Remember veganism doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Any change you make in your diet can prevent animals from being harmed and is a step in the right direction. Same goes for other things in your life that you might use on a daily basis. Let’s look at a few of those examples:
SKIN CARE ROUTINE
You may not be die-hard vegan, but you can still make an impact by going vegan in your skin care. Look for vegan AND cruelty-free products since these are not one in the same. Vegan -means they don’t use ingredients that are from animals but. ‘Certified vegan’ -means completely free from animal products and byproducts. Cruelty-free means that the products and ingredients are not tested on animals. I thought these words meant less quality, but I was wrong. The products I buy now are so much better quality, being vegan and cruelty-free just seems like a bonus. Look for this in make-up as well as all skin care products (face wash, body wash, shampoos, moisturizer, creams, lotions, etc).
TRANSPORTATION
This is more of an impact on the environment, which does affect us all, however. The environmental impact of our transportation is significant. It creates air pollution and is a significant contributor to global warming through emission of carbon dioxide. It accounts for ~28% of total US greenhouse emissions, making it the largest contributor of US. You can reduce gas emissions by carpooling or taking your bike anywhere vs your car. You could also take public transportation or walk if it’s close enough. Take fewer flights or fly direct or with the least amounts of stops possible. The aviation industry accounts for >800 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions in one year! Also, look for airlines that use biofuel and has plastic free flights. And when traveling, bring as many waste-free tools as you can: reusable bags, shampoo/conditioner bar, solar chargers, reusable water bottles, straws, utensils, and others listed on the next page.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
According to Eco Watch we’ve produced more plastic in the last 10 years than during the whole of the last century. 50% of the plastics we use, we discard after only one use and everyday millions of straws, plastic bags and utensils are ending up in our landfills and oceans, destroying wildlife and polluting our world. There are ways we can fight this epidemic and look for greener alternatives. Here is a list of environmentally friendly products that will reduce our carbon footprint:
-Don’t use plastic straws, try bamboo or stainless steel
-Use reusable grocery bags please please please please!
-Using glass storage containers with bamboo lids vs plastic
-Use reusable vs ziplock bags
-Refill glass or stainless steal bottles with water vs buying water bottles
-You can use compostable trash bags
-Use earth-friendly pens and pencils made from sustainable materials
-Use reusable k-cups coffee filters which are also dishwasher safe
-Consider reusable smart notebook (reusable pages wipe clean)
-Use rechargeable batteries
-Use wooden cutlery vs plastic when on the go
-Use Eco friendly cleaning supplies in glass spray bottles
-Try plant-based scrub sponges
-Use reusable tea brewing baskets vs paper tea bags
-Use glass soap dispensers and refill with favorite soap
-Use plastic-free ice trays
-Try bamboo calculator, keyboard and mouse
-Use beeswax food wraps vs plastic wraps for food
-Get wooden hairbrushes, make-up brushes, and clothes hangers
-Try recyclable loofahs
-Use a solar powered charger and lights
-Use recycled wrapping paper
-Try a conditioning shampoo bar vs buying bottled shampoos
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