March 06, 2017 6 Comments
This year I have tried to make an extra effort to live a more "green" life, a life that is kinder on the world. Caring about environmental sustainability can’t just stop at my One Happy Leaf wooden jewellery, it has to extend beyond my business + into my day to day life.
I know that it is easy to get overwhelmed when researching how to live a more natural + eco-friendly lifestyle. Like should you start with a zero-waste lifestyle, ethically + vegan made clothes, organically grown local foods, FSC toilet paper + the list goes on...
Rather than get overwhelmed, I have made a list of the 5 easiest way you can help the planet today. If you have more tips, let me know in the comments below.
In my home state of Western Australia, it’s still easy to breeze through a check out + receive a billion plastic bags to carry your groceries. I’ve noticed other Australian states have enforced a ban on plastic bags at grocery stores, only offering reusable cloth bags.
So while Western Australia is behind, it doesn't mean you need to be either! It’s easy to start using reusable bags; I store about 10 in my car so at any given time I am prepared to pop into the shops.
Hands up if you love coffee? Me! Me! Me! My hand is up (especially after a late night of making in my studio). However, it wasn’t until a recent visit to my local cafe that I noticed all the paper take-away cups and their plastic lids walking out the door. These cups - even though some are recyclable - just seemed a bit unnecessary. The alternative (because let's get real, you shouldn't have to say no to coffee), are reuseable cups. That’s why these beautifully designed reusable cups are the winners.
It’s no secret that I am a fully-fledged vegetarian + I have been so for just under 2 years. While I know giving up meat isn’t for everyone, I think it’s important to acknowledge the effect that commercialised meat manufacturing has on the environment. I do not believe in shaming meat-eaters (besides, I was one once upon a time!), but I am a firm believer that everyone needs to take their own journey in understanding how their lifestyle affects the environment. You can help out the world by having one night a week off from eating meat, by starting with Meat Free Mondays. You can check out some delicious meat-free meals here.
Buy-in-bulk pantry stores are popping up all over the place lately, + you know what? I love it. It gives the option of buying food in bulk that doesn’t have unnecessary plastic packaging that will go straight in the bin. I buy + store a lot of my flour, nuts, pasta, spices and dried fruits all in glass containers. The best bit about these buy-in-bulk stores is that they are usually cheaper than large supermarket chains! Cha-ching!
Walk wherever you can. I’m pretty lazy + have been known to drive to my local shopping centre (which is only 1 km away!) But recently I have picked myself up some sweet second hand wheels: a little retro bike. I love this little bike so much that I now ride it to the shops to do a little last minute shopping. Heck, if I can do it, so can you.
April 10, 2017
Kimi – I’ve started doing that too! It’s such a good tip – thanks for sharing :)
March 12, 2017
Buy a bunch of washcloths and use them for clean up in the kitchen instead of paper towels. We keep a laundry basket in the pantry and toss them in after they’re too yucky to use anymore.
March 12, 2017
Great list of tips! It is so easy to become overwhelmed when transitioning to a greener lifestyle. I am in the process of transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle and purchased my safety razor today! Hoorah! No more plastic razors!
Great blog, keep up the good work :)
Rachel xx
March 12, 2017
Hey Annelise, thanks for popping on by! I haven’t visited 1 million women’s website for a long time. I think it’s time I do, thanks for the tip! X
March 12, 2017
This is a great list of starter tips! This is where I started as well. I have my bags in the car at all times, shop at local markets instead of the supermarket where I can, I’m active and I buy in bulk. It’s actually easy once you get into the swing of it, then you can start tackling bigger goals! Have you registered to one million women? You can set up a goal checklist thing (they give you prompts) of ways to cut down on consumption and changes you can make to help the environment. It’s really cool!
Thanks for the great post!
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Anna Anagno
April 10, 2017
Thanks Rachel! Keep me posted on how you go with the xero waste lifestyle – you are an inspiration to me!