The general belief is that leading a more conscious life is either difficult or expensive. The truth is, it could be daunting if you don’t know where to start or without the proper research. You can take small steps and buy vegetables from the dirty dozen list, replace your conventional body lotion for a certified organic one, and commit to recycle all plastic bottles or ban their use all together.
Here are easy steps to follow for your home, your kitchen, your closet and your personal care items. You can pick and choose which one you want to apply to your daily life, but if you want to apply them all, more power to you.
HOME
Recycle
Plastic lasts forever and most likely it ends up in the ocean, like in the Great Pacific Garbage Gyre. Recycle all your plastic bottles and cans, and remember that you can even recycle old batteries, ink cartridges, and wine bottle corks.
Cleaning Products
All conventional cleaning products are full of toxic ingredients that are known hormone disruptors or carcinogenic. The easiest and most affordable method to clean? White vinegar and water. Vinegar contains 5% acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. You can use a mixture of water and vinegar as a produce wash, to disinfect and clean the floor, windows, mirrors, glass, counter-tops. If you are not into DIY, you can find safe brands to buy at Grove Collaborative.
Organic Cotton Bed Sheets
Cotton farming uses more pesticides than any other area of agricultural production. In addition, cotton sheets labeled “Wrinkle-Free”, “Easy Care” and “Permanent Press” indicate that the fabric has been treated with formaldehyde resin, one of the most toxic chemical fabric finishes designed NOT to wash out. You can find organic cotton bedsheets from the following brands: Coyuchi , Alterra Pure, Farm to Home, West Elm, American Blossom Linens
FOOD
Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 Fruits and Vegetables
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) has created a practical list to get you started on shopping organic produce and avoid pesticides. Save money by buying organic fruits and vegetables from the Dirty Dozen List (the ones with the most pesticides residue) and stick to conventional fruits and vegetables from the Clean 15 List. A rule of thumb: if you can peel it, eat it.
Meatless Monday
Did you know that 2,500 cows produce the same amount of waste as a city of 411,000 people? And that it requires 660 gallons of water to make 1 hamburger? That is the equivalent of showering daily for 2 entire months. Animal agriculture is eroding the health of the planet and you can help by consuming less meat. Meatless Monday was created to create awareness about this issue plus skipping meat one day a week is good for your health and fantastic for the planet. Click here to get recipes from the Meatless Monday’s website.
Dairy without Hormones
Choose dairy products that are free from the hormone rBGH -a genetically engineered artificial hormone injected into dairy cows to increase milk production. Everything that goes in to the cows goes into your body. Many studies have noted links associated between this hormones and the risk of cancer, especially breast and prostate cancer, and also allergies. Choose brands like Horizon Organics, Organic Valley, or Whole Foods 365. Better yet choose plants based milks from almond, hemp, or coconut.
FASHION
Organic Cotton
As mentioned above, cotton farming is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Build your wardrobe by buying staples like t-shirts, underwear and jeans made of organic cotton or more sustainable fabrics like tencel, modal, and bamboo. These brands make wardrobe essentials from organic cotton: Pact, Yes And, Nudie Jeans.
Ethical Fashion
Be knowledable of where your clothes are coming from, many pieces are manufactured under poor labor conditions in countries like India and China. Check the brand's website to see if they have a transparent supply chain and details where the clothing is made and under which conditions. The Good On You app is a handy resource to use to identfy the best ethical brands.
Vintage and Thrift Stores
By buying second hand you keep old/used clothes from ending in landfills. Check out vintage stores, thrift stores, or E-Bay. You do not need to part from what you currently have in your closet, but if you don’t use it, either donate it or hold a “swap party” with your friends. This is the best way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime.
PERSONAL CARE
Skincare and Body-care
Check labels for things like Parabens, SLS, DEA, and Triclosan and avoid them at all costs. The retail store Credo has an extesinve list of ingredients to avoid. If you wish to swap your current products start with the products that you use the most like body lotion and shampoo. And before swapping your products, finish them and dispose of the empty bottles properly.
Get in the habit of making conscious purchases - ask yourself if you really need that extra pair of shoes or a new mascara. The idea is to become more conscious with the things you buy.