Most Saturdays I make it a point to take a trip to the Farmer's Market. It's where I buy my produce and my coffee. It's where I catch up with local vendors and neighbors. My most recent trip got me musing on the overlap between makers and people who value sustainable living and how I work sustainable practices into my every day routine.
It sometimes feels like the idea of low waste living has been drawn into the realm of commodification. It's just another thing being sold to us online. It's infographics with tips on what to purchase to support our lifestyle. Sustainability itself feels like a brand, when in reality, it should be a practice.
The things I do to contribute to a healthier world with less of a consumption focus are small, but they are every day. They're also mundane and don't look great on Instagram. Here are a few quick tips to help you practice sustainability.
- Be Mindful of What You Buy - You don't have to shop at a Farmer's Market to shop sustainably. Buying produce that isn't wrapped in plastic, canned food instead of frozen, and making other mindful purchases helps decrease waste.
- Keep Some Reusable Bags in Your Car - We've all experienced accidentally leaving our bags at home. I like to keep a stash of bags in the trunk of the car, in case I forget my preferred bags on my way out the door.
- Compost (If You Can) - And if you live in an apartment, don't feel the need to buy a fancy bin just for this purpose! Often things you already have around the house work just as well (like an empty oatmeal container).
- Join a Buy Nothing Group - The Buy Nothing movement has been cropping up all over the place over the last few years. Check Facebook to see if there is a local Buy Nothing group where you can gift and receive items.
- Garden - If you have a yard or a balcony, I can't recommend growing your own food enough. It's great for mental health and fosters an appreciative relationship between us and our food. It doesn't need to be a miniature farm to have an impact on your life. We also recommend getting involved with your local community gardens (if you have one).
- Look Around You - It may be that none of the above tips apply to your life and that's okay. Taking a mindful look into your every day habits and routine can help you figure out where you can make a difference.
Happy Sewing,
Liv