It’s no secret that the world we live in now is rapidly changing, sadly, for the worse. Every day we read about sea creatures being found dead because of alien things they’ve consumed, or massive wastelands rotting away. With everything that’s happening around us, it’s easy to be indifferent, but let’s not be. Let’s try to live consciously and do what we can to save the environment, one small act at a time. Because honestly, every little good deed for Mother Earth counts.
- Ditch single-use plastics.
This one is a no-brainer and we’re glad that most cities have already banned the use of single-use plastics. When shopping, bring a reusable bag or opt for a paper wrap instead. Carry around a metal straw so you don’t need to ask for plastic ones. If you can, bring a mess kit with you or water bottles. What’s a little inconvenience if it can inspire others to follow?
Photo from @thebamboocompany
- Opt for more organic and waste-free materials.
For one, shampoo and conditioner bars are now going mainstream. They’re mostly made from natural ingredients and their main purpose is to let go of the plastic packaging we’ve gotten so used to. Switching to bamboo toothbrushes is also a good way to be more eco-friendly. Some shops also sell reusable cotton pads. If you’re up for it, you can also try using washable sanitary pads or menstrual cups.
Photo from @periodinstyle
- DIY, recycle and upcycle things around your house.
Got an empty bottle of room and linen sprays? Try creating your own scents by mixing essential oils and reuse the spray bottles. Turn those soda bottles into planters. Make your own laundry powder and cleaning supplies. There are so many zero waste DIY ideas on the internet, scour for those and try it out. Not only are you helping the environment, you’ll also be saving a ton of money.
Photo from @banyuhaybodytreats
- Buy in bulk.
Some shops sell spices, condiments, and all sorts of essentials in bulks, like Ritual in Makati and ECHOstore. You are encouraged to bring your own totes, produce bags, and even glass containers as packaging. If you have the time, have a look around and we can almost guarantee you’ll leave feeling much better and inspired.
Photo taken by Jei Ferrer | @jeifer024
Hand and body wash from @ritualph, Shampoo bar from @rinseandrepeat.ph, Earrings from @piesaph
- Go for more sustainable fashion choices.
Now this is a tricky one because our taste in clothes and outfits differ from everyone else. Some love staying on top of trends and heading for the mall. Some love online shopping. Others love saving a buck from thrift shops. Try choosing more natural fabrics like organic cotton, linen and wool because they break down over time and cause little harm to the environment.
Photo by @ouivintage.ph | @ajtheillustrator
- BONUS: Plant your own garden.
This isn’t for everyone, but if you have a green thumb and is interested in taking care of plants, find your way into creating your very own garden. Easy plants to raise are calamansi, sili, kang kong, pechay, and malunggay. It’s a great way to de-stress and cooking becomes so much more fun knowing that these are your own produce. You might also want to try planting Blue Ternate. The Blue Ternate flower is known to have multiple benefits and can help relieve stress, poor eyesight, constipation and hypertension. You can either make it as a tea, lemonade or just eat it raw.
Blue Ternate seeds photo by Juvy Junsay | @daintyfreckles
Photo by Juanjo Menta | @juanjomenta
The next time you see someone pull out a metal straw, or hauling canvas bags inside the grocery, don’t make fun of them. It may be “trendy” now to be eco-conscious, but it’s one trend we’re glad to ride on. Remember, it’s up to us to make the switch and make the world a better place to live in.
Article by: Kyla Nicole Paler
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