It’s April. Which means it’s nearly Earth Day again. Except, this year we’d hardly notice because we have so much else going on. Social distancing. Self-isolating. Trying to keep our spirits high during a time filled with so much uncertainty.
But there are some positives that have come from this unprecedented time. You might have seen the satellite photos displaying how the COVID-19-led lockdowns across the world have lowered global emissions and giving Mother Nature a well-earned rest. What better way to celebrate Earth Day later this month?
And, while we spend more time at home than ever before, we find ourselves finding time to focus on things we rarely have time for. Our physical and mental wellbeing. Creative hobbies and outlets. Spending time with loved ones we live with, albeit at a distance.
Another thing we might find we have extra time for at home is catching up with some bits around the home we’ve put off. And, seeing as it’s Earth Day later this month, what better time to figure out how to create a sustainable home one room at a time?
Sarah Pelham, the Beauty & Wellness Expert for Bookwell, offers some of these handy tips which we hope help to take your mind off the never-ending stream of news right now. Over to you, Sarah.
Make your home eco-friendly
Sustainable living is something that’s becoming more and more important to a lot of us, and we might have already started to make simple lifestyle changes such as walking more rather than using the car, or taking our own reusable shopping bags with us when we head out. And that’s great! But it’s time we all went a little bit further; it’s time we start shifting from a sustainable lifestyle to a sustainable house.
Eco homes can massively minimise our impact on the environment. And don’t worry – creating eco-friendly homes isn’t quite as daunting as it sounds! There are lots of ‘basic’ changes you can make instantly, such as swapping out incandescent bulbs for LED lighting or getting a recycling bin, for example. But if you’re keen to delve into the world of eco-homes, even more, there are lots more ways that you can make a difference, making positive changes around your home, one room at a time.
Here’s a bit of room-by-room inspiration to get you started:
Bathroom
National Geographic estimates that 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. This is why to have a truly sustainable bathroom, it’s best to try and avoid products that are made of, or are packaged in, plastic. Here are some great plastic-free bathroom alternatives to get you started.
With bathrooms often being warm and steamy from a hot bath or shower, they’re the perfect environment for germs to thrive. Cleaning a bathroom is never a pleasant job, and many of us automatically choose the strongest cleaning solutions to make sure we kill any nasties lying around. Unfortunately, these chemical-filled cleaners get flushed away, filtered, and are back in the water supply… even if some chemicals still remain.
Instead, try to use natural cleaning products. You can even make some yourself using white vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.
Kitchen
One of the best ways to get the ball rolling on an eco kitchen is to invest. Invest in high-quality cookware and durable plates and bowls, rather than always selecting the cheapest options. Why? Because investing in quality means investing in sustainability.
High-quality cookware and dishes are more likely to withstand frequent use and washing, and less likely to deteriorate or break from everyday use. Cookware that lasts for years can significantly reduce demand for manufacturing, and all the byproducts of manufacturing such as energy, water, and fuel.
If you’re not quite a dab hand in the kitchen, you may want to look away now. Believe it or not, cooking at home is actually one of the best ways to create a sustainable kitchen! Pre-packaged ready meals have probably done more travelling than you and me combined. Each step of the process will usually be handled at a different facility, really clocking up those food miles.
Cooking from scratch not only means you can reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also be sure that the ingredients have been sourced sustainably. Don’t forget to use green kitchen appliances, too.
Bedroom
Could your bedroom do with a lick of paint? If you’re redecorating, try to use eco-friendly paint that’s much better for the environment (and for your own health, too!). Look for ‘low VOC’ or ‘zero VOC’ paints, which have fewer volatile organic compounds that can be released into the air.
Low VOC paints typically have less than 50g per litre, while zero VOC paints have less than 5g per litre. It’s always best to check the labels to know for sure, but as a general rule of thumb, flat latex paints that are light in colour usually have lower VOCs than glossy, oil-based paints.
If you’ve chosen cotton sheets for your bedroom, good for you. You probably know that cotton is a pretty good choice for a sustainable bedroom. But it’s not the best choice. The problem with cotton is that fertilisers and pesticides are often used in the farming processes, which aren’t great for the planet.
If you’re looking to make a quick and simple swap, switch to organic bamboo sheets, which look and feel really similar. Bamboo holds the world record for the fastest-growing plant at a rate of 91cm per day, so there’s always a constant, renewable source. Here’s some more benefits of bamboo.
