for EVERYTHING. To clean the floors, wash clothes, clean the countertops, washing up dishes, and even yourself when there is no soap available (OK, the last one might be drastic, but the rest you barely notice the difference).

There we are!! 10 things I learnt living in Cuba that we could all benefit from right now. Que disfruten!!

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