GO GREEN

Mother Earth. She's our home. She's where we were born, and where we will die.

She gives, and gives, and gives, and we continue to take, and we take until there is no more left. Mother Earth is our one and only, so it only makes sense that we, as her guests, show her love and help in any way that we can.

In light of Earth Day on April 22nd, I began thinking of the term "go green", and what it means to me. What am I currently doing to support the planet? What can I start doing? How can I change my habits and make better ones? Now this is where the list comes in (I love making lists) of ways you can "go green". Use it to inspire you, and raise your awareness about things you can do to show Mother Earth some much needed TLC ♡

Go Vegan

For a lot of people this may seem like the impossible, but it's easier than you think! I always hear people saying they can't imagine giving up ___________ (insert meat, dairy, or egg product here), but there are alternatives for everything! Plus, with veganism rising in popularity most restaurants will have vegan options, or you can simply "veganize" an item on the menu by subbing out what you don't want. And not to worry, you won't be missing out on any nutrients or flavours, plants and fortified foods have it all. But, back to the planet. Adopting a vegan lifestyle is one the greatest ways you can reduce your environmental impact, check out what one day of eating vegan can do ↓

Don't ever think that one person can't make a difference, because you can and you are with every conscious decision you make. Change is great, no matter how small. Try going vegan once a week, or even vegetarian. Opt for the meat-free item on the menu next time. Experiment with new foods, I recommend trying a tofu scramble, the resemblance to eggs is uncanny. Once we make the connection that animal agriculture negatively impacts our personal health, as well as the environment, animals, and people in the community, our empathy will become a little bit stronger, and changing our habits will become a little bit easier.

The film that made me go vegan: What the Health

Support and motivation for going vegan: Challenge 22

More in-depth info: veganism and the environment

Favourite vegan accounts on instagram: Erin Ireland, Hot for Food, and Vegan Supply

Films to check out: Forks over knives, Cowspiracy, Earthlings, Food Choices, Food Inc. (Find them on Netflix!)

Skip single use plastic and paper

Pass up bottled water and to-go coffee cups, instead bring yourself a reusable cup (even better if it can hold hot and cold beverages). Get yourself a reusable bag, one that can fold up real small is perfect to bring with you wherever you go. And, for the sake of marine animals skip the straw and sip your drink (more info on why you should ditch the straw, here). Set yourself up for success, leave a sticky note on your door as a reminder, do I have my reusable cup? bag? Soon bringing these things along will become a habit. Some other neat things I've discovered are reusable zip lock bags which are handy when making lunches, and reusable "saran wrap" made from cotton and bees wax!

Buy second hand

About 90% of my wardrobe is second hand. If you look, you can find trendy pieces of clothing that are "in" at the moment, or staples that will remain in your wardrobe until the end of time. There's no shortage of one-of-a-kind pieces, plus older clothes were made to last, you can see and feel the quality. Not only are you saving money (vintage Levi's for $4 anyone?) but you're doing your part to help the planet! Producing new clothes requires energy, and lots of it, from production and manufacturing to shipping and receiving. Plus, the majority of clothes we buy aren't made close to home, they're made in large factories overseas that contribute to pollution. Check it out ↓

So why not buy secondhand? You may have to rifle through the aisles a bit more than your typical store, but you can find clothes that are unique, well made, and environmentally friendly. And don't worry, you won't be sacrificing your own personal style when shopping secondhand, people thrift old and new styles so you're bound to find something, plus think of all the money you'll save, it's a win-win!

A film about the clothing industry: The True Cost (Find it on Netflix!)

Be kind to Mother Earth. Do what you can, when you can. Try your best to think about the bigger picture, and the impact your choices have not only on yourself, but on the planet. It's about small shifts in your behaviour, raising your consciousness, and putting in an effort to "go green". If everyone has the mindset that their actions will have an impact, then the entire world (all seven billion of us) will be giving Earth a helping hand.