by Fiona Wood
Trends of all sorts come and go, and they shape our choices and behavior to a great extent. One day, we’re crazy about ripped jeans, the next we’re looking for ways to incorporate more acai berries into our smoothies. Sustainability, on the other hand, is so much more than a buzzword and a trend. It’s a mindset, a mindful way of living, and a lifelong dedication to the entire planet’s wellbeing, not just our own.
In addition to the already established ideas that help your eco-friendly cause such as cutting down or eliminating animal products or recycling more, there are other potent ways to make a difference. Let’s take a look at a few you can start practicing in your own life, and set an example for those around you.
1. Little things around the house
You know how a little can go a long way? Well, the same slice of wisdom applies to all of those little things you do around your home that often feel like nothing at all. That “nothing” can mean everything down the line. Examples?
- Unplug your chargers when you’re done using them, it saves electricity.
- Use natural light as long as you can, and when you do need to turn on the lights, choose LED instead of incandescent bulbs.
- Install water-saving faucets, and use a shower-timer.
- Turn off any appliances you’re not using.
- Hang your clothes to dry instead of relying on a machine dryer.
2. Consume local and seasonal food
In addition to choosing vegan food, there are other ways your diet can preserve the environment. Eating local produce means you say no to massive shipping carbon footprints caused by import and export practices. You can pack your groceries in reusable, non-plastic bags, too!
Plus, consuming seasonal and local produce leads to a stronger local economy, which in turn reduces the need for the import and export of goods.
3. Slow fashion rocks
You already know how harmful fast fashion is for the environment, but in case you’d like to learn more, here’s an in-depth article on the effects of fast fashion. Meanwhile, while you do say no to fast fashion brands, you can replace them with sustainable brands, locally-made clothes and footwear, and those that invest in fairly-made products.
Finally, make sure that you wear your clothes for as long as possible. When you purchase quality garments, that is always possible, so there’s no need to go shopping several times per month.
4. Natural, harm-free beauty
Just like your food and your wearables, your beauty shelf should be packed with products that are vegan, cruelty-free, natural, and preferably locally-made. For example, it’s best to enrich your routine with skin and planet-friendly items such as a natural and organic dandruff shampoo that will moisturize your scalp, revitalize your locks, and prevent exposure to harmful chemicals in your hair care ritual. The same goes for your conditioner, as well as all those beautifying products we all cherish.
Always look for certifications and proof that the brand in question is indeed sustainable, and if you can, go for items made locally to avoid the same carbon emissions of import and shipping linked to imported beauty items, food and fashion.
5. Re-sell, swap, donate
You have an extra serum on your shelf, or a pair of booties you no longer wear? Give them to someone who needs them and who will have a use for them. You can even make a little extra cash if you sell what you no longer use at a garage sale or a second-hand store.
Extend the lifespan of all your possessions by giving others the chance to use them.
6. Give your stuff a new purpose
We all have that beautiful, but super old chest where all of our toys were stored when we were kids, or something of similar emotional value. However, when you no longer have a purpose for it, you can give it a little spruce and use it as a coffee table.
Repurposing old items is another way to give them a second chance at life, which will prevent you from reaching after your wallet to buy something new.
7. Choose clean home cleansers
Much like you beautify your skin and hair with the help of planet-friendly items, you can find or make your own eco-conscious cleaning supplies. Instead of those store-bought varieties packed in plastic bottles, loaded with chemicals and toxins, you can use several harmless ingredients such as baking soda, water, and apple cider vinegar to keep your home in pristine shape, but without harming your health or the environment.
Sustainability starts one choice at a time, and there’s always another way you can make a difference. It’s not always possible to monitor our every step so that we make the right decision, but leading a more mindful existence comes with a learning curve – embrace it, and you’ll learn how to make the most impact over time.