Author

Megan Kioulafofski

Megan is a writer, business owner, and a passionate eco-enthusiast. Wanting to share her passion and enthusiasm for eco-friendly living, she writes about topics that can help others live more sustainably in their daily lives. Currently living in Puerto Rico, she spends her spare time at farmers’ markets, cooking delicious meals, and practicing beach yoga.

The Science Behind The Health Benefits Of Leafy Greens

by Megan Kioulafofski May 11, 2022

5 minutes read

The health benefits of leafy greens are numerous. These foods are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.

Leafy greens are experiencing something of a renaissance right now, with everyone shoveling down Kale like it’s going out of fashion. The funny thing is that there is some serious science behind upping your intake of dark green leafy vegetables, as they are not only delicious but full of nutrition as well. Read on to find out more about the many benefits of leafy greens.

They Are Great For Your Skin

Among the many benefits of leafy greens is that they are great for your skin health. Beta-carotene is a type of vitamin A that your skin adores for two main reasons. The first is that it helps to nourish it and keep it plump and elastic from the inside out. Secondly, beta-carotene supports the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV rays. The latter is vital to avoid premature aging and even cancer.

Of course, most people associate beta-carotene with the vegetable, carrots, and while these are a delicious and naturally sweet addition to any meal, they are not the only source. Indeed, leafy greens such as Kale are packed full of beta-carotene and the good news is you can access this by juicing it and adding it to a smoothie, by cooking your kale as part of a dinner dish or even by making those yummy kale crisps.

They Help Your Bones Stay Strong

Did you know that eating leafy greens can help improve your bone health? As surprising as it may seem, this is just one more amazing benefit of leafy greens!

You may think that you need to eat lots of dairy to ensure your bones stay strong, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Indeed, dairy can be a challenge to many of us that would prefer to stick to a vegan diet or have allergies.

The good news is the precious calcium that dairy contains can be found in leafy greens as well. In particular, broccoli is a great and delicious choice. This is because it’s stuffed full of calcium, vitamin K and vitamin C, which help your body access and manage its calcium levels. Indeed, the body will absorb calcium from broccoli at a rate of around 50% which is much higher than the celsius, absorption rate of milk which is around 5%.

They Help Control Your Glucose Levels

High blood sugar levels in the body are bad news. Apart from the mood fluctuations they can cause, it’s also linked to permanent damage to the kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

That is why taking steps to control your glucose levels with your diet is recommended. Fortunately, among the many benefits of leafy greens is that they can help you control glucose levels too. Indeed, even just a single extra servicing a day can make a significant difference.

Try broccoli, kale, and spinach for the best results. Oh, and you use products like this food saver bag to keep your leafy greens fresh and crisp until you need to eat them. After all, if you are going to want more of them in your diet, it’s worth making sure they are always as delicious as possible!

They Help Rid Your Body Of Toxins

If you are concerned about the build-up of toxins in your systems such as heavy metals, then upping your intake of leafy greens is most definitely a good idea. The reason is that they, by virtue of their color, contain plenty of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is brilliant at sticking to nasty toxins, thereby allowing them to be flushed out of your system. Not to mention that it also has a positive effect on the liver, making this flushing out process even more effective.

They Boost Your Immune System

leafy greens benefits

Another sound reason to start taking into consideration the benefits of leafy greens and up your consumption of these amazing foods is that they help strengthen your body’s immune system. This is vital for anyone wanting to stay healthy, and also for those struggling with autoimmune conditions such as PA.

Of course, if you have such a condition, you will want to go well beyond upping your intake of greens and find an expert Psoriatic Arthritis doctor that can help you manage it. Although, anything you can do to strengthen your immune system will also be helpful.

I’ve mentioned this a few times so far, however, it warrants repeating. One of the most promising leafy greens benefits is how they support your immune system. Dark leafy greens such as moringa leaf facilitate a healthy response to oxidative stress caused by free radicals which, if left untreated, can lead to autoimmunity and heart disease. Studies specifically mention broccoli, arugula, and kale as vegetables that facilitate a healthy immune system response.

They Help Prevent Bloating

A diet that contains too much salt is often the cause of stomach bloating, but leafy greens can help. This is because leafy greens are full of potassium which helps to maintain the fluid equilibrium in your body.

Of course, the best option is always to reduce your salt intake, but adding a cup or two of your

favorite leafy green will help rid you of the bloating too!

Enjoy Your Leafy Greens For Longer

There are a few tricks you can use to make sure your leafy greens last as long as possible in your fridge so that you can enjoy their benefits without worrying about food wasting. First, make sure the greens you are storing are dry before putting them in the refrigerator. Moisture can cause all types of food spoilage, and greens are no exception. Choose freshie food saver bags to deposit them in the fridge, as they will help your produce stay fresh longer by minimizing the amount of air they are exposed to.

Next, use organic cotton produce bags when shopping for your green veggies. Avoiding plastic is not only good for your health as it prevents you from ingesting microplastic particles, but it is also helpful for the environment. Stay informed and be mindful of the amount of plastic being used and the global impact of its consumption. And most importantly, always remember to recycle!

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May 11, 2022 0 comment

learn how to reduce carbon footprint through shopping

How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint By Shopping Sustainably

by Megan Kioulafofski May 3, 2022

7 minutes read

There are many things you can do if you are interested in how to reduce carbon footprint and help protect the environment. For starters, one of the easiest things you can do is shop sustainably.

From targeted ads on social media to deals that are too good to pass up, shopping, for most of us, is at the core of our lifestyle. It makes sense then, that of all the ways we can transition to more sustainable living, shopping may just be one of the most difficult adjustments to make.

That being said, it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it sounds if you make changes in small steps. Otherwise, you may find yourself thoroughly overwhelmed. To help you reduce your personal carbon footprint and create a more sustainable lifestyle through shopping, we’ve compiled a few useful tips for you to use on your journey.

reducing carbon footprint

Avoid Plastics Where Possible

If you are interested in how to reduce carbon footprint, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, some plastics can actually be composted, the majority, however, cannot be. In fact, most plastics are left in landfills to break down and release microplastics into the environment. We then inhale these microplastics, which studies have shown to adversely affect human health.

reduce carbon footprint by avoiding plastic

Plastics wasting away in landfills and their subsequent microplastic components aren’t the only problems with this synthetic material. Roughly 14 million tons of plastic reach our oceans each year, all of which harm marine life. Marine species can get entangled in the plastic but they also eat it. Humans who consume seafood very likely are consuming something that once consumed plastic.

