Ever heard the term 'Respect your mother?' Yes? Well, what about Mother Earth? Every year on April 22nd, people all around the world celebrate Earth Day. With the traction that the sustainability movement has gathered over the years, the aim of Earth Day is to raise awareness about environmental issues. Sustainable practices are also encouraged, and while you may have heard it all before - "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle", we're taking it up a notch by exploring more of our lifestyle and fashion choices. Here are seven ways in which you can practice being eco-conscious in your lifestyle and in your wardrobe to start making an bigger impact on the planet.
1: There's Actually 8 R's of Sustainability
First things first, the basic "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is pretty passé.
While we believe it's a good start, it's also worthwhile to note that there are 8 R's of sustainability - which don't get as much as attention as they should. We're talking about the remaining five: rot, repair,
rethink, refuse, and rewear. It's time to locate the nearest compost bin (or make one), repair that
leaking tap, rethink your consumption, slowly start to refuse what you don't need, and
rewear your clothes in a new way. Sound overwhelming? It doesn't have to be. Consider an aspect of sustainability, or one R, that you'd like to improve on this year. Taking these extra R's
into consideration will take your eco-consciousness to the next level, and you'll be living
a more mindful - and intentional - life in no time. Being sustainable has it's perks, because aside from helping the planet, you're also able to save some money in the long run.
"Rethink your consumption, firsthand or not."
2. Try a meat-free Monday, or a plant-based meal.
The meat industry is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet can help reduce your carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable food system. According to DW, 57% of greenhouse gas emission in the industry are linked to breeding and rearing cows, amongst other livestock. A quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions in the food industry are believed to be a direct result from beef production alone. To put things into even more perspective, it takes between 5,000 - 20,000 litres to make one kilogram of meat. Having a meat-free Monday, where you don't eat any meat at the beginning of the week, is not only good for the planet but also for your health, and it's the perfect way to show off your culinary skills and make a sustainable statement.
3. Spend more time in nature
Not only is spending time in nature good for you and your mental health, Spending time in nature is not just a trend, it's a lifestyle choice.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with
nature. Go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, take a leisurely
stroll in a botanical garden, or simply hit the beach. All of these conscious activities give a deeper sense of appreciation for the planet and it promotes a healthier lifestyle.
"A quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions in the food industry are believed to be a direct result from beef production alone."
4. Thrift, Rent or Swap
Fast fashion has a significant environmental impact, so consider thrift shopping or participating in clothing swaps to reduce your contribution to textile waste. Thrifting and clothes swapping can be fun, and a much more affordable option. It's a great way to be environmentally conscious while refreshing your closet. Renting clothes for special occasions is another way to be more conscious, especially if you know you'll only wear something once.If you're unsure about how to find events, check out Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags or keep up with Fashion Revolution week to find out about conscious events where you stay. Eventbrite is also a great option for finding out about events near you, and you can use it to find events for any topic you're interested in.
"Fast fashion has a significant environmental impact, so consider thrift shopping or participating in clothing swaps to reduce your contribution to textile waste."
5. Choose more sustainable fabrics
In our free conscious fashion guide, we share several tips for sustainable fabrics. From hemp to bamboo, they're a much better option. These fabrics require less energy, water and chemicals in their production process. This makes them better for your health and for the planet.
6. Repair and upcycle
Instead of discarding clothes that have minor damages, consider repairing them or giving them a new life through upcycling. Get creative and transform old clothes into new items, such as turning a worn-out shirt into a reusable shopping bag or adding patches to jeans to extend their lifespan. If you don't want to DIY it, find a good and reliable tailor near you.
7. Practice conscious laundry
Washing clothes can have a significant environmental impact due to water and energy usage. Practice conscious laundry by washing your clothes in cold water, air-drying them when possible, and avoiding excessive use of detergents. This can help reduce your water and energy consumption and prolong the life of your clothes.
"Instead of discarding clothes that have minor damages, consider repairing them."
In conclusion, Earth Day is a time to reflect on our impact on the environment and take actions to protect our planet. By incorporating sustainable practices into our lifestyle and fashion choices, we can make a positive difference and celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful way.
Keep up with what Cappuccino is doing this Earth Month by following us over on Instagram, and download our free conscious fashion guide to get started - or continue - your sustainable fashion journey.
