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We’re always looking for sustainability tips – with the understanding that this lifestyle is an ever evolving process. “My dream this year is to start a vegetable garden and compost bin,” says writer and environmental advocate Michelle Tyler. As a recent transplant from the U.K, she is evolving into her next stage of living a sustainable lifestyle that involves not only finding sustainability tips for her family, but also her local community. Since her move, Michelle has become a member of her town’s environmental committee and has helped implement new policies like the introduction of public drinking fountains to help reduce single-use plastic waste. While this might seem like a far off goal for some, living sustainably is really just about starting somewhere, she says. That’s her sustainability tip #1.
From washing your laundry on the cold cycle to using your voice in local politics, Michelle outlines a few ways that we can all be more sustainable, protect our planet and reduce our CO2 footprint. And, she shares her favorite sustainability tips that she’s adopted in her own life to live more consciously.
What sustainability tips have you learned over the years?
There are so many ways that we can all be mindful of sustainability and it doesn’t have to cost anything. Here are just a few!
– Turn off the light when you leave the room
– Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth
– Pull out the plug when your device is fully charged
– Don’t idle your car
– Use rechargeable batteries
– Don’t leave anything on standby mode, like your TV, stereo, computer, printer etc
– Walk or cycle instead of driving. This one is especially great for the school run although
perhaps not during covid.
– Instead of turning up your heat, put on a sweater
– Eat your leftovers
– Refuse plastic straws and cutlery in your take out and tell your pizzeria your pizza doesn’t need it
– Take your own cup for coffee
– Save mason jars for food storage and drinks
– Mend your clothes
– Wash laundry on cold cycle
– Forego the dryer and line dry your clothes (added bonus – they last longer)
If you have the means to make more plastic swaps in your home, here are some I’ve done:
– Solid shampoo and conditioner
– Toothpaste in recyclable metal tube
– Metal safety shaver
– Washable period pads
– Wax bag for leftover storage
– Washable baby diapers
– Natural loofah as pot scrubber
– Plant based dish washing and laundry pods
– Buy second hand clothes (most new clothing is made from plastic based materials like
polyester and acrylic)
– Support sustainable brands
– Shop your own wardrobe, swap and share with friends
What are your next sustainable goals for the future?
I’ve set myself the goal to properly unpack my family. We moved to the U.S from Britain three years ago and have been living in rented accommodation. Then the pandemic hit and the five of us were stuck in close quarters together. My three children and husband have been working from home for 11 months now, which is an incredible privilege although as you can imagine it gets intense at times. My goal, indeed my dream this year is to make a permanent home for us that starts with a vegetable garden and compost bin.
How can conscious consumers ‘stand up for the environment’?
Consumers are citizens so my first piece of advice is to vote in your local elections. Research the issues specific to your area and vote for people with environmental policies. The biggest impact we make is our collective voice. When legislation is lacking or harming the environment, we must push our local politicians for change. If the legislation doesn’t align with what’s needed I will write to the senator, sign petitions and peacefully protest. There are usually grassroots groups you can join but if there isn’t, just start one.
If you’re not able to protest, then donate. Local environmental groups are always fundraising and even small amounts make a difference. Equally important, but probably even more urgent is the excruciating plastic problem we face today. There are over 350 million tons of plastic produced each year and only 9% of that is recycled. 15 million metric tons of plastic enters oceans each year from land and sea-based sources. The fossil fuel industry and petrochemical factories, produce plastic in low-income communities. This highly toxic process disproportionately harms people of colour by polluting their air, water and soil. We must stand up for everyone who is affected and understand that nobody is immune to the problem of plastic. It is omnipresent and growing every week.
Avoid plastic. Microplastics are now everywhere on Earth – in the air, water, food and recently reported in human placenta. Each of us inhales or consumes the equivalent amount of one credit-card of plastic a week and at least 74,000 microplastic particles every year. Did you know that the US produces the most plastic waste per capita of any other country? While refusing plastic is critical it isn’t always possible because just a handful of companies are responsible for the majority of our consumption habits. These companies are actively promoting plastic packaging, giving shoppers limited choices. So what’s the trick to avoid plastic? It’s simple, hold off on your usual plastic brand and look carefully for an alternative. For example, I was buying sugar in a plastic container until I found one brand of the same cost, that’s packaged in a box. I immediately switched to the boxed sugar brand and the best part is, it’s also made locally.
Then there’s the issue of bottled water. Basically, we pay for a plastic bottle. We actually should be able to drink water from an ordinary tap or fountain. This is a huge problem in America that’s finally beginning to get some attention. The non-profit organization Break Free from Plastic, suggests the US Govt. spend about $150 million to install water refill stations in government facilities, educational institutions, public lands and national parks. We can all do our part in eliminating single-use plastic by using refillable bottles. So next time you’re out shopping and tempted by that slab of cheap bottled water -take a moment to remember what plastic production and waste does to people and the planet.
Why is being a conscious, eco-friendly shopper important?
Being a conscious consumer is important to reduce my personal footprint and limit my household waste. Citizens can shop less and with more intent. But, ultimately government legislation needs to help the people in factories or fields along the supply chain of the products we buy. There is child labour and modern slavery throughout supply chains across the globe. I’m a huge fan of the Green New Deal (and the European Green Deal) for many reasons but especially for holding companies accountable. The plan will also incentivize businesses into circular practices and design. As conscious consumers, we should support lawmakers and activists who push these measures into law.
Meanwhile, we can research the sources of everything we buy and make slow thoughtful decisions. What’s more, we’re not afraid to ask brands difficult questions or hold them accountable. The goods we buy, whether it’s clothing, food or technology – often have a long and complicated journey before reaching the shops. Conscious consumers consider that entire journey before making any purchase big or small.
What have been some of the biggest facts that you’ve learned during your journey?
The biggest facts I’ve learned along my journey? Gosh, every day is a learning journey so I couldn’t say what lesson has been the most important. They all are. I always get a kick out of seeing my kids care for Earth. Like when they pick up litter or say no thanks to a plastic straw. Perhaps the best lessons are the ones you teach your kids?