It’s time we all start making changes to become kinder to the environment. Here are five ways I’m being more sustainable in 2019.
Sustainability is a subject I’m becoming more and more passionate about lately. Being kinder to the environment – whether that’s by cutting down on your meat consumption or boycotting plastic straws – has almost become a trend lately with everyone jumping on board.
Whilst this is of course a good thing (getting more people involved), I can’t help but feel my choices to be more green have come alongside me growing up. And realising that sometimes being green is more important than, say, buying yet another pair of cute leather shoes because they’re on sale (not that I ever buy cute leather shoes but you get my drift – I couldn’t think of a better example!).
On par with my New Year’s resolutions (or general hopes/aims), I thought it would be nice to share five ways I am aiming to be more sustainable this year.
Giving up Fast Fashion
Bar a beautiful pair of khaki sandals (and the new women’s Rick and Morty clothing range I have my eye on) from Primark, I am giving up fast fashion. The reason being? First of all, although fast fashion is cheap, for the most part, it doesn’t last. I’ve gone from ‘treating’ myself to at least £50+ of stuff I don’t need from Primark every payday to instead investing in a higher quality shopper service. I will do a blog post about this at some point! But though the garments are slightly more expensive, they do last longer and help to create a capsule wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Primark for essentials on the go. But it is time to grow up and start buying stuff that’s more versatile. Rather than cute unicorn tops just because I love unicorns. Also, fast fashion is bad. So, so bad. I have a guest post coming up about this too, so keep your eyes peeled!
Cutting Down on My Meat Consumption
Following Veganuary, this is a natural progression. Unlike other years, I’m not giving myself a strict regime to only eat vegan. That just doesn’t work for me. But likewise, I’m not giving up completely. I now only eat meat on weekends. If I have to eat meat or dairy in the week because of circumstance or otherwise, I make up for it by doing an extra day of eating vegan on the weekend or try and balance it out. It is all to do with balance! But cutting down on my meat (and dairy!) consumption altogether is already making a huge difference.
Giving up Plastic
This one is an obvious and beyond reason. I am (or rather, already have) given up plastic by using a reusable water bottle. This has helped me hit my water intake goal. I’ve also given up plastic straws (thanks to a beyond thoughtful gift of re-usable metal straws for my birthday). And I’m also choosing to buy my (little, might I add), veg loose when I go food shopping
Car Sharing
I mean this kind of came about by accident being that a new colleague of mine doesn’t drive. I drive past her house on the way to work every morning anyway so I give her a lift. But it’s one less car (sort of) on the road, and one less person on public transport. So, yknow, every little helps.
Kon Mari’Ing the Shit Out of My Life
Even though I actually dubbed this Marie Kondoing..essentially I have been getting rid of all my junk. I can’t let go of everything of course. Some dresses I have had to keep for memories (even though I wonder how I ever pulled them off that short!). But I have without a doubt cut down my wardrobe by half. Plus I haven’t thrown anything away! Instead, it’s either gone to eBay, gone to H&M to be recycled or gone to a charity shop to give my clothes a new lease of life.
Looking back on this list, I am well aware that there is still a lot more I can do. But I also do a lot more than I thought I did either. Most of this stuff – like drinking from a reusable water bottle – I don’t even notice anymore – perhaps because it’s become a habit? But everything on this list is a small step towards being more sustainable and kinder to the environment and it makes me feel not only good in myself but hopeful that change can be made. I may not be making a huge change but at least it’s something.
How are you planning to be more sustainable this year? Let me know!
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