One of the best ways to reduce carbon footprint is by shopping at stores that allow you to bring your own containers or bags for goods like flour, nuts, and produce. These types of stores are sometimes referred to as zero waste shops, but you can also find local grocery stores that have this option available.

If this is not possible for you, consider buying most of your goods in bulk. This can also help reduce the amount of plastic in your life.

Look For Reusable Goods

Reusable goods can help you reduce the amount of trash you send to the landfill and also save you money since you won’t have to keep spending money on something you will only later throw away.

Some reusable alternatives to everyday goods include reusable water bottles, utensils, and even cotton swabs. If you’re unsure whether or not a product has a reusable alternative, do a quick search on Google. However, before purchasing the product, do some background research on the product and the company.

learn what to look for when shopping

Do Your Research

Anyone interested in how to reduce their carbon footprint should do a lot of research on what they buy and consume. Doing your research before purchasing products can help you understand a product’s potential environmental impact. Many companies who create truly sustainable, low-waste products will often advertise this but beware of companies who greenwash products by adding environmentally-friendly labels but not living up to their claims.

When researching, identify what materials the company uses to make their products and look for any sustainability initiatives they may have advertised on their website. Products that are made from materials such as bamboo and organic cotton are much better for the environment than plastic or polyester. If you’re shopping online, also look at what packaging the product comes in and if the company uses sustainable products for shipping.

A growing trend in a number of industries is for companies to buy back their products when consumers are finished with them. This is just one example of a clear sustainability, circular economy initiative, but there are many other initiatives you can look for in a company. Using clean energy, reducing water consumption, and achieving carbon neutrality, are a few others to name.

Make a Meal Plan Before Grocery Shopping

Reduce carbon footprint by being mindful of your meals. How? Make a meal plan before grocery shopping.

learn how to reduce your carbon footprint by making a meal plan

Food rot is another negative impact on our environment and as such, greatly contributes to climate change. Making a meal plan before shopping for groceries can ensure you’re not purchasing goods you won’t use. When making your meal plans, consider what foods are most harmful to the environment and try to reduce buying those when possible. For example, red meat leaves a hefty carbon footprint, and while you don’t necessarily need to have a vegan diet because of it, try using one or two meals with less meat, or designate a specific day of the week to not eating meat at all.

Purchasing food from organizations working to eliminate food waste is another way to lessen your environmental impact. Two of these organizations include Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods.

To further reduce your food waste, you can also store your veggies and fruits in freshie food saver bags. These will help them last longer and help you reduce food waste. Once the produce has gone bad, try composting your vegetable and fruit scraps or look for a local composting company that offers this service for the community.

Use Reusable Shopping Bags

It may seem small, but bringing reusable bags with you when you shop can reduce carbon footprint by diminishing the amount of plastic you use, while also encouraging others to reduce their environmental impact as well.

When shopping for groceries, consider going to grocery stores that allow you to buy nuts, flour, and other goods in bulk. You can then bring smaller reusable bags to fill up with flour and other goods, thus reducing your environmental impact further. If you don’t yet have reusable grocery bags, consider buying a bundle so you have all the different sizes you may need at the grocery store.

Benefits Of Shopping Sustainably

Not only does shopping for products that are good for the environment help you live more sustainably, but it can also protect your health and potentially save you money.

For example, research in the National Library of Medicine has shown that avoiding plastics can help prevent cancer, reproductive issues, and impaired immunity. Likewise, avoiding single-use plastics and instead using goods like reusable water bottles can save you money in the long run.

Creating a sustainable life takes time, but the result is well worth it by knowing you’re doing your part to help the environment and encouraging others to do the same through your example. If you are looking for how to reduce carbon footprint but you feel overwhelmed by the ways you feel your lifestyle needs to be changed, take it one step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your ideal environmentally-friendly lifestyle won’t be easier.

Making more conscious choices when shopping is the first step to living more sustainably. If you’re ready to take the next step, read our guide about protecting the environment while cleaning your home.

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May 3, 2022 0 comment

the impact of carbon taxes on supply chains

Business Pollution

The Impacts Of Carbon Taxes On Supply Chains

by Megan Kioulafofski May 3, 2022

9 minutes read

As companies around the world work towards carbon neutrality, many governments are implementing carbon taxes, which place a price on carbon, a greenhouse gas, in an effort to reduce industrial carbon emissions. This has proven to be a fairly effective form of emissions mitigation, and when enacted properly, can have significant impacts on improving sustainable options for consumers.

The implementation of carbon taxes will have wide-reaching effects, not only in reducing carbon emissions from industries, but also in creating more transparent supply chains for more ethically and environmentally responsible business practices.

As consumers, it’s important to understand the environmental impacts of the companies you support. Carbon taxes are one way to increase business’ transparency and make global production a little bit greener.

Carbon taxes come with their fair share of critiques and misconceptions. This article explains everything you need to know about carbon taxes, from what are their effects on limiting greenhouse gas emissions from supply chains, to how supply chains can in turn be impacted by carbon taxes.

Carbon Taxes

Industries are one of the biggest contributors to global climate change, with industrial carbon emissions driving rising temperatures more than any other sector. Carbon taxes seek to mitigate these effects through set prices and fees that incentivize companies to lower emissions.

Image Source: Wikipedia

Under a carbon tax, governments establish fees for emitters to pay based on the greenhouse gasses they release per ton emitted. The effects of these taxes work their way up supply chains, resulting in higher prices for fuels, oils, and gasses that incentivize companies and consumers to look for greener alternatives. This leads to companies changing their fossil fuels, adopting new energy sources and technologies, and shopping sustainably to avoid higher prices.