Living Room
Think the perfect couch doesn’t exist? Think again. Steve Jobs’ wife Laurene Powell once said that it took the Apple Co-Founder eight years to decide on a couch, but we think it’s much easier to find the right one… especially if you look at sustainable options.
A sustainable couch really can be whatever you make it. You could choose second-hand furniture, with absolutely no new resources used, or you could buy new. When buying new, look for couches made using sustainable wood (with FSC or AFS certification), or try to buy from a local manufacturer.
Need new furniture for your living room? Here’s a bit of a crazy idea, but it’s one that could help you create a unique space and the sustainable living room of your dreams. Instead of buying new, how about trying to build new furniture from items already in your home? This is also ideal now it’s hard to get out much!
For example, you could create a side table by stacking books, or a box shelf from an old desk drawer. Upcycling is a fantastic way to minimise the amount we send to landfill and create one-of-a-kind spaces. And best of all, you’ll be reducing the piles of clutter that you just don’t know what to do with!
There’s no rush
The thought of what could happen if we all carry on as we are is terrifying, but the truth is that the world isn’t going to implode tomorrow. Don’t try and implement all these changes at once, or you may end up feeling overwhelmed and wanting to give up. And that’s not doing the planet any good!
Instead, approach sustainable living from a ‘one room at a time’ perspective. By working in bite-sized, manageable chunks, you’ll soon find that you’ve created an eco-home that really makes a difference. And right now, this could be time well-spent indeed.
Sarah Pelham is the Beauty & Wellness Expert for Bookwell.com.au, an online platform for instant bookings for hair, nails, beauty & massage appointments. For nearly four years Sarah has worked closely with hundreds of salon owners within the beauty and wellness industries. She has her finger on the pulse of new trends in this growing market.
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What is Plastic Free July and why is it important?
Plastic Free July is here again. But what exactly is the global movement and what makes it so important? Well, anyone who tries to live even the slightest bit of a sustainable life, will know the importance of cutting down single-use plastics. So, what better time to cut down or cut out plastic altogether? We take a look at what Plastic Free July is, why it’s important and how you can get involved. Why not get into the habit of reducing single-use plastic waste every day, whether it’s at home, work or your favourite place to go for lunch. By taking part in Plastic Free July, you’ll be doing something that challenges people and yourself, but gets others to take part in slowing down and ultimately ending the process of plastic production. What is Plastic Free July? Plastic Free July is a global movement that allows millions of people across the world to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. From cleaner oceans to streets, Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity to commit to refusing single-use plastics. Plastic Free July is an important initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organisation working towards a world free from plastic waste. From humble beginnings in 2011, the award-winning Plastic Free July campaign has been born from years of hard work and dedication. Why is Plastic Free July important? We produce an estimated 300 million tonnes of plastic each year. Let that sink in for a few moments. Once it has… process the next part: roughly half of it is disposable! Sadly, only 10-13% of plastic items are actually recycled. And, because of the nature of petroleum-based disposable plastic, it is almost impossible to recycle it and chemicals have to be added in order to do so. These same degrading chemicals make their way into our food and water supply. And this is just some of the terrible impacts plastic has on us. When it comes to the environment, we’ve all seen devastating images of sea creatures tangled in plastic. We’ve also seen what climate change does to the planet, a concept that plastic waste contributes to. How you can get involved Whether you’re an eco newbie on the hunt for a few single-use plastics to avoid or are a more seasoned sustainable warrior, there are many ways you can feel inspired to live a plastic-free life. Here are just a few to get you started. Switch to reusable coffee cups If you haven’t already, it’s time to ditch those disposable cups and opting for reusable versions. Ours is the perfect option for your favourite morning beverage. Refuse pre-packed fruit and vegetables Buying fruits and veggies wrapped in plastic packaging is convenient but bad for the environment. Avoid single-use plastics and refuse pre-packed groceries. Get some reusable straws Sometimes a straw is the perfect accompaniment to a nice, cool drink. But if the straw’s plastic, you’re better off going without. The solution? Carry a reusable straw with you so you can refuse plastic. Replace plastic bags with a tote Choosing to refuse single-use plastics is a bold and effective step to a better planet. Plastic shopping bags should be instantly cut from your life. Always carry a reusable tote with you. Say no to plastic water bottles Single-use plastic water bottles have no place in today’s world. A simple and sustainable solution is carrying a reusable flask with you. Easy. Effortless. Eco. Head to the Plastic Free July website to find out more ways you can help.
