Simple Tips For A More Sustainable Lifestyle
At Cover The Label we are a wellness community that focuses on sustainability, quality, education and brand awareness, as we’re about building healthy habits together. The things that are good for the environment, are also good for our health! Our passion for approachable wellness happens one day at a time and we’re still a work in progress everyday. Sustainability looks different for everyone but if we all commit to one new habit a month or even a year, we can be living a more sustainable life in no time. This conversation is just beginning but all it takes is one step in the right direction.
How to Start Practicing A More Sustainable Lifestyle?
Sustainable living is a way to help reduce our impact on the Earth’s natural resources, as well as personal resources. By looking at the bigger picture and being more intentional, we can all attempt to alter methods of transportation, energy usage or diet. It’s as easy as 1, 2,3... So let’s explore some simple ways to add a bit more sustainability into your routine! It’s easier than you might think.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle: This is one of the easiest things you can do to save resources, create less waste and save money! Get into the habit of treating your reusable water bottle like your purse or wallet. Make sure it goes to work, errands and even vacations! But just remember you should be washing that water bottle too.
Use Reusable Bags: Don’t just take your reusable shopping bags to the grocery store. Take them everywhere and always keep backup in the car. Haul them to the farmer’s market, hardware store, the mall or as a gym bag!
Practice Simplifying: Sustainability is about checking out the big picture. At times it can seem overwhelming to try to switch your whole life around but it’s a slow process. There is no need to stress out and do it all overnight. It doesn’t mean getting rid of everything; however, it means you are making sure that everything you own and use, has a purpose. By simplifying, you ultimately need less, buy less, spend less and will become more mindful in your day to day life.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Recycle old glass bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes. Make sure to keep a recycling bin at home and try making more trips to the recycling plant or just make sure to sort it right. This is a great way to save some extra money too. Compost items, such as food scraps, paper items (non-coated) and coffee grounds. Check out the recycling and compost options in your city for some inspiration! You can compost right at home, even if you live in a tiny apartment with a small compost bucket.
Look at Your Water Usage: This one is super important, as living in California we are always in a drought! But remember we must wash those hands and keep our hygiene in check, which means we got to use some water. However, in the grand scheme of things we wash everything way too much. Not only has science discovered that our over emphasis on being clean has reduced our body’s natural immune resistance to diseases (which requires exposure to bacteria to develop), but each person wastes large amounts of water from showers to laundry. Practice taking shorter showers, cleaning dishes in the dishwasher and brushing your teeth without the water running, along with washing laundry on rapid wash.
Walk, Bike or Carpool Work: Over the past year we have really cut down on our commute time. I personally got rid of my car and switched to a Honda Metropolitan Scooter. It not only saves money on gas but it’s easy to park and reduces my energy usage! Walking, biking or taking public transportation to work will not only save you money but improve your health by moving more! Hopefully post quarantine we can take public transportation more often.
Become More Efficient with Errands: You don’t have to buy an electric car to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. By choosing to become more efficient with your errands you can create a system of sustainable living. It does take some planning so before leaving the house map out your errands so you’ll only have to leave the house once. An easy solution is finding a routine that works best for you, such as doing errands on your way to or from work.
Stop Unwanted Mail: Save our precious natural resources by opting out from those millions of unwanted pre-approval credit card letters and insurance quotes, to help simplify your life. Sites like www.catalogchoice.org offer free services to opt out of catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, and more. It will help you reduce clutter in your life while helping the planet, plus protecting your privacy.
Unplug Electronics: Did you know that even when your electronics are off they are still drawing electricity? A simple solution to reduce your energy usage is to pull the plug. Literally all you have to do is unplug to help save energy each month and reduce your bill. Who can say no to that!?
Revamp Your Home and Skin Care Products
Most store-bought products contain harsh chemicals and dozens of questionable ingredients so it’s time to start checking those labels too. However, more brands are creating non-toxic home and skincare products! Check out a few we already love that are helping redefine home and beauty standards: Branch Basics, Common Good, ECOS, CocoKind, True Botanicals and 100% Pure. Check out EWG for all your consumer questions and help make the best decisions for yourself and the planet. https://www.ewg.org
Think about it this way, as it’s progress over perfection when it comes to non-toxic home and skincare products. It may seem overwhelming to switch everything all at once and we aren’t there either. So instead just start by focusing monthly on one item to switch over. Maybe try a homemade all purpose cleaner with baking soda and vinegar or switch to simple coconut oil for skin hydration. You find what works for you. Homemade skin care products are super easy to make and so much fun! Homemade products save money, are better for the environment, healthier for your body and make fantastic gifts!
How will you be incorporating sustainable living this year? You can choose one above or share yours below. I can’t wait to hear! It is all about starting small and doing what is right for you. We are all on unique paths to help mother Earth thrive.
