Climate-friendly life hacks

I am well aware that climate change and global warming are mostly caused by much larger institutions than an individual, a household, or even a neighborhood. But I also know that it feels good to make small changes in my daily life and feel more connected to the nature around me by inspecting and changes my manner of consumption. If you're looking to add some small products into your life that have less chemicals and a real sense of grounding, these are some of my personal suggestions.

PRODUCTS TO USE ON THE GO!

• Keep bamboo utensils and metal straws in your bag or car to have on hand. Back before COVID made us into social recluses, I used these weekly. Also bring a glass to use for drinks/smoothies and container to use for take-out.
• Use fabric bags or even produce bags while grocery shopping (Colony Company is great!)
• Invest in beeswax wraps or reusable bags. (Itzy Ritzy, Green City Living, Full Circle Home, Eco Ditty, Lunchskins are all lovely)

PRODUCTS FOR LIFE

• Check to see if there are recycled alternatives to your regular products...recycled paper goods, all natural kitchen sponges, bamboo toothbrushes, razors made from yogurt containers...on and on. (Who Gives a Crap TP is a current favorite.)
• For ladies, look into reusable products for your cycles. Lunapads and GladRags are personal favorites for lightdays.
• Even upscale purchases like jewelry and loungewear can be more thoughtfully purchased. Companies like MADE , Know the Origin, TenTree, and Sudara are all fair trade organizations that deliver high quality goods...some even adding extra goodness into the world via planting trees, helping those rescued from human trafficking, or putting money into developing villages.)

WAYS TO DEAL WITH WASTE

• Recycle your household waste responsibly through TerraCycle​

• Compost your food waste (https://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/apartment-composting-without-the-smell.html )

• Buy foods and products in tins/cans or glass jars (or plastic ones that you will reuse over and over)

WAYS TO CONSERVE/CONSUME RESPONSIBLY

• Ladies, keep a cup in the shower to use while shaving so you can turn off the water and conserve. You can also brush your teeth in the shower for bonus agua-conservation points. 
• Go thrifting instead of buying new clothes.
• Watch great TED talks or try science-based tools at Clearer Thinking and try transformative living
• Find eco-aware companies who can lead you to better ideas, habits, and products. I've been happy to bump into The Good Trade and Package Free Shop (aka the Trash is for Tossers shop)
• Unsubscribe from unneeded emails (Who knew!?)
• Check out nonprofit media organizations to get the closest thing to unbiased news (Grist)