Making healing the environment a lifestyle

Although Earth Month has come to an end, the ESD committee would like to continue our efforts to spread awareness to climate change and educate others on how we can make healing the environment a lifestyle.

As climate change intensifies, it continues to disrupt systems that we need to survive on a daily basis, making it difficult to access food, housing, clean water, and clean air. If we can join together and promote changing overall human behavior by leading as an example, maybe we can heal our planet.

Let's start by changing just one action and then making it a routine.

At Home:

• Bring your own glass jars for bulk shopping vs plastic containers/produce bags.
• Use canvas bags for food shopping vs plastic bags
• Use cloth-produce bags, which can be washed, vs plastic bags when grocery shopping.
• Cook more at home vs take out. Meal prep can help with cooking time and labor.
• Bring your own travel mug vs using paper cups from coffee shops.
• Use washable cloth rags vs paper towels.
• Use traditional mops or washable mop heads vs disposable wipes.
• Homemade body/beauty products are an option for people who enjoy DIY.
• Create recipes using food scraps or save scraps to make stock vs disposal.
• Reduce your water consumption.

Community resources:

Research your local community. There might be additional opportunities to support local business, reduce waste, and improve the environment in your town.

• Buy from thrift stores, consignment shops, and reuse centers to reduce waste of clothing, accessory, furniture, household items, etc.
• Stooping is a community-based, eco-friendly practice of leaving unwanted furniture and household goods on city sidewalks. It is common in NYC, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Minneapolis, and college campuses at the change of semesters.
• The Buy Nothing Project: https://buynothingproject.org/
• Supporting a local farm and community garden allows for less wasteful food and packaging waste.
• Shop at a local farmers market.
• Food scraps can be brought to a community garden or farmers market for composting.
• Grow your own produce when possible.

Specialized & Regional Bulk Stores:

• Simply Bulk Market: Offers over 500 bulk items, including spices, grains, and eco-friendly household products.
• The Zero Market (Denver, CO): Features over 1,200 products, specializing in zero-waste food, personal care, and home goods.
• Flatbush-Food Co-op (Brooklyn, NY): 100% organic, supports 275+ producers, community owned since 1975.
• Food Co-op Finder: Comprehensive national directory created by "Grocery Story".
• Rainbow Grocery (San Francisco, CA): A large co-op with an extensive selection of bulk products, including oils and honey.
• Wholefoods (nationwide chain): offers items in bulk and has a large selection of organic and sustainable products, many packaged with natural, biodegradable, or reduced-plastic materials.
• Online and Alternative Options:
• Thrive Market: Online retailer offering healthy options in bulk, with a focus on sustainable packaging.
• Package Free Shop Online with a physical location in NYC: Offers a wide range of reusable containers and plastic-free goods.
• Life Without Plastic: Online store providing alternatives to plastic containers.

Transportation:

Is there an opportunity to utilize other methods of transportation than your car?

• Instead of driving, try taking the bus. More buses are run on electric stored batteries creating zero-emissions.
• Opt to ride a bike or walk to your destination. This also adds exercise to your travel!

For more ways to change your lifestyle and take action! Please visit: promisefortheplanet.com/.

Submitted by LaDorian Morris
ESD Committee Member