Whenever possible, buy locally grown or made products in your area. When you choose local fruits and vegetables, they’re often in season, which means they’re fresher and better for the environment. But why is seasonal food more eco-friendly? It’s less likely to contain harmful chemicals and pesticides that damage ecosystems and wildlife.

Whether you’re purchasing food, clothing, or other consumer goods, buying local reduces the carbon footprintassociated with importing products from other countries. By minimizing the burning of fossil fuels used during transportation, you’re actively supporting a more sustainable lifestyle and helping to preserve the planet.

Yes, I said it, and yes, it’s a challenge, but we can do it. The unfortunate reality is that plastic is everywhere, and avoiding it can seem impossible. Plastic comes in all shapes and sizes and does far more harm than good.

Studies show that over one million marine animals die each year due to plastic ingestion and entanglement, making plastic waste the leading cause of marine life death. But it’s not just wildlife at risk—microplastics contain toxic chemicals that pose serious threats to human health, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases and gut health issues.

Plastic pollution is a global crisis, and it’s more important than ever to take action now to reduce our dependence on plastic and find sustainable alternatives.

Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the most impactful ways to help the planet stay healthy. The burning of fossil fuels is the leading cause of global climate change, responsible for around 80% of carbon dioxide released into the environment. This includes the burning of natural gas for automobiles, airplanes, and ships, which alone accounts for 29% of carbon released in the atmosphere.

To cut down on your carbon footprint, consider traveling by bus, train, bike, or even on foot. These eco-friendly alternatives help reduce carbon emissions and support a more sustainable future.

When you go grocery shopping or even clothes shopping, make it a habit to bring your own reusable bag. It doesn’t have to be fancy—whether it’s a backpack, a large purse, or even old plastic bags from home, anything works! Simply let the cashier know you brought your own bags to help reduce plastic waste and contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Forgot your bag? No problem! If you’re in a rush and leave your reusable bags behind, just place your loose items in the store's cart and pack them in your car. Be sure to secure fragile items safely. For small purchases, you can always carry them by hand—every little effort helps reduce unnecessary plastic.

Eliminating certain foods from your diet, especially animal products and animal by-products, can be challenging. I’ve personally faced this difficulty, and while it’s tough, I’m proud to say it’s not impossible. Reducing or eliminating these foods is a powerful way to live more sustainably.

We know that terrestrial animal agriculture emits large amounts of greenhouse gases and consumes vast amounts of water. However, after deeper research, I also learned that aquaculture, including fish and other seafood, has a significant impact on the environment, climate, and biodiversity.

The fishing industry is responsible for 20% of ocean plastic pollution, with fishing vessels emitting around 207 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. While land animal agriculture accounts for roughly 15% of global carbon emissions, both industries contribute significantly to biodiversity loss. 

Choosing to reduce your consumption of both land-based animal products and seafood can have a positive impact on the environment, helping to minimize plastic pollution, carbon emissions, and the destruction of ecosystems.

Upcycling is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity while helping the planet by reducing waste. By transforming old or broken items into something new, you're extending their lifespan and keeping them out of landfills, where they would otherwise sit for hundreds maybe even thousands of years. Every time you upcycle, you're not only minimizing waste but also contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

You might think that tossing your recyclables into your city’s blue bin is helping the planet, but here’s the truth: only 9% of plastic gets recycled.  The rest often ends up in landfills, contributing to pollution. Instead of relying solely on your city’s recycling program, take your plastic, glass, metal, and tins directly to your local recycling center. This ensures that more of your recyclables are processed correctly and stay out of landfills.

Did you know that food waste is the largest component of landfills in the United States? About About 24% of all food waste ends up in landfills, where it produces significant amounts of methane gas, a major contributor to climate change. As the amount of waste generated by Americans continues to rise, more land is needed for landfills—approximately 1,800,000 acres of wildlife habitats are lost each year for this purpose.

So, how can we reduce our waste? Start by purchasing only what you know you'll consume, and be sure to compost food scraps and expired fruits and vegetables. By taking these simple steps, you can help minimize food waste and protect our planet’s ecosystems.

Why is selling and donating good for the planet? 

The production of clothing and everyday materials consumes vast amounts of energy, water, and fossil fuels. By purchasing secondhand items, you significantly reduce the number of products that end up in landfills. This practice supports a circular economy, where resources are utilized for as long as possible, minimizing waste and conserving natural resources.

If you have items that could have a second life, consider selling or donating them. Not only can you make a little extra cash, but you’ll also provide valuable goods to someone in need, helping to reduce environmental impacts along the way!

Consuming products that contain palm oil contributes to deforestation, global warming, and plastic pollution, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity and the destruction of natural habitats.

Before purchasing packaged foods, always check the ingredients list. If palm oil is included, consider putting the item back on the shelf. By making informed choices, you can help protect our planet and support sustainable practices.