SMALL CHANGES = BIG IMPACT

It’s 2019. Over the last 65 years only 9% of the world’s plastic has been recycled. Take a moment to let that sink. However, over the last few years, we can confidently say that well over 9% of the world’s population is interested in living a more sustainable life that is good for themselves, their friends, the animals and the environment. We’re proud to say that we’re part of that group of people.

While making a lifestyle change does take a little effort it is not impossible and it’s not super difficult either. Little swaps go long ways. So, whether you’re using public transportation instead of your own car or reusable make-up remover pads with our Witch Hazel remover instead of the disposable ones we’re just so excited that you’re making steps in the right direction. Here’s a small list of some more ways by which you can prolong the life of mother nature, ways that are easier than discarding that packaging made of single-use plastic.

1. INVEST IN A WATER BOTTLE

On a hot summer’s day that chilled bottle of water can provide all the respite one needs. However, packaged mineral water comes in plastic bottles, bottles that take anywhere between 15 to 1000 years to disintegrate. What you buy and consume within a few hours takes a lifetime or more to leave the surface of our planet.

Additionally, plastic bottles and containers contain BPA (Bisphenol A), an industrial chemical that comes with its own set of health risks.

Cut the craze and invest in a glass or steel bottle that you can refill whenever you need. Most cafes and restaurants today allow you to refill your bottle for free and major cities even have public water fountains for citizens to use. Plus, if the environmental benefit is not the biggest factor for you, think of all the dough you’ll save when you don’t have to buy countless plastic bottles anymore?

2. CARRY YOUR OWN SHOPPING BAGS

We recently read an article which mentioned that a startling 91% of global plastic does not get recycled! The only way to get this number down is to curb our plastic usage entirely. And while it seems difficult, after all most things today have something to do with the material, it is not impossible.

The next time you go shopping, carry your own bags with you. Reusable bags are easy to buy, even easier to make and don’t forgot those bags that your mum has been hoarding under the kitchen sink for years now. They had to come to use somewhere!

3. BUY LOCALLY AND EAT SEASONALLY

Exotic fruits and veg can be very tempting, we know. However, indulging in an Acai bowl, as Instagram-able as it may be, is not doing anything for the environment. When you buy into international food trends and fads you also indirectly contribute to transportation, congestion and pollution. Why not go back to the basics and eat what is locally and seasonally available to you. Not only is it good for you and the environment it also helps your local farmers out!

4. START COMPOSTING

According to some, composting is one of the greenest things you can do. The benefits of this simple act are tremendous – It reduces landfill waste and incineration thereby reducing emissions, home-made compost is great for the soil, it reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and you can compost anything as long as it hasn’t fossilised! The act of composting itself requires not much effort (head to our Instagram stories to learn how to compost) but the positive impact it has on the environment is massive.

5. SAY BYE-BYE TO STRAWS

The unassuming plastic straw has been in the spotlight for a few years now. For reasons that are anything but good. If the images you see on social media of the ocean covered in plastic or the marine life choking on straws hit you even in the slightest it’s time to make a change.

With the ban on plastic straws coming into force across the globe, retailers have started using paper straws. And while they’re half the problem solved, why don’t we stop asking for straws and drink right out of the glass? That’s a handy solution! However, if you really cannot live without using a straw to drink your mojito, we suggest buying a steel one and carrying it with you. It doesn’t take up space and you can easily wash and re-use.