The first and most important step in this hierarchy is rethinking your consumption of fashion. Take a closer look at the way you consume fashion. Ask yourself: how important is it, really, to stay up to date on the fast fashion trends promoted by social media influencers? Do you impulse buy clothes when your favorite […]
When it comes to changing your habits in order to lead a more sustainable life, there are few things you can do that are as effective as changing your relationship with fashion. As covered in my article about the 7 R’s of sustainable fashion, that starts with rethinking, refusing, and reducing your fashion consumption. More […]
Ideally, anything that is considered hazardous waste (including paints, stains, poisons, etc.) would be properly disposed of or recycled locally. The EPA has numerous guidelines and regulations to help waste facilities as well as individuals understand hazardous waste and its disposal. Usually, individuals can take household hazardous waste to local collection facilities for free, where […]
Composting has a range of benefits–for yourself, and for the planet. While composting alone won’t eliminate food waste (in order for that to happen there needs to be widespread policy change), it’s a step in the right direction. Plus, it embodies what we’re all about here at This Green Lifestyle: taking realistically small steps towards […]
There are four main types of light bulbs in use across the world: incandescent, fluorescent/CFL, Halogen, and LED. Of these, incandescent light bulbs are the least energy-efficient, while LEDs are the most energy efficient. Let’s take a brief look at each of these: Incandescent An incandescent light bulb uses a metal filament that is heated […]
Next, one of the most critical principles of the more nuanced hierarchy of waste management is refusing anything that doesn’t match up with a zero waste system. This principle is an obvious one for consumers, who can influence bottom-up change by refusing items that they don’t need. For example, you can say “no” to single-use […]
It’s not just the improved air quality that supports well-being, however. Cities that have banned cars or restricted their access encourage citizens to use other modes of travel, in particular active travel such as biking, walking, and taking public transportation. Notably, these are all ranked above cars on the hierarchy of sustainable transportation. Unlike sitting […]
When it comes to cotton, there’s a lot of debate about which kind is best; recycled, organic, regenerative organic, or conventional? Recycled cotton has its challenges, but it does have a low environmental impact because it doesn’t require additional land and uses fewer resources than virgin cotton, whether organic or conventional. But there’s still a […]
Now you know what a scoby is, but you still need to get one before you can start brewing kombucha at home. Getting your first scoby might seem like an intimidating process, but it’s actually a lot easier than you might think. There are a handful of methods to getting or growing a scoby, with […]
By buying undergarments from brands with a proven sustainability record, you’re buying more than appearances: you’re investing in your personal comfort and health, planetary well-being, and workers’ rights. This often translates to spending a little more money upfront, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are the top reasons why switching to sustainable […]
First things first, let’s set the record straight: e-bikes are an environmentally-sound choice of transportation. If you’ve read our article on the hierarchy of sustainable transportation, you may have noticed an interesting thing: e-bikes are at the top of the list. But hold on a minute, you might say. How is it possible that e-bikes […]
When it comes to building out a sustainable yet fashionable closet, there’s nothing quite as important as the intimates that you don daily. Like eating a healthy diet, choosing sustainable and ethical brands of underwear can have a positive impact on both the planet and your health… Read More
Water: an essential building block of life that makes up 60% of the human body and about 71% of the earth’s surface. And yet, we often take for granted that water is one of the healthiest and cheapest sources of hydration. Not to mention, when compared to other hydration options such as sodas, plain tap […]
Historically, nut milks have been around for centuries. As far back as the eight century, the medieval European Moors described milk made from the almonds imported from the Middle East. So although the dairy industry would prefer to keep a monopoly on the word “milk,” it’s working against centuries of linguistic history! Is plant milk […]