Eco
What is World Environment Day and how can you get involved?
From last summer’s devastating bushfires to our increasingly polluted seas, there’s no denying the impact our actions have on the planet. That’s why we all need to take steps to reduce our footprint and live a more sustainable life this World Environment Day and beyond. From choosing bamboo as our hero fabric to giving back to an array of causes, we always keep sustainability at the forefront of our minds. But before we look at everything we’re doing to be greener here at Boody, we thought we’d take a look at what World Environment Day is and how it's being celebrated this year. What is World Environment Day? One of the most important days across the globe for environmental action, World Environment Day engages citizens, businesses, the government and celebrities to turn their attention to pressing environmental issues. Since 1974, World Environment Day has been celebrated annually on the 5th of June. World Environment Day recognises glocal change requires a global community and it offers a platform for positive change. It pushes us to rethink the way we consume, for businesses to develop greener models, for governments to protect wild spaces and so much more. It needs all of our support. World Environment Day is hosted by a different country each year, in which official celebrations occur. This year’s host is Colombia in partnership with Germany. But in a time when so many of us are physically distancing and staying inside, even more people will be celebrating digitally across the world. Sign up to stay in the loop. This year, the theme for World Environment Day is biodiversity – an urgent concern for our planet. Following the devastating bushfires in Australia, the US and Brazil, locusts infestations across East Africa and the current global pandemic we’re facing, the interdependence we as humans have on the webs of life has never been clearer. What is biodiversity? Biodiversity speaks to the variety of life on Earth, including the 8 million plant and animal species that roam our beautiful planet. It also speaks to the ecosystems that house them, and the genetic diversity among them. Biodiversity is an intricate and interdependent web, in which each member plays a significant role, drawing and contributing in ways that may not even be visible to the eye. The bountiful foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the weather that makes our planet habitable all come from nature. How you can get involved We all have a role to play in ending biodiversity loss and preserving nature. We must reconsider what and how we consume to be the change we want to see in the world. To do this, there are three ways we can all participate – even if we’re socially-distancing or self-isolating at home. Learn While we’re all spending more time at home, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the Earth’s wild species and habitats. Use the time to reflect on the role that natures plays in our lives and the ways in which we can champion positive change. Share In the run-up to World Environment Day, UNEP opened conversation threads in eight languages across its social media channels. They want you to tell them why it’s time #ForNature. This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to share what we love about our world and spread the word. Act Following World Environment Day and in the run-up to the 5th UN Environment Assembly in 2021 – when the world’s environment ministers will set global priorities – we are all being asked to act on the knowledge we have gained to help end biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Here are some resources for you to learn about how you can protect nature. Join Earth School and take part in the 30 environmental lessons hosted by TED-Ed and curated by some of the best nature teachers in the world. Learn about how you can help fight climate change through the United Nations’ Act Now campaign. Learn about plastic pollution and how it affects marine species through UNEP’s Clean Seas campaign Find out about the Anatomy of Action, which maps out actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint. Sign up to iNaturalist, an online community of naturalists, where you can record your observations of plants and animals and meet other nature lovers. How we do our bit, all year round If we had our way, every day would be World Environment Day. But today it’s official, so what better opportunity to give you an update on what we’re doing to keep our planet Boodyful. 1. Choosing sustainable fabrics By choosing Boody, you’re making a positive impact on the planet. The below stats show the difference we’ve made to the environment since 2016 by manufacturing with organically-grown bamboo over conventional non-organic cotton. 2. Giving back We donate 1% of all online sales to non-profit organisations that work to protect the environment. Last year alone, we raised $125,000 in donations to various environmental not-for-profits through our partnership with 1% for the Planet. 3. Reducing waste By giving excess stock from the fashion industry to people in our community doing it tough, Thread Together has diverted tonnes of new clothing from landfill to date. In 2019, we gave 2,500 items of clothing to those in need via our partnership. Join the conversation on Instagram with #WorldEnvironmentDay #ForNature and #EveryBoody.
