Start the new year with sustainable habits and swaps. Here are 12 ways to make sustainable living easy, each month this year.
January: Ditch single-use plastics
Opt for more reusable options in your everyday life. How? Keep reusable bags handy for your shopping. Carry reusable cutlery with you and refuse plastic cutlery. Bring along a reusable water bottle rather than buying plastic water bottles
Be a more conscious consumer by learning what materials compose products you are buying. Be on the lookout for natural fibres in clothing and harmful chemicals that may make up your laundry detergent or body lotion!
March: Make the switch to a reusable product
Switch to a sustainable alternative to make your everyday routine result in less waste. Swap your disposable razors for a single safety razor or ditch the plastic baggies and invest in reusable silicone bags instead.
Instead of purchasing liquid soaps in plastic bottles, switch to the bar soap version for your shampoo, conditioner, body and even facial needs! Bar soaps typically come wrapped in natural materials that are better for the environment.
Eating less meat and dairy is a top way to reducing your carbon footprint and although it may be difficult to completely cut it out, make a simple switch to reduce your overall intake.
Start your own garden to grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs. For example, tomatoes consistently pop up on the Dirty Dozen list. Try growing your own to avoid the conventional chemical pesticides that are used. Or grow mint, cilantro or basil so you always have fresh herbs on hand.
Simple adjustments in your washing routine can help to make it more eco-friendly: use a natural laundry detergent, hand wash when possible and if you’re going to use the machine, wash a full load on the cold cycle. Plus, take advantage of the warm weather and hang your laundry to dry - it’ll help your clothes keep its shape so you can wear it for longer.
Lower your carbon footprint and support local businesses and farmers. Less waste is created in delivering in-season produce from your nearby farms. Especially at farmers markets, fruits and vegetables come loose and are not wrapped in plastic packaging for protection over long periods of travel.
Help reduce the amount of waste you send to your local landfill by composting your food waste and other biodegradable items. By letting these natural materials break down, it helps to create a nutrient-rich material that can enrich soil - especially helpful if you have your own garden.
Instead of using toxic household cleaners, use more natural products in your home. Switch to more eco-friendly brands like Dr. Bronner’s or DIY your own with this Good Housekeeping guide.
Forgo fast fashion and invest in quality pieces (that you really need) instead. You’ll be supporting more ethical practices and companies that are working to protect the planet rather those focused on their bottom line.
You don’t need to be Project Runway ready but learning to sew with a needle and thread can help you to fix the little holes and scrapes that come with wear and tear - instead of buying more clothes.
Favorite Repairs & Sewing Inspiration: @UncomplicatedSpaces