How To Live Sustainably Through The Products You Choose
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The market for sustainable living is expanding by leaps and bounds as the idea of conscious consumerism becomes increasingly common. However, what does it really mean to live sustainably? How are we supposed to change our ways besides turning off the lights at home when we leave for work?
Though the meaning of “sustainability” has evolved over time, Global Footprints cites the original definition as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Yes, that’s a pretty heavy concept to keep in mind while shopping for your next pair of shoes, but it’s important to know that you can help in lots of ways that extend beyond choosing paper over plastic bags in the supermarket. Here are a few simple ways you can live more sustainably (and some companies that are making it possible).
Up Your Veggie Game
Unsplash/ Anne Preble
We’re not saying you need to cut out all animal products for good. Who doesn’t love a good burrata and prosciutto plate every once in a while, right? However, according to the Environmental Working Group, if everyone in the United States removed meat or dairy from their diets just one day per week, the impact would be the equivalent of taking 7.6 million cars off the road.
Start incorporating fresh, seasonal produce into your diet by taking a trip to the local farmer’s market with the help of the Seasonal Food Guide. Based on your location and the time of the year, this free app gives you a rundown of what fruits and veggies are at their peak of seasonality, their environmental impact and a how-to guide on how to cook them to culinary perfection.
Know Your Clothes
There’s a lot about the fashion industry we don’t know, and it’s time we start addressing it. The next time you want to update your wardrobe, try putting a bit more thought into the source of your clothing, how it’s made and who is actually making it. Think quality over quantity.
From bikinis to reusable water bottles, there are plenty of affordable brands that make sustainable and socially conscious tactics a major part of their missions. The Reformation clothing, for example, is a company that’s leading the industry and simultaneously killing the Insta game is. This brand takes transparency to an entirely new level. The Reformation’s website lays out everything you need to know about their fabulous material, from the fabrics used to the wages their workers receive. Each article of clothing even comes with a bio that summarizes its environmental impact and the amount of energy saved upon each purchase.
Clean Up Consciously
Amazon
Sometimes, we don’t even realize how harmful cleaning products can be to our health, and the same goes for hurting Mother Nature. Look out for those toxins and scary chemicals on labels that are way too hard to pronounce and go organic the next time you stock up on cleaning supplies. If you need some guidance, check out our own list of efficient natural cleaning products that will treat you, your family and the world around you with the utmost care. Don’t want to break the bank shopping? Go the classic mom route and mix a cup of vinegar, a tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of water with just a bit of essential oil to make a quick, simple and safe all-purpose cleaner.
Do It On Your Own Time
Living sustainably doesn’t have to mean drastically changing your daily lifestyle. You can still take an extra long shower when you need to clear your head and eat that hamburger at the next summer BBQ. Even if it’s the little things, such as making an extra effort to recycle old electronics or making yourself more aware of where your food is really coming from, the smallest actions to live sustainably really can help.
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