As of 2022, no states in the US have implemented an official carbon tax, although California and eleven states in the northeast have implemented cap-and-trade carbon pricing strategies similar to a carbon tax. Many other countries around the world have also begun adopting some form of carbon mitigation incentives, including Canada, China, the European Union (which comprises 27 countries), and the UK. The EU has even begun implementing a carbon-border tax, which charges goods imported from countries with fewer carbon emission regulations.

Carbon taxes have proven to be one of the most effective methods of mitigating carbon emissions from baseline sources. In Sweden, which first introduced its carbon tax in 1991, carbon emissions have dropped by 11% in transportation alone.

This helps drastically reduce carbon emissions from its baseline sources as companies and consumers change their consumption practices to avoid taxes. In addition, carbon taxes result in companies reassessing their supply chains.

By addressing carbon emissions from the ground up, carbon taxes push companies to full supply chain transparency, resulting in greener, more ethically responsible value chains that can drastically improve business practices.

How Supply Chains Contribute To Carbon Emissions

The vast majority of carbon emissions stem from a company’s value chain rather than the direct impacts of the business. A value chain consists of all the activities, products, and services needed to keep a business running.

carbon emissions

Carbon emissions from a company’s value chain are known as Scope 3 emissions, and can often be one of the most influential and overlooked areas of emissions reductions.

Upstream emissions, including all those that stem from suppliers, typically include carbon emissions from:

Resource harvesting and refinement
Transportation of materials
Waste
Fuel and energy
Leased assets

Downstream emissions occur after the company has produced the good, and typically include:

Energy consumption from the product
Product distribution
Packaging
Product’s end of life disposal

These sources can have severe impacts on emissions, as well as pollution and human health, but are rarely tracked by companies trying to mitigate their climate impacts. By working with carbon taxes, companies would have much greater incentives to reevaluate their value chains and ensure sustainability in every facet of the business.

What Are The Effects Of Carbon Taxes On Supply Chains

Image Source: Science Direct

Currently, one of the biggest issues with supply chain sustainability is a severe lack of transparency from businesses. Studies indicate that only 8.3% of US companies can boast full supply chain transparency. This results in higher greenhouse gas emissions and unethical business operations, where companies lack input on the manufacturing operations for their own products.

By enforcing carbon taxes, prices would rise from the bottom of the supply chain and work their way up. Companies would be incentivized to find different providers to avoid carbon taxes and extra fees, and would ultimately lead to greener supply networks and more communication between suppliers and business operators.

Opening up supply chain communication can have profound impacts not only on industrial sustainability, but on business performance as well. By identifying top tier suppliers and gauging performance levels across networks, companies can ensure that their providers maintain sustainable, ethical, and efficient practices.

In cases of border taxes, supply chain transparency could extend to increased communication with international suppliers, which vary in sustainability and social efforts across the world. By incentivizing businesses to search for greener providers, carbon taxes would potentially bring unsustainable suppliers to more environmentally conscious practices. This would lead to improved business practices, including:

Renewable energy sources
Environmental and ethical sourcing certifications and audits for safer, more sustainable factories
Biodegradable and recyclable materials in packaging
Minimized long-distance distribution
Using recycled or biodegradable materials to ensure sustainable product manufacturing

What Are The Effects Of Carbon Taxes On Consumers

While carbon taxes have shown to be an effective method of cutting carbon emissions, one of the prominent arguments against them is that they will result in higher prices on products, effectively forcing the tax onto consumers and disproportionately impacting poorer households.

carbon tax pros and cons

Image Source: EnvironmentalConscience.com

However, studies have shown that if implemented correctly, a carbon tax would place the burden on the capital, not the consumer, and thus do not actually raise prices for customers. Many carbon taxes around the world mitigate higher prices and disproportionate costs on consumers with recycled tax revenues that fund other rebate programs. A study conducted by the US Department of the Treasury in 2017 found that carbon taxes would pull in a net $1.9 billion over the course of ten years that would be transferred to household dividends and tax cuts as well as contribute to green investments.

Additionally, carbon taxes in the US are predicted to shift consumer interest away from taxed products, resulting in more energy-efficient and sustainable options in the long term. A well-designed carbon tax would not only promote supply chain transparency in international supply networks, but would push the global market towards sustainability.

Initially, prices may raise and affect consumers more than we would like, but as companies adjust to greener practices and consumers adjust their purchases, the costs of sustainability will taper out and bring us into a greener global market.

If you want to learn more about how carbon emissions affect our planet and what each one of us can do to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, follow our blog.

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May 3, 2022 1 comment

Pollution Sustainability

Greenwashing: What It Is And How To Avoid It

by Megan Kioulafofski April 12, 2022

7 minutes read

There’s a lot of hype around the term “Greenwashing” these days. But what is it? And how to avoid it? Let’s try to clear that up.

Did you notice the increase of eco-friendly products on the market recently? Everything from food and beauty products, to cars and furniture now wears the eco tag.

Being environmentally conscious has become a fashionable trend, increasing demand for eco-friendly goods. Unfortunately, at the same time, the number of shady businesses looking to profit from people’s gullibility has risen just as well. And that is how the greenwashing phenomenon appeared.

If this is a new term for you, don’t worry. This article is here to explain what greenwashing is and how to avoid it. So, let us examine what you can do to prevent being duped by people who are simply interested in profiting from your good intentions to protect the environment.

What Is Greenwashing?

Before looking at how to avoid greenwashing, let’s see what this phenomenon is all about.

Greenwashing is what the shady businesses we mentioned earlier are trying to do to make more money. These businesses brand products as natural, eco-friendly, vegan, or sustainable, even if they are not. In essence, they are misleading consumers into believing that their products are non toxic and non damaging for the environment by using false claims and untrue advertising.

Any product can be packed nicely and presented as being eco-friendly. That doesn’t always make it environmentally-friendly! Here are some things to look for:

how to avoid greenwashed marketing

This approach has become so popular that it can be difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine eco-friendly items and imposters. Furthermore, these so-called environmentally friendly products often do just the opposite and destroy it. However, there are ways to avoid greenwashed products and instead make sustainable shopping choices, and we can help you learn how to do it.

