Earth Day 2021
Article By: Isabella Knori @izzyzzyx and Allie Tice @bee_veda
6 Tips for Integrating Sustainable Practices Into Your Life
Climate change impacts all of our lives and our actions/inaction make a difference. These small changes in your routines and consumption habits can make an impact for GOOD.
Thrifting and Buying Second Hand
Constantly buying new clothes, and contributing to the fast fashion industry, takes a toll on both the environment and the workers who are tasked with mass production. Buying second-hand is the best way to shop sustainably and HELLO, vintage is so hot right now! You can even thrift online now by using websites like Poshmark, ThreadUp, and luxury consignment from the Real Real. When do you have to shop traditional retail, choose a small business, and slow fashion!
2. Easy swap-outs to reduce single-use plastics
Soap Bars- A great way to reduce plastic waste is to switch to shampoo and conditioner bars or powder! Yep, just like bars of soap except they replace the single-use plastic from traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles (and yes, they work just as well).
Home Cleaning Supplies- There are many fantastic brands that sell refillable cleaning products with non-toxic cleaning agents! Most of them have easy-to-use subscriptions so refills come straight to your home!
Bulk Markets- How many boxes of cereal, pasta, dried beans, etc, do you go through? Research bulk markets in your area. They often have a list of goods they carry on their websites. You will be amazed at the waste you reduce by refilling glass containers and previously purchased plastics.
3. Request Minimal Packaging
When shopping online there is usually a “notes” section when you checkout. You can often add a note saying to use minimal packaging and no wrapping. This way the seller knows not to waste any extra paper or packaging on your order! Keep it simple and reduce waste :). Reuse the boxes and packaging you have! Let the kids cut up cardboard boxes to make crafts, games, etc.
4. Switch to reusable bags
Using reusable shopping bags at the grocery store and reusable mesh produce bags are so convenient and definitely make a difference long term! I always keep a couple of bags in my car and a small bag in my purse! It comes in handy all the time when I make quick trips to the store!
5. Sustainable Diapering- Did you know that diapers create 30% of landfill waste??? Fortunately, there are some fantastic brands that have designed sustainable and biodegradable disposable diapers!!! Whoohoo! Also, there are some fantastic reusable diapering systems out there as well. Check out our favorites list below for links!
6.Shop SMALL and Sustainable Brands
Make a commitment to shop smaller! Handmade and slow fashion often last longer than mass-produced items and that means fewer of last year’s fashion trends ending up in a landfill. Check out some of our favorite sustainable beauty and fashion brands in the links provided below!
Not only will you reduce waste; shopping small, sustainable businesses, allows these brands to be more competitive in the market. Most small business owners (AHEM!!! Bee Veda) get into business because they’re passionate about their craft! You vote with your DOLLARS… cast those votes wisely.
Check out these brands we love.
Also, if you have small brands you shop with regularly share about them on your social media accounts. I promise they will be incredibly grateful for the support.
Apparel
https://www.ofearthandsalt.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SunseekCo
Soaps/Shampoos
Re-usable bags
https://baggu.com/collections/reusable-bags
Makeup
https://www.fatandthemoon.com/
Diapers