Want more ways to reduce your impact on the planet? Try these 10 tips for living a more sustainable life!
1. Purchase zero-waste products
Our favourite way to reduce our impact on the planet is to support zero-waste shops! If you’re not creating any waste with your purchases, you’re making a huge positive impact on the environment. Some of the amazing products you can buy include Herbaland Gummies (obviously), nuts and seeds, spices, household cleaning products, and more. There are so many amazing stores and options to choose from, so get exploring!
At Herbaland, we do our best to reduce our impact on the environment. That’s why we’ve teamed up with zero-waste shops so you can buy our gummies waste-free! Just bring your reusable container and get your fill of gummies. Being sustainable couldn't be more simple and delicious. Check out our list of stores here
2. Reduce your packaging
This one piggybacks on the zero-waste packaging. If you’re unable to buy zero-waste, opt for the products with the most minimal packaging. Recyclable packaging is better than nothing, but if you can eliminate or reduce it altogether, it’s a much better option. And even better, if they have any eco-friendly or compostable packaging option available, choose that!
3. Limit single-use plastic
A straw in your frappuccino, a plastic bag at the supermarket, or a wrapper on your favourite candy--individually, they seem pretty harmless; these modern conveniences are so ubiquitous that they barely register in our thoughts. But these single-use plastics come with a hefty environmental price tag that extends far beyond the current generation. They have a detrimental impact on the ocean, wildlife, and our health.
A 2016 study suggests that more than 50% of non-fiber plastic come from plastic packaging alone, most of which is single-use. Single use plastics don’t degrade, they break up and cause microscopic plastic fragments that cause major health concerns for us and the environment. Whenever possible, buy reusable items. Bags, straws, glass containers, drink canisters, and the like. Buy in bulk whenever possible. Whatever you can do to reuse items and eliminate single use goes a long way to reducing plastic waste.
4. Turn off the lights when you leave a room
The benefits of being more electricity-friendly is twofold--you save money and you help the environment. Make a conscious effort to turn the lights off when you leave a room.
If you want to go a step further to reduce your energy use, invest in energy efficient light bulbs, open the windows instead of running air conditioning, unplug electronics you’re not using, and only use the heat when you absolutely need it. Natural gas and electricity produce greenhouse gas emissions that are incredibly harmful for the planet. By being conscious of how much energy you’re using and making an effort to reduce consumption, you can help keep the planet green. And bonus, you’ll also save on your utility bills!
5. Reuse whenever possible
Nothing says cutting back on your waste like reusing whatever you can. When you avoid buying single-use plastics, you’re able to find ways to repurpose products. Whether it’s a glass jar, a water bottle, or beeswax wraps, they’re all great zero-waste items that can serve another purpose after its original one.
6. Shop local and in-season
Ever notice that produce just doesn’t taste as good when it’s not in season? Fruits and vegetables are picked when they’re unripe, transported, and gassed to provide you with the “ripe” fruit in supermarkets. By purchasing seasonally, not only are you getting healthier and more flavourful foods, but you’re skipping the lengthy transportation process that pollutes the air. And better yet, if it’s farmer’s market season, check out your local one for all the best produce!
7. Invest in rainwater
Have you ever stopped to think about how much water we waste? Whether it’s an extra-long shower or keeping your kitchen tap on full when you’re washing dishes, you’d probably be astounded at how much water you actually use. Give back to the planet by getting yourself a rain barrel. They’re a convenient, sustainable way to reap the benefits from rainstorms.
By investing in a rain barrel you can:
- Reduce you water bills
- Grow lush and healthy plants
- Reduce stress on residential water systems
- Reduce pollution run-off
- Prevent soil erosion
8. Grow your own food
Nothing says close to home like homegrown food. Planting your own garden is not only super fun and rewarding, but it’s a great way to reduce the impact of food transport on the environment. If you don’t have a backyard, don’t worry! Pots are an easy and portable way to grow your own food. And if you want to go a step further, use your organics for compost! You can find compost bins at most hardware stores and they’re a simple way to make use of your kitchen scraps. On top of that, your plants will thrive with it.
9. Shop secondhand
Nothing says uncool like last season’s trends, right? Wrong. It may seem cool to follow what’s in style now, but fast-fashion is anything but cool. It’s a real thing and it’s taking a toll on our environment. There’s been a huge rise in the demand for new clothes and “cool” style and it contributes massively to waste and pollution. Whether it’s chemicals used to make the clothing or environmental pollution from transport, there’s nothing green or sustainable about it. Not to mention the shipping process is a huge pile of unnecessary packaging and waste. Skip the fast-fashion and opt for second hand! You can find some amazing steals and have money to spare. After all, what’s one person’s ‘trash’ is another person’s treasure.
10. Eat more plants
Meat production is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and harms millions of animals in the process. Going plant-based doesn’t have to be hard or boring! Start by participating in meatless Mondays; slowly incorporate more veggies into your meals; then eventually replace the meat with protein-rich plant-based alternatives! Eating plants can be fun AND good for the environment.
Living consciously and sustainably doesn't have to be difficult or expensive and it goes a long way to improving the health of both you and the environment. Get creative and find fun and exciting ways to reduce your impact on the planet.