Do Your Research

If you are interested in increasing your sustainability efforts and want to learn how to avoid greenwashing, you need to make sure that what you buy is what you want. For that, do some background research. And we are not talking about merely looking up the product on the internet and assuming it is OK because it says it is green. No, we are saying that you should take your time and research it thoroughly.

And we agree. It can be tiring and frustrating when you want to go fully green but have to research every product you want to buy. However, if you want to avoid greenwashing all together, you pretty much need to become a detective.

Don’t research just the products you want to buy, but also the company. If a company produces a variety of products, some may be OK while others may not be, all so that they can claim to be environmentally friendly. For example, you may see a brand that sells sustainable beauty goods in recyclable packaging and then also leather bags. While one of the products is good, the production of the other one is destroying the environment. So the product alone is not only your concern, but also the company as a whole.

If a company claims that it is environmentally friendly, always look for proof. Claiming this on their website or labels is one thing… transparency of their commitment to sustainability is something else entirely. Research the evidence that can back up their sustainability claims to be 100% sure that this company aligns with your values.

Avoid Products With Suspicious Labels

Greenwashing is thriving because people don’t know they can avoid it by reading product labels. That’s why learning how to avoid greenwashed products involves reading the labels. Always!

When it comes to labels that should raise suspicion, there are two categories: vague or irrelevant and stuffy or forced. The first group consists of labels that conceal essential information. For example, it might omit the process of obtaining the product or the provenance of the raw material. In a nutshell, the labels are vague and irrelevant.

The second group does the opposite and uses buzzwords that look good on the label, such as eco-friendly, green, or sustainable, just because they attract buyers. In reality, those words can be irrelevant and untrue. Also, they may claim not to use certain toxins that are already forbidden so that they confuse the customer.

In addition, there is a third type of deceptive marketing that does not fall into either of the two categories: convincing customers to buy a product that is supposedly less harmful than a similar one, such as organic cigarettes instead of regular cigarettes. In truth, both products are just as damaging to your health and the environment.

As a result, whenever you are uncertain about the information on a label, research the terms used and the substances mentioned. Or explore sustainable options that have already been verified and are safe to use. For example, there are many eco-friendly packaging ideas to explore when relocating. Those who want to protect the environment will find appropriate solutions no matter the event they are going through.

How To Combat Greenwashing?

Now that you know what greenwashing is and how to avoid it let’s talk about how to combat it. Even if it seems impossible to expose big companies that are practicing it, there is an important role you can play as an individual.

how to avoid greenwashed pet products

To start, you can educate your family and friends about greenwashing and teach them how to avoid it. You can also adopt sustainable practices and do your part in protecting the environment.

green cleaning products

Look for the EPA Safer Choice icon on the label of the next product you buy. Always go back to the three R’s – recycle and reuse items, don’t just throw things away. Always find a second home or second use for it. This will, of course, reduce how much you buy (and lower how much you spend!). These are just some small steps that will help you save the environment and save some money.

Change the way you do your shopping, make your home green, and stop using unsustainable items in your home. Switch to reusable produce bags made of organic cotton and keep vegetables and fruits good for longer by storing them in freshie food saver bags. Our favorite beeswax wraps are from Bee Kind, they are the best quality I’ve come across and have the cutest designs!

On the energy front, if you upgrade your appliances to more sustainable ones, your energy consumption will decrease. The same goes if you opt for solar panels instead of electricity.

You can also reach out to organizations that call out companies that practice greenwashing and raise awareness. In the end, it is our responsibility toward our planet not to turn a blind eye. And if you think that your contribution is insignificant, trust us – all those attempting to make a difference are important.

Final Words

If you want to make our planet a better place for future generations, explain to others what greenwashing is and how to avoid it. Also, remember to always research products you want to buy and the company that produces them.

Read the labels carefully and look for credible third party certifications. These are the simplest ways to prevent the spread of fake goods on the market. And the more people know about the greenwashing phenomenon, the better. Big corporations will be discouraged from using greenwashing if nobody buys their products.

If you want to learn more about how to avoid greenwashing and lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle, check out some other posts on our blog.

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April 12, 2022 0 comment

Home Pollution

Avoid Polluting the Environment While Cleaning Your Home

by Megan Kioulafofski March 30, 2022

3 minutes read

Keeping your home clean is essential if you want to make sure it’s healthy and looks neat and tidy. Unfortunately, many of the products designed for cleaning your home can be poor choices if you want to protect the environment. When you’re more careful about your choices, you can help to protect the planet and avoid causing any unnecessary damage. It might take a little more effort to find the right products and methods to use, but you could make a big difference through your personal choices.

Here are some of the things that you could do if you want to keep your home clean but protect the environment at the same time.

Wash your home exterior without cleaning products

You might clean your home interior more often, but your home exterior needs to be cleaned too. It helps to keep it looking smart and might prevent certain problems from occurring too. The great thing is that there’s no need to use any harsh chemical products when cleaning the exterior of your home. Instead, you can power wash your home to clean it with water alone. Power washing uses a high-pressure jet to blast dirt off your home, so you don’t have to use any cleaning products to get the job done.

Use eco-friendly detergents

Some detergents, such as laundry detergent and dish soap, can be very harsh on the environment. First of all, many of them are made with petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource so even buying these products isn’t the best idea. Secondly, they can then pollute the environment when you use them.

Fortunately, there are more eco-friendly options available, and you don’t have to revert to using a washboard and mangle. Look for fragrance-free detergents for healthier options and try green brands. You can also use more natural ingredients to make your own products.

Find green cleaning products

Other cleaning products have the potential to harm the environment too, but you probably have a variety of items you use for cleaning your home. One thing you should avoid is antibacterial soaps, which are actually helping the growth of resistant bacteria. Instead, just use normal soap and wash your hands thoroughly.

Chlorine bleach can have a negative impact on the environment, so make sure you look for products that use less harsh ingredients. Remember never to mix bleach products with those containing ammonia too. Not only will it pollute the environment, but the resulting chlorine gas is also very dangerous to your health!

