4 Ways To Incorporate Sustainability Into Your Everyday
Written by Elsa Elbert
4 Ways To Incorporate Sustainability Into Your Everyday
Sustainability has become a very crucial topic throughout the years; in fact, it has become more important than ever before. Being conscious of your footprint and sustainability practices is extremely beneficial; not only will you feel good about helping the planet, but you’ll also feel good about yourself! With climate change and other environmental threats on the rise, there are many minor ways you can incorporate sustainability into your everyday life.
Swap Your Essentials
As we enter the final weeks of summer, it’s extremely important to take notice of the sustainability tips that you did and didn’t practice throughout the season. Many products and essentials you normally use, such as cleaning supplies and hand soap, can easily be swapped out for more conscious versions. You can even extend this mindset to your home decor, your kitchen, or your bathroom furniture. Sustainability doesn’t have to just be all about your personal belongings or style, there are many different ways you can go one step further with this lifestyle.
Many different companies have taken initiatives to help save the planet (most have a “Sustainability” tab on their websites, so you can read about them!). Do your research to know what brands and items are safer for your home, family, and the environment. You may even find that these products and solutions are better than their less-conscious alternatives!
Ditch Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is one of the worst contributors to the pollution of our planet. With the rise of social media and ever-changing trends, this form of consumption has become more prominent than ever. Something is considered “fast fashion” when companies produce mass amounts of clothing at extremely low prices, often with flimsy materials. This constant production consumes extensive amounts of energy and water, and pollutes our atmosphere with greenhouse gases.
However, unlike fast fashion, there are many retailers making it their mission to produce clothing and accessories that don’t harm the environment. Many of the materials these companies use are organic, plant-based, and recycled fabrics. These are not only beneficial to the planet, but you’ll also notice a difference in how they feel on your skin. Beyond clothing, you can practice conscious fashion with the many accessory brands that incorporate sustainability into their practices. While you enjoy the last few weeks of summer, consider looking at sustainable sunglasses to help protect your eyes from the sun. By supporting a carbon-neutral company that invests in green energy, you’ll look fabulous and feel even better knowing that your personal style is promoting a positive environmental change!
Reusable Bottles and Containers
Owning reusable bottles and containers are two of the best ways to positively impact the environment. If you’re constantly drinking from plastic water bottles, try switching to a reusable water bottle to help quench your thirst instead. The average adult consumes around half a gallon of water per day, which adds up to a lot of plastic waste! Not only will this product significantly reduce your plastic consumption, but you can find any size or color that you want, or design your own!
Reusable food containers are also a huge game changer for the planet and your lifestyle. Constantly using and disposing of plastic or paper boxes and waste can lead to a significant amount of damage in landfills and waterways. With so many people becoming more conscious of this, there are wonderful food storage products on the market that will even keep your food hot or cold. You’ll also find that they’re much easier to organize and store while on the go!
Pro tip: When you get take out, think about if you really need the single use plastic bag, or if you’re good with the container they gave you. If you’re good without, request no bag!
Tote Bag
As discussed, excess use of paper and plastic bags has a strong effect on our environment. Recently, many states have banned or started charging for them to encourage consumers to use environmentally safer alternatives. Reusable tote bags are a practical and essential item for everyone! Totes have many great eco-friendly qualities to them, such as their recycled materials and durable construction. They’re one of the best and easiest ways to transport goods whether you’re going to the grocery store, on vacation, or visiting a friend’s house. Tote bags are also a great way to show off your personality. What a fun way to sport your favorite brand, painting, or landmark. Another bonus, is that they’re much easier and more comfortable to carry than a traditional plastic grocery bag. Just throw the tote over your shoulder, and you’re all set to go!
There are many ways you can incorporate sustainability into your everyday routine without having to compromise your lifestyle. You may notice that after switching your routine, your mind and body may feel much healthier. Making eco-friendly practices part of your life is widely beneficial to yourself, your family, and the planet. After all, just one small change can make an enormous difference.