Down and Earthy

Alright, we’re going to get down and earthy… and talk all about sustainability!

First off, sustainability can be practiced by everyone—I promise it’s not just a hippie granola sort of thing. The premise of sustainability is that because environmental resources are finite, we must use them wisely. By conserving our resources, we can protect our beautiful planet for generations to come. Just a few small changes in our actions can have a huge impact on the environment. Here are some of my favorite (and super easy!) ways to practice sustainability:

1. Reusable produce bags

Instead of using plastic produce bags in the grocery store, you can get reusable ones! A plastic bag can take fifteen to one thousand years to break down, so just one reusable bag can have long-lasting impacts. I got my reusable bags at Berkeley Bowl, but you can find them online or at other grocery stores.

2. Compost

I honestly had no idea that composting was a thing in until I came up to Berkeley—Orange County doesn’t have a composting system! Composting involves disposing organic waste products like banana peels, egg shells, and yard waste. Rather than accumulating in landfill, these items will decompose naturally and eventually break down into a natural fertilizer. If your city doesn’t have a composting system, there are also plenty of DIY ways to set up your own system at home.

3. Reusable grocery bags

This sustainability tip has been around longer than using reusable produce bags, so hopefully you’re already using this one! My aunt, Rita Foi, shipped this bag to me after I went to the grocery store and balanced everything in my hands (trashing the environment and paying 10 cents for a plastic bag?!—no thanks!). I always fold it up and keep it in the back of my trunk for my favorite snacks, produce, and kombucha woohoo.

4. Stainless Steel Straws

These aren't only perfect for your mason jar and artisan mug aesthetic—they also help out the environment! Just imagine how many plastic straws we use once and immediately dispose of, whether we’re at home, coffee shops, juice bars, etc. Metal straws are easy to clean (most come with a cleaning brush), minimize ocean pollution, and last for ages.

5. Reusable Water Bottles

Reusable water bottles are convenient, practically available everywhere to purchase, and even function as a great conversation (or should I say conservation) starter. I love decorating my water bottles with stickers, and have made new friends from people commenting on them! Carrying your own water bottle around is also a simple way to minimize plastic waste; even though water bottles are “recyclable” most eventually end up in landfills.

6. Mason Jars

I’m still not over the mason jar trend—I think they’re adorable, versatile, and a great alternative to plastic bags! I recently fell in love with Uptown Granola, which is a local business in the Bay Area. The owner Jess buys her ingredients in bulk and then sells them in mason jars (mine used to be filled to the top with her yummy cacao granola haha). I’ve also used mason jars at home for overnight oats, kombucha, trail mix, as a flower vase—you name it!

Let me know about any sustainable tips you’re currently practicing or want to start incorporating!