Make your own cleaning products

One way to make sure you know what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself. You can choose what you put in the products you make and select the best ingredients for what you want to clean. For example, mixing baking soda and water gives you a good cleaning solution for scrubbing away dirt.

Vinegar is great for cleaning windows when mixed with water, or you can use lemon juice instead. A few simple ingredients can make powerful cleaning products. Just make sure you don’t mix anything together that could turn dangerous. Always do a quick google search!

natural cleaning alternatives

Avoid harsh drain, oven, and toilet cleaners

Sometimes you might feel like you need to get out heavy-duty cleaning products to effectively clean parts of your home. Perhaps the drain is blocked or you need to clean the inside of your oven. But these corrosive products can be dangerous for your health and they can pollute the environment too. Fortunately, there are alternatives that you can use instead. To clear drains, a plunger snake tool used for plumbing can help to remove blockages without causing damage. Ovens can be cleaned well using a baking soda paste, which you can leave overnight then wipe off.

Keep the air fresh

Some of the things that you use to keep your home clean could also pollute the air. Air fresheners, scented candles, and incense might make your home less healthy and can be bad for the environment. If you want to remove bad odors in your home, there are natural ways to do it. Firstly, open the windows to ventilate if the air outside is clean. Baking soda provides yet another use by helping to remove odors. Or try using natural scents, such as essential oils or potpourri.

If you want to avoid polluting the environment, consider these tips to make sure you’re using the right products and methods to clean your home. Have any questions? Leave a comment below!

March 30, 2022 1 comment

Fashion Sustainability

Quality vs Quantity: Why Sustainable Shopping Is Difficult In The Era Of Excess

by Megan Kioulafofski March 28, 2022

4 minutes read

Textile waste has greatly increased over the past few years, making sustainable shopping a necessity.

The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that waste from these manufacturing plants generates over a fifth of the earth’s total water pollutants. Plants in China also produce three billion tons of soot which not only contaminates the air but can cause ecological repercussions and health issues for people living in the area.

The increased production of textile products stems from society’s overconsumption. When it comes to quality vs quantity, quantity is unfortunately more important today. But why do we give in to the need for excess?

Fast Fashion Is On The Rise

Fast fashion can be defined as the manufacturing process of brands recreating fashion fads as soon as they hit the market. The popularity of these styles oftentimes only lasts for a few seasons at most, meaning people that buy these clothes will find them useless after a short period.

Our past article on Choosing Organic Textiles explains that mainstream manufacturers use materials that are extremely harmful to the environment in the process of trying to keep up with fast fashion.

Sustainable shopping involves the purchasing of garments at a higher price point, but which are better quality and more environmentally friendly. Quality pieces should be made to last both wear and tear as well as the changes in fads within the world of clothing.

Case in point, Keith Haring’s collaborations are known to be made with quality materials while still boasting trendy styles. The designer’s estate is particular about choosing partnerships, like the one with Converse, which doesn’t give in to the ideas of fast fashion and has items that are designed to last years.

The problem is that many prefer to keep up with fads rather than spend on basics that are durable and better for the environment.

Minimalism Has Given Way To Maximalism

Minimalism was a trend that started decades ago and found its way back into pop culture during the early 2010s. This was the idea that people only needed the basics and emphasized simplicity rather than excess.

The problem is that during the pandemic, the focus on sustainable shopping based on minimalism has faded into the background and given way to the idea of maximalism, which at its core, can be harmful to the environment.

BBC explains how maximalism can also be called “clutter core” as it takes the idea that for something to look good, it needs to be surrounded by excess. While it heavily relies on displaying mismatched designs and styles, it also means that “more is more.” The people who follow this are no longer satisfied with having just what they need but instead believe that for a look to be complete, they need to own and layer more and more pieces.

This gives in to the idea that quantity is necessary to put an outfit together, making it harder to consume more responsibly.

Shopping Has Become Easier Than Ever

woman shopping online

The last reason sustainable shopping is not a priority for many and it is becoming increasingly difficult to reduce overconsumption, is that buying items has become more accessible. Only 46% of consumers took the time to visit a physical store to buy things. The other 54% used the internet to do the same thing, making it easier to purchase clothing.

Fast fashion sites like BooHoo and Shein have made it especially more convenient as the pieces in their stores retail for affordable prices meaning individuals believe they have little to nothing to lose from overconsuming. Though the clothes from these platforms are sourced unethically and are made through unsustainable means, many people still buy from them because they are quick and accessible.

Though not everyone can afford slow fashion shopping, fast fashion has still remained a popular choice even for people who can spring for more quality pieces.

Sustainable shopping is now more difficult in a time when excess is deemed to be better. There is a growing need for people and companies to become responsible shoppers and manufacturers to help lessen the environmental effects textile waste can pose.

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March 28, 2022 0 comment

Health Home

9 Ways You’re Accidentally Wasting Energy

by Megan Kioulafofski March 16, 2022

5 minutes read

Pexels – CCO Licence

Even those of us who like to think we are living an eco-friendly life can end up wasting energy through thoughtlessness, carelessness, or simply because we don’t know that our actions are wasting energy at all.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the most common ways you could be wasting energy accidentally so that you can hopefully avoid doing so in the future:

Not Having Enough Insulation

If you do not have enough insulation in your home, you could be losing as much as 30 to 40 percent of your home’s energy through the roof and walls. Ideally, you should have around 14 inches of loft insulation if you want to keep as much heat in your house as possible and save money on your energy bills too.

Keeping Old Windows

Most windows only have a shelf-life of 15 to 30 years, beyond that, they start to fail and you will need to replace them if you want them to be as safe and secure, not to mention efficient, as possible.

Of course, even before their natural lifespan is over, if windows crack or become impossible to fully close, they can leak air, which means your home will not be as energy-efficient or as warm and comfortable as it could be.

Calling a company like Renewal by Andersen windows to fit brand new airtight windows with double one triple glazing will help to improve your green credentials significantly. Not only that, but new windows will help to keep your home warm in winter, which means your energy bills will be lower, and cheaper as a result, too.

