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
Embracing Daily Self-Care for Better Overall Health
Article written by: Carla Lopez
What does your self-care program look like? Things like skin care and exercise can be keys to looking and feeling your best. However, one self-care task can’t make you healthy by itself, which is why it’s so important to balance your regimen with other forms of self-care. A well-rounded program will not only keep you from burning out, but it will also help you to achieve optimal overall health.
Bee Veda wants you to be happy and healthy, so read on for some practical advice on how to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.
Find a Workout You Enjoy
Most people don’t exercise just for the fun of it; instead, they exercise because it produces results and improves their lives. However, if your motivation to work out comes solely from the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of fitness, even that motivation will run out eventually. It’s essential that you find an exercise type or routine that you enjoy; that way, your commitment won’t be dependent only on the results.
There are endless movements, styles, and regimens of exercise that will serve you well. And if you figure out what kind(s) you like doing, you’ll be setting yourself up for a consistent and long-lasting routine that keeps the benefits coming. If you like running, for example, try running indoors and outdoors to decide which you like best.
Feed Yourself the Right Fuel
Nutrition is the fuel our bodies run on throughout our everyday lives. When you feed yourself nutrient-rich foods, you set yourself up to thrive — not just survive. Not only will it help you feel significantly better each day, but it will also better your chances for long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional health and overall well-being. Plus, good food choices can influence how you look, and not just weight-wise. Your skin is greatly influenced by what you consume, so aim for healthful options like seeds, berries and leafy greens.
As Global Healing explains, your gut health determines how you feel throughout the day, whether you’re happy or sad. Healthy foods that feed your gut good bacteria trigger the “happy” hormone serotonin, which can put you in a better mood. Add some probiotic foods like yogurt to your diet to boost the good bacteria in your gut, which can also keep your digestive and immune systems healthy.
If extra time in the grocery and kitchen is a little too inconvenient for your lifestyle right now, look into a healthy food delivery service in your city. These services can help make eating healthy easier by bringing proper portions of fresh food right to your doorstep. Moreover, they usually offer a wide variety of options so you can mix up the foods in your diet, which can keep things interesting and motivate you to continue your good eating habits.
Garbage In, Garbage Out?
What you eat isn’t the only type of consumption that affects your well-being. What you feed your mind deeply influences how you feel, and in our fast-paced world, many of us find we’re strongly tied to our devices. Too much screen time can contribute to stress and even depression. Look for ways to lessen screen time so that you are more present with family and friends.
Also, think about the space in which you live and the way it influences how you feel. Do you need to do some decluttering? Address household tensions? Maybe even switch to natural cleaning products and do some scrubbing? Removing toxins from your life, whether in terms of toxic attitudes or toxic chemicals, will have you looking and feeling better.
Your Biggest Organ
Working out is good for your whole body, but don’t neglect your biggest organ: your skin. Just like toxins inside your home are bad for how you feel, natural skin care products can make a big difference in the health of your skin, and subsequently your whole being. Bee Veda lines incorporate essential oils as well, so you have the ability to boost your self-care practice through scent as well.
No one habit can bring you health and happiness. Look for ways to practice self-care so that you can improve and maintain your overall health and well-being. And be sure to make Bee Veda part of how you tend your largest organ.