Eco
11 ways to be more sustainable in the workplace
Caring for the planet doesn’t need to be hard work. An eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle shouldn’t stop at your doorstep, as cultivating good habits at work makes a world of difference. No matter whether you’re starting a new job or have been in your current role for a while, it’s always a good time to introduce new habits that can help the environment. According to official figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Aussies spend an average of 40.6 hours at work. That covers at least half your week, including transportation to and from your workplace. So, switching to a low carbon emission lifestyle entails changing some routines when you’re at the office. Here are 11 ways you can live a sustainable lifestyle at work. 1. Go digital The paper industry is currently the fifth consumer of energy globally, and going paperless in any way helps lighten this massive carbon footprint. Opting to go primarily digital in reports or communications wherever possible is an important step in switching to zero waste. 2. Bring a tumbler Single-use plastic cups are a bane to the environment, as most iterations are not even recyclable. This is due to the waterproof lining that is sprayed on the inner part. Plastic bottles are even worse, as they end up in streams and in the ocean. Disposable paper cups, on the other hand, are often inconveniently made of paper. The best option is to bring your own tumbler or reusable cup that can help reduce the amount of waste and make your workplace an eco-friendly place. 3. Have a green lunch Healthy and eco-friendly lunches don’t have to be boring or exhausting. Mother Nature News highlights some tips you can follow for a green lunch, with one being literally surrounding yourself with green space. Leaving your desk and eating at a proper table outside of the office not only helps you make better food choices but is also good for your health. Pain-Free Working explains that eating lunch at your desk can have negative effects on your body like elevated stress and increased risk of heart disease. By taking your reusable container to the nearby park or bench under a tree, you're taking care of yourself and building a sustainable lunch habit. 4. Unplug chargers Continuously running chargers are a huge waste of energy. While many of the smartphone and gadget manufacturers today include batteries that automatically stop charging when full, chargers can continue drawing from the system. Despite the very small amount of energy it consumes, the millions of chargers being left plugged daily add up to a lot of waste. 5. Get desk plants Plants at the office not only help reduce carbon dioxide in your office, but also aid in boosting productivity, creativity, and lowering stress levels. In fact, a long term study from NASA found that indoor plants can soak up 87% of toxic chemicals in the room in just 24 hours. Succulents are a great choice if you don’t have a green thumb, as they are great at absorbing harmful chemicals while being low-maintenance. The snake plant is also a great choice since it ranks high in the said study, and it looks beautiful on any desk. 6. Go for a laptop Given the choice, changing from a desktop to a laptop should be a priority. Laptops consume 80% less energy than bulkier desktop computers. And manufacturers of laptops are constantly finding ways to improve energy efficiency, as it helps in battery longevity and portability. Today, a performance laptop can consume energy limited to 90Wh because of its smaller PSU compared to PCs that can rack up to 400Wh at full load. 7. Let your hands drip-dry The age-old debate between the environmental impact of using a hand dryer or paper towels has long been settled. Studies show that paper towels are the most wasteful option for drying your hands in the bathroom. But you can go a step further. Simply letting your hands drip before using the dryer can help cut the carbon footprint even more. So, next time you reach for the dryer, just wait a full minute or two. 8. Drive a hybrid Your ride to work constitutes most of your carbon emission throughout the day. If you’re anxious about buying a fully electric car, opting for a hybrid can be a more affordable and eco-friendly option. Hybrid cars, while also running on fuel, utilise less than half of what average cars consume. 9. Work from home Whenever permitted, working from home is one of the best things you can do to reduce your contribution to carbon emissions. The act of not commuting to work alone alleviates the damage transportation causes to the environment. This is especially true today that commute hours are increasing. According to the latest Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, the length of workers' commutes has risen 23% since 2002. 10. Take public transport If working from home or an electric/hybrid car isn’t an option, do the next big thing – take public transport to work. Whether it’s a bus, train, tram or ferry, it’s always the greener option to leave the car at home. Plus, without having the distraction of driving, you can sit back with your headphones in and enjoy some downtime on the way to work listening to a new album by your favourite artist or an interesting podcast. 11. Advocate greener policies While your efforts to lower your carbon footprint can go a long way, advocating for greener policies at work can make an exponential difference on a larger scale. For instance, simply suggesting that you use direct flights when going on business trips can help cut down emissions. You can also introduce Meatless Mondays or Strawless Tuesdays to help raise awareness in your workplace and take a step towards cultivating a green office. Article contributed by Lauren Wilson