Not Removing Lint From The Dryer

If you are trying to be more eco-friendly, you probably don’t use the dryer much if at all anyway, but even if you only use it occasionally, it is really important that you clean out the filters afterwards. Why? Because when the filters are full, they can block the dryer vents. This can potentially be a fire hazard, and it will definitely cause your dryer to work less efficiently, which means it will take longer to get your clothes dry and use more energy in the process.

It only takes a few seconds to remove the lint, so make sure you do just that!

Waching Machine - Pixabay - CCO Licence

Pixabay – CCO Licence

Not Dealing With Cracks In Your Foundations

Many people do not associate cracks in the foundation with heat loss. But the fact is that if your home has cracks in the foundation, it is another avenue for heat to be lost and it could make your home much less environmentally friendly. It could also push your energy bills up significantly.

Other than that, foundational cracks can also be a sign of subsidence, so it is really important you have them checked out and repaired as soon as you possibly can.

Buying New

Okay, so we all know that buying used goods is better for the environment. But most of us tend to think in terms of saving things from landfills rather than the fact that buying new means that more energy has to be used to create new goods all the time.

By making an extra effort to buy used, you can absolutely cut down on the amount of energy you waste too.

Overfilling The Fridge

It might seem like a good idea to fill the fridge to the brim so you will need to visit the shops less often. However, when your fridge is too full, it is not able to work as effectively or as efficiently as it otherwise might, which means you will definitely end up wasting energy.

Walk or bike to the shops and avoid overfilling the fridge if you want to save energy in the kitchen.

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Keeping The Blinds Closed

If you keep your blinds or curtains closed in the winter, then you may need to turn the thermostat up higher than necessary because you will be blocking out any natural light that will help to warm the place up a bit.

Of course, in the summer, closing the blinds can be a good idea if you would otherwise be using a fan to keep the place cool, because it will keep the worst of the heat out. This means your home won’t be too overwhelmingly hot, and thus that fan may not be necessary after all.

Charging Your Phone Overnight

Charging your phone overnight might seem like a good idea because then you will be guaranteed a full battery for the day ahead of you. However, most phones will charge in 1 or two hours these days, which means your phone will be plugged in and using more power than necessary for 6 or 7 hours!

Try charging your phone in the couple of hours before bedtime instead, then turn it off while you sleep to save energy and ensure a full battery in the morning, instead.

Planting Trees In The Wrong Place

Planting trees is one of the best things you can do for the environment, so we should all, if we can, be planting more of them in our gardens. However, if you position them in the wrong place, you could unnecessarily be wasting energy.

You see, if you plant trees strategically so that they provide shade to your home, you can avoid turning on fans or air conditioning in the summer months altogether. When planting, try to think of locations where the most sun gets into your windows and plant there to provide your home with more shade.

You can also try to plant trees and shrubs on the north side of your property so that, when winter comes, your home will be better sheltered from winds that could cause your property to be cooler, thus enabling you to keep the thermostat on a lower temp, too.

Green Trees - Pexels - CCO Licence

Pexels – CCO Licence

As you can see, there are lots of things you can do that will accidentally waste energy, but now that you know about them, you can make an extra effort to avoid them and hopefully improve your carbon footprint even more one step at a time!

March 16, 2022 0 comment

Home Sustainability

10 Eco-Friendly Home Tips For Going Green Indoors

by Megan Kioulafofski February 25, 2022

5 minutes read

An environmentally-friendly home is a happy home. If you’re all about going green and want to amp up your decor, look no further. It might feel tricky to stick to eco-friendly light bulbs and cut back on plastics. However, you can transform your home and lifestyle using these 10 sustainable decorating tips to create an Earth-conscious atmosphere.

Why Decorate Sustainably?

If you are unfamiliar with sustainable decorating, it is the process of intentionally accessorizing your home using environmentally friendly materials. You can do this in many different ways, from shopping second-hand to visiting your local farmer’s market.

As consumers and homeowners, our lifestyle impacts the environment in more ways than one. We spend a lot of time picking out beautiful lighting fixtures, seating, and other essential home needs. However, we may not realize how negatively these choices impact our natural world. Going green by making environmentally conscious decisions will not only make a difference for your life but also in nature.

Research shows that 9 million tons of furniture are added to landfills each year. As you can imagine, wasted fibers and non decomposable materials are detrimental to the environment. You can avoid contributing to this excess of trash by cutting back on unneeded decor, reusing, and recycling.

10 Tips For Sustainable Decorating

Are you looking to improve indoor sustainability and eco-friendly decor choices in your home? Follow these eco-friendly practices for going green and creating a sustainable environment in your home.

Revamp Old Pieces

Next time you enter your favorite furniture store and spot a pillow you really like, consider skipping that purchase. See what furniture you already have and what you can revamp with just a few stitches and designs.

Buy Local

You may not realize how much pollution and fossil fuels are omitted when packages are sent through the mail from distant places when you shop online. Avoid transportation pollutants by shopping from local businesses and producers. This will make a positive impact by cutting down on your carbon footprint and stimulating your community’s economy.

Be Aware

Going green gets easier once you become aware of your actions.

Retail therapy can certainly help you destress, but it can cause stress to the natural world. Instead of relaxing by means of materialism, shop mindfully. Consider how much use you will get out of a new lamp or what spaces in your home don’t need new decorations.

Slow Your Purchases

Testing out a “no-buy-month” will help you to limit your intake of material goods and unnecessary home decorations. Taking one month out of the year to stop your spending will help you save money and help the environment.

Limit Plastics

Plastic is so last season anyway. You may opt for reusable produce bags instead of plastic when shopping for groceries and store your fruits and veggies in organic cotton food saver bags. This will help them last longer and save you money while tackling food waste.

Disposable razors, wet wipes, plastic straws and cardboard boxes are unsustainable things to trash. Swapping out harmful materials like plastic, epoxy, and even glitter for sustainable alternatives can make a big environmental difference.

sol + spirit freshie food saver bag

Assess What You Have

You might be looking at that stained rug or sunken-in reclining chair with a sigh. However, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” Keep this saying in mind when looking for more ways of going green, and swap out older furniture for better, sustainable furniture and donate to those in need.

