You know when something really cool becomes trendy and then people pretend like they don’t care about it anymore, strictly because it’s mainstream & normalized? Yeah. Caring about the Earth isn’t like that. The coolest people I’ve ever met are the most sustainable. If it really takes 21 days to form a habit, get on it. By next month you’ll be the coolest kid in town.
1. Thrift your closet!
Second-hand clothes are the best, and vintage is suuuper in right now. Not only is it a way to have fun with different styles and experiment with what you like, but it also has a larger impact on the community, give back and buy from the people around you! That 3 generation old knit sweater will come in clutch AND reduce carbon emissions from the fashion industry, a win-win.
Sites for virtual thrifting: Depop, ThredUp, Tradesy
2. Eat and shop locally!
Though the position the world is in right now (thanks to COVID-19) makes it difficult to leave the house for non-essential items, small businesses are in need of support at an all time high. You can reduce your carbon foot-print AND support your community by purchasing locally sourced produce, eating at “mom and pop” restaurants, and even getting your coffee from shops without large corporate influence.
A song to shop to: What is love? Tell me, is it easy? By Hala
3. Ditch the plastic!
One-use plastic packaging, found on almost every mass produced product in the grocery store, generates so much trash that the typical American produces approximately 710 pounds PER PERSON, yearly. Gross, right? Reduce that number by shopping in bulk, using jars from home, reusable bags when shopping & recycling as much as possible!
My roommate and I are beginning to repurpose everything, even the glass that candles come in. When the wax is gone, we clean them out and propagate plants in them, use them as pots or jars around the house!
4. Eat as plant-based or well ethically sourced as possible.
I’m a vegan, and while I’m not going to be THAT girl….you should go vegan, or at least try to! Eating vegan or plant based allows for less carbon emissions and pollution to be produced from the meat and dairy industries (the leading cause of pollution in America). Not only will our air be cleaner and water usage be down, but you may also feel better, more awake and in tune with your body’s needs. That cut out of dairy, even if it’s just one day out of the week, will have your skin lookin’ RIGHT, let me tell you.
Remember to balance your diet, eat your protein & care for the world around you.
5. Turn off unused sources of energy.
Turning off lights when you are not in the room will not only reduce your electricity bill, but also contribute to a cleaner Earth. Electricity conservation is an easy step to take at home, that even children can partake in. Reduce your carbon footprint this way, maybe even roller skate around the neighborhood instead of binge watching a show! Get some fresh air, and those endorphins pumpin’, let that serotonin flow baby.
6. Compost – if you can!
Even if you don’t have a garden or no plants hanging around, composting is a great way to reduce what goes to a landfill. Throwing a few past-expired veggies, egg shells and fruit rinds into a compost bin allows for decomposition to take place without anaerobic gas releases, a natural process allowing for no methane to enter the environment. Composting also makes for great fertiliser! Keep those plants happy!
A song to garden to: She Lives on My Block by Chicano Batman
7. Eco-friendly beauty & selfcare products
Though everyone’s skin needs differ, and places like Lush may seem more expensive and a luxury, when you cut out all other products, it results in around the same financial amount. And if you’re a struggling college student like me, this may actually work in your favor. Using eco-friendly self care and beauty products will keep your skin, pockets & world in harmony. Use cloth rags and oil-based natural facial cleansers instead of makeup wipes, by shampoo and conditioner with less environmentally damaging sulfates, shop locally for soap bars & make face masks straight from your spice cabinet!
Some of my favs: Daddy-O Shampoo from Lush, 100% raw natural Shea Butter from SheaMoisture (a women-owned all natural brand) & the Vitamin E oil from Trader Joe’s.
8. Feminine Products!!
Tampons and pads make up such a large amount of waste, and are not only dangerous to the environment but also your body alike! Tampax, a widely used tampon company, uses dioxins (a toxic chemical found as a bi-product of bleaching) in their products, something that’s used for a large amount of time INSIDE of your body. Gross. I know. Menstrual cups are a great alternative to the waste production of cotton femine products, as well as lessening chemical levels in self and in the environment. Though they’re tricky at first, menstrual cups last for years and produce zero waste, commonly even the packages they come in are compostable or recyclable. L Organic Cotton Tampons are also a great alternative, and it’s a women owned company! #girlpower
Menstrual cups & Organic Tampons can be found at virtually any drug store / local grocery outlet! Target, CVS & Walmart for example carry wide varieties of said product and can meet nearly all needs within this realm.
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A note to self & reader:
Remember your body is a product of this Earth, celebrating nature includes celebrating the root aspects of yourself. Take care of your body so that you can fuel your mind. We are all nature & we are all in this together. Spread some love & hug a tree today and everyday after!