Make Every Day 🌎 Earth Day 🌍 ⠀
- Wellness Society
- Apr 22, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 5, 2019
The best way to reduce your environmental footprint is to take small steps every day. Do one little thing each day… and build upon it! Start with products that you use on a regular basis and be hyper alert to the companies that you choose to purchase from.
On my wellness journey, I decided to take a deep look at every element of my life. From what I eat, to what I buy and from where, to what I put on my skin.
It all began with food.
It has been obvious to me for some time now that we have a worldwide epidemic. Our earth is being destroyed at alarming rates and we all need to do something about it. Over the years, I have tried to do my small part and for me it started with the kitchen/food:
I began using reusable grocery bags years ago and if I forget them, I try to carry my items, put them in my purse or get paper bags if it's an option because I can recycle them right away
I used veggie scraps to make my own veggie broth so that I am not wasting the scraps
I started regrowing food that can regrow in water to get 2-3 more uses out of them
I planted herbs (which I have a habit of killing, but I am trying!) instead of buying all the time
I made my own veggie wash because I couldn't find one that I trusted and there was no sense in having another single use plastic item that I would have to buy again and again
Now, as I see and read so much more on depletion of the ozone layer, deforestation of the rainforests, our clean drinking water supply, I feel compelled to do more.
I started using metal drinking straws and reusable utensils when on the go
I switched to dryer balls instead of dryer sheets
I just found my new go-to kit for grocery shopping: KAPPI Supermarket Bundle It has reusable bags for produce that will eliminate the single use plastic bags for produce!!
I am getting the starter kit:
- 2 x organic cotton grocery bags (each fits the equivalent of two loaded conventional plastic bags)
- 3 x organic cotton mesh produce bags (can fit more than 15 apples)
- 3 x organic cotton bulk food bags (holds between 1-1.5kg of bulk food produce)
Use the code "Eryn10" for 10% off your order from KAPPI!
Then, I started slowly making easy swaps for things that I use on a regular basis: paper and plastic products in our house.
For starters, I got rid of ziploc bags. I started using Grove Collaborative washable and reusable bags and I love them. I also am obsessed with my Khala Cloths which are washable and reusable beeswax cloths that I use in place of saran wrap.
Now I am onto Seventh Generation seedling toilet paper and paper towels (that I also get from Grove Collaborative). While we do not use a lot of paper towels, I always like to have them on hand. We just started the toilet paper transition, so I'll have to update you on the status of that once I get everyone's opinion.
Another area that requires a lot of use: baby wipes.
I recently tried Seventh Generation Free & Clear Baby Wipes and I am OBSESSED. These Free & Clear Baby Wipes work gently with plant-derived ingredients and are free of alcohol, fragrances & dyes, parabens and phthalates (basically baby poison). They are hypoallergenic and super thick, strong and generously-sized. It did not dry out quickly, so I was able to use it over and over while my 2 year old was knee deep in dirt and chocolate milk. I finally found my new fave go-to wipes. Long after he is potty trained these will still be in my purse....because if you don't have baby wipes in your bag, are you even a mom?!
Fun Fact:
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Baby wipes use 70% less plastic than the original wipes, thanks to the use of plant materials. #poweredbyplants
Then I began to work on my beauty and personal care products.
And this one was a duzy.
So much of what we use comes in single use plastic bottles and is made with CRAP that is literally poisoning our body's.
I started with the EWG app and the Think Dirty app to help my on my mission to source good products. {Bonus, you can source food and household products too.}
MIND BLOWN.
I started tossing a bunch of poisonous products that were in my house.
Beauty Products by Beautycounter: Skincare, Make-up, Haircare, Sunscreen
Obviously I am partial to Beautycounter. Their mission, their products, the advocacy, the packaging etc. This company rocks. At everything.
Beautycounter also offers baby and kids products and even a new men's line. #winningatlife
Everyone in my family gets better and safer products from a company that cares about ME and the PLANET!
Personal Care paper products: TOP Tampons and Pads.
OMG, finally a company that get's it.
TOP (The Organic Project) has a purpose to bring awareness to the overwhelming benefits of organic period products and how a small change can impact the world.
TOP tampons and pads are free of dioxins, pesticides and toxins – period.
The beauty industry is not thoroughly regulated and we (us and our daughters) are literally putting chemicals into our bodies.
TOP products are:
Better for you.
100% organic cotton tampons and pads, highly absorbent, naturally hypoallergenic, and seriously strong.
Better for the planet.
100% biodegradable. Free of chemicals and dyes.
Better for others.
For every purchase, they donate product to schools, shelters, nonprofits and organizations dedicated to helping women & girls in need.
That’s their promise and they’re proud of it. And I'm proud of myself for using their products. In honor of Earth Day, you can get 20% off a new subscription with promo code TOPEARTH. The promo will run from April 22 - April 29. 🌎
So, here are my top tips on ways you can reduce your single use plastic‘s:
🌍Use glass or metal drinking straws
🌏 Take reusable silverware with you
🌎Use ♻️ reusable grocery bags
🌍Say no thanks to the plastic bag if you can carry it in your purse or in your hands
🌎 Buy products made from recycled materials
🌏 Shop with companies that care about their packaging and sustainable sourcing practices
⠀⠀
Other ways you can help the environment:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🌱Use safer nontoxic products that are not tested on animals 🌱Try to reduce your meat intake 🌱Make your own products (veggie wash/veggie broth) ♻️Recycle everything you can 🌱Shop with companies that are making items that are safer for you and safer for the environment ⠀⠀⠀⠀
Companies that I trust and love:
One small step every day #ForThePlanet #DoYourPart⠀⠀⠀⠀
Follow along:
Comments