Search For Eco-Friendly Labels

If you want to improve your sustainable shopping, look for green brands. Look for eco-labels and companies with green certifications. Buying new decor can be done sustainably if you are mindful and are willing to commit to keeping the piece of furniture for years to come.

Thrift

If you’re a thrifting skeptic, you may not be aware of the gems that are hidden at large-scale thrift stores and second-hand shops. Thrifting has become mainstream these days and pieces can give your home a sleek, vintage look. There are plenty of beautiful paintings, furnishings, and home staples that are in great condition just waiting to be taken home.

Avoid Trends

It can be tempting to trash last year’s carpet when a new trendy design hits the front of Pottery Barn magazine. While you can appreciate the new look in the home furniture world, do not scrap perfectly good furniture just because it’s no longer in style. You can always redesign and revamp old furniture to make a classic, timeless look in your home.

Take the first step towards sustainability with the right homeowners insurance. You’ll love it when you discover a gem at your local thrift shop that all of your guests rave about and when you feel like you’re making a difference in your community.

Want to learn more about going green and taking the eco-friendly route to make a difference? Check out this infographic below:

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February 25, 2022 0 comment

Business Sustainability

Sustainable Business Model: 9 Ideas To Make Your Business More Ethical And Sustainable

by Megan Kioulafofski February 25, 2022

7 minutes read

Every business model is different, but many modern businesses want to become more ethical and sustainable to keep up with trends in human resources and customer expectations.

The workforce is becoming more aware of how a business operates, its sustainability, and ethical practices. Attracting and retaining top talent depends on your ability to keep up with the times and have a sustainable business strategy, no matter what industry you’re in.

In addition, your customers are becoming more eco-conscious and looking for brands and companies whose values align with their own.

Luckily, any business, even the least eco-friendly ones out there, can make small steps to become sustainable. Here are some ideas to help you create a sustainable business model.

Work Remotely

As you already know, transportation is responsible for air pollution. Most people use their vehicles or public transportation daily, for one purpose—to get to work. While work isn’t the only thing to blame for too many cars on the road, people typically have to travel to and from their jobs every day Monday through Friday, and sometimes even more frequently.

Allowing your employees to work remotely can help reduce their carbon footprint, ultimately making your business more sustainable. Your business model can look forward to more benefits than just sustainability.

For example, if you move to a completely remote workforce, there’s no need to pay rent for an office or the bills that come with it. You can also forget about using electricity, helping keep operational costs low, while reducing your carbon footprint.

Promote Public Transit Use

If your employees can’t work remotely for any reason, consider trying to convince them to use public transportation when possible. Some cities and towns might not have the best public transportation, so this idea isn’t for everyone.

However, if your business and its employees are located in a city with great public transportation, consider offering commuter benefits to those who hop on a bus or train to get to work.

Public transportation can help your employees reduce their carbon footprints because it means fewer vehicles on the road traveling to the same place. Small businesses such as yours can provide benefits, such as bus passes, that can make commuting to work via bus more affordable and convenient than driving.

Consider Sustainable Products

A sustainable business model can be also implemented by swapping the items you purchase and use daily, for more sustainable alternatives. For example, printer paper, cleaning products, bags, containers, hygiene products, and even lawn care products all have an eco-friendly alternative.

In particular, printer paper is more sustainable if it’s made from hemp versus trees. You can also look for products that are made from recycled materials that will reduce overall plastic waste.

Educate your employees on the importance of swapping plastic bags for reusable produce bags and organic cotton tote bags when bringing food to work. Organic cotton shopping bags do not pollute our environment, unlike disposable plastics that end up in oceans. Instructing them to use eco-friendly materials will also help them to stay healthy by avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in non-organic items such as those made by polyester, PVC, and other synthetic fibers.

Additionally, cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals can be swapped for natural, green cleaners that work just as well and don’t have a toxic smell. Using sustainable cleaning products keeps toxins out of streams and the ground, while reducing your impact on landfills.

Shop Secondhand

Even the most high-tech office can benefit from secondhand furniture instead of buying something just because it’s brand new.

Making new office furniture, including tables, chairs, and desks, requires tons of raw materials and energy. Instead of purchasing brand new products, you can go green by shopping for secondhand items that would otherwise be thrown into landfills.

Recycle

If your office doesn’t have a recycling bin, your employees will simply toss everything into the trash can, even if it can be recycled.

You can enable recycling among your employees by providing them with a recycling bin and keeping a label on it that lists all of the items that can be thrown into the recycling bin. In addition, teaching your employees how to recycle properly can further reduce your carbon footprint for a more ethical and sustainable business model.

Become More Energy Efficient

If you and your employees have a bad habit of leaving the lights on at the end of the day, try to set a new rule or invest in smart bulbs that can help you automate when the lights in your business turn on and off.

Becoming more energy-efficient helps to shrink both your carbon footprint and your energy bill.

Partner With Green Businesses

If you truly want to make your business model more sustainable, partner with companies that have environmental and societal value, and whose goals and values align with your own.

Partners with green practices, such as suppliers, are more likely to focus on increasing their bottom lines by developing green initiatives and ensuring sustainable products, such as packaging.

Reduce Paper Use

Many large offices use hundreds of thousands of pieces of paper every year. From printer paper to half-used notebooks and sticky notes, offices waste a lot of paper for no reason.

We live in a digital age, so there’s no reason to take notes with paper and pen anymore; instead, you can use tablets or laptops at work to reduce paper use. Anything from invoices to meeting agendas can be made digital and emailed or shared via a number of business communication tools, such as slack or Google Drive.

Hire a Sustainability Coach

Even when you think your business model can’t get any more sustainable, you might be wrong. A sustainability coach can help your company think of unique ideas to become more eco-friendly, build robust sustainability strategies, and appeal to your customers and clients’ needs.

Business sustainability coaches have helped many businesses shift to a sustainable model through new initiatives while keeping them within budget. Making your business more sustainable might require more money than you think, but a coach can take your budget and find creative ways to spend it on specialized sustainability efforts.

Becoming More Sustainable

Businesses in all industries need to consider what it means to have a sustainable business model.

Whether your reasons for becoming more sustainable are to keep up with the growing demands of your clients, or you’re just looking for ideas for your business to become more ethical because it’s the right thing to do, every business should have some sort of sustainability plan.

Sustainability is not a trend, so now is the time to start thinking about the changes your business will need to undergo over the next few years.

At SOL+SPIRIT we are passionate about helping people implement sustainable practices in all areas of their lives. If you want to learn more about the issues caused by plastic products and irresponsible environmental behavior, or would like to join the movement against plastic products, follow our blog. We have some great articles on how to quit living unsustainably and turn to greener solutions.

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February 25, 2022 0 comment

Featured Home Sustainability

8 Most Unsustainable Things in Your Home

by Megan Kioulafofski February 7, 2022

6 minutes read

It’s no secret that the environment is facing some serious challenges that seem to be only intensifying. But the good news is that more and more people around the globe are changing their habits and switching to more environmentally-friendly ways.

If you are looking for how to lower your environmental footprint, getting rid of unsustainable things in your home is an excellent way to start. There are plenty of everyday items that are harmful to our planet that we’re not even aware of.

To help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle, here’s our list of unsustainable house items you should get rid of ASAP.

Why Go Green?

A green lifestyle and switching to eco-friendly everyday life solutions are being accepted by more and more people. The world is quickly realizing the importance of a healthy and thriving environment.

woman giving up unsustainability at home

However, it’s not only the environment that will benefit from you dropping your unsustainability habits. There are plenty of benefits for you and your family, too. Here are the most important ones:

You will lower your energy and water bills. Going greens means better insulation, sealed windows and doors, efficient and cheaper heating and cooling, and much more. There are also plenty of simple ways to create a zero-waste bathroom.
Going greens means inviting a lot of plants into your home. House plants are not only lovely decorative pieces, but they will also keep the air in your home fresh and toxin-free.
Green also means durability. Sustainable buildings are built to last longer compared to traditional homes. There is also the money you’ll save on maintenance and replacement costs.
Green features are very sought after among home buyers. By investing in green amenities, you’ll increase the value of your home.

The 8 Unsustainable Objects in Your Home You Should Get Rid Of

One of the simplest ways to transform your home into a bastion of eco-friendliness is to replace unsustainable practices and objects with eco-friendly alternatives.

To help you switch to greener solutions, here are 8 items you should not have in your home.

Coffee Capsules

Even though capsule coffee machines have revolutionized breakfast for millions of people, they’ve also created a problem for the environment. Not only do they go through an intensive manufacturing process that leaves behind a lot of waste, but they are also very difficult to recycle as they’re made from layers of different materials.

But don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite beverage. From reusable to compostable and recyclable pods, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Single Use Plastic Bags

Single use plastic bags are bad for the environment and are some of the main contributors to plastic waste.

Getting rid of them and changing your unsustainable shopping habits is easy. Go for sustainable materials such as organic cotton produce bags whenever buying groceries, and freshie food saver bags to safely store vegetables and fruits at home.

Wet Wipes

If you are a parent, you probably know how invaluable wet wipes can be. People found ways to reinvent them, so you can now find them as deodorants, cleansers, disinfectants, and many more. However, they help create fatbergs which are an enormous and long-standing problem in waste management.

Plastic Tea Bags

You probably noticed that many tea companies switched to pyramidal-shaped tea bags in recent years. Even though they have a silky feel, they are usually made of nylon and, therefore, very harmful to the environment.

So next time, before you buy a box of tea, check the tea bag ingredients. Or simply drink your tea loose, and, as an added bonus, you’ll even enjoy a superior brew.

Microbeads

Microbeads are tiny balls of material (usually plastic) used in different cosmetic and hygiene products. For instance, toothpaste or body wash. Given that plastic isn’t biodegradable, products with microbeads only add to an already massive waste issue. Plus, as microbeads look similar to fish eggs, sea animals end up eating them.

The good news is that more and more countries worldwide are adopting laws to prevent the manufacturing and usage of microbeads. For instance, their manufacturing was prohibited in the US in 2017.

Cardboard boxes

All large companies use cardboard boxes for packaging large mail orders.

Even though you might think that there is no issue because you can recycle and compost cardboard, you couldn’t be more wrong. As this material is made of wood pulp, many trees are cut for it to be made, making it highly unsustainable. Plus, it also contributes to methane emissions while breaking down.

Many people believe that using cardboard boxes is their only option in some cases. For instance, when moving and packing your home. However, there are ways to organize a green relocation and have a simple and eco-friendly process.

Instead of buying moving boxes, get creative and use old blankets or other things you already have at home.

Laundry detergent

Laundry detergent is a household item we can’t imagine our everyday life without. However, most of them contain chemicals and pesticides that contaminate our water supplies, rivers, and oceans when released. On top of that, detergents contain phosphates that negatively affect ecosystems and marine life.

Therefore, next time you’re shopping for laundry detergent, try to replace your regular unsustainable pick, for eco-friendly options. There are plenty of brands that are using ingredients that are gentle to the environment.

Disposable razors

Disposable razors are yet another item that can be found in almost every home. However, as they are made from different components such as plastic, rubber, and metal, they are very difficult to recycle. Also, the bulk of these materials is not biodegradable and adds to the ever-growing waste problem.

Instead, why not switch to using safety razors? This option will also save you money in the long run. Alternatively, you can choose one of the reusable solutions. Today, there are plenty to choose from.

Go get rid of unsustainable things in your home!

We hope our article inspired you to adopt more eco-friendly habits and get rid of all the unsustainable things in your home. Not only will you help the environment, but you’ll also be a good role model for your children and experience plenty more benefits. Go green!

At SOL+SPIRIT we are passionate about protecting the environment by implementing sustainable practices. If you want to learn some of our best eco-friendly living tips, follow our blog. We have some great articles on how to quit living unsustainably and turn to greener solutions.

Author bio:

Jean Boling is a nutritionist and freelance writer with a passion for a green lifestyle. She works as a consultant dietitian and leads a successful blog where she shares her eco-friendly lifestyle experience. Jean is also an animal lover and lives with her two adopted cats.

February 7, 2022 0 comment