New Year, Same Planet

A new year always brings excitement and hope, change and contemplation, a promise to keep going and growing. As our world makes yet another trip around the sun, it's essential we do our part to make sure our one true home is as happy and healthy as can be - now and forever.

Do Less: Buying fast-fashion

We all love to shop till we drop, but knowing how much harm these massive corporations are causing our planet makes the thrill of a good deal not worth the cost to Mother Earth. Year over year, the fashion industry maintains its position as one of the largest polluters in the world. Fast-fashion specifically harms our planet and creates unsafe working environments, which predominantly impact women all around the globe. (And these factories run mainly on coal and gas, the leading polluter!) After all of that, still 85% of textiles end up in the dump each year. The solution is a tough pill to swallow and definitely will take some getting used to, but the absolute best way to make your difference is to shop sustainably and avoid fast-fashion as much as possible. 

Do More: Shopping small or secondhand

We get it. Sometimes it’s impossible not to shop. We can all do our best to truly question if we need something, but there are many times when the answer will be Yes - and that is nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about! You can still make a positive impact while scoring on some deals. Remember the S’s - small and secondhand! Make someone’s dream a reality and make our reality more sustainable, buy from a local business either in person or online. Save a ton of money, and our planet, by thrifting more often. You’ll be surprised by what treasures you can find, what fun DIYs are begging to be made your own, and how good it will feel. 

Do Less: Plastic and paper

America is the paper towel capital of the world – spending nearly as much on paper towels as every other country in the world combined. While paper towels aren’t usually what comes to mind when we think of pollution since their carbon footprint is fairly small, collectively they are contributing to deforestation, global warming, and an ever-increasing waste problem. Paper’s partner-in-crime, plastic, is also incredibly damaging to us and our ecosystems. It’s estimated that by the end of 2020 (imagine!) the number of plastics in the sea will be higher than the number of fish. If that wasn’t alarming enough, we are literally consuming plastic because of these high levels, with 1 in 3 fish caught for human consumption containing it. From our oceans to our kitchen tables, the everyday products that make life convenient and quick are causing irreparable damage to Mother Nature and all living beings.  

Do More: Reusable essentials

Saving our seas and ourselves does not have to be costly or cumbersome. Swapping out plastic and paper for glass and cotton or microfiber is a super effective way to help our environment heal. Instead of purchasing plastic water bottles, invest in a reusable one. Rather than purchasing cleaners in plastic spray bottles, make your own remedies and store them in glass mason jars. Use cut-up tee shirts, flannels and towels from the thrift store as reusable paper towels. The possibilities are endless, and all of these sustainable solutions will also save you money in the long haul. All it takes is a little creativity to make life better - for us and for our friends under the sea. And remember: if plastic is unavoidable (and sometimes it is), there are many ways to reuse that plastic container to maximize it’s life before it ends up in a landfill.  

Do More: Living!

Being eco-conscious certainly doesn’t have to be a chore; in fact, it can be a routine or ritual that you look forward to most. Here are some quick hitters that we at si SKIN Organics love and pledge to do more of in the upcoming year!

• Minimize the amount of paper consumed and look for the FSC logo on packaging (Forest Stewardship Council) - which you'll see on si SKIN Organics packaging in 2021!

• Walk or ride a bike instead of driving when possible
• Use a reusable bag when shopping
• Compost!
• Plant trees and wildflowers
• Volunteer in our communities to make a difference
• Eat more fruits and veggies and less meats and processed foods
• Conserve as much water as possible. Be cognizant that the tap isn’t running when brushing teeth and try to set a timer or song limit for showers!
• Use more public transportation
• Choose nontoxic cleaning chemicals
• Try to cut down on food waste and only buy what will be eaten
• Carpool when possible
• Buy from local grocers and farmers markets
• BYO mug when getting a coffee at your favorite coffee spot

Learn more about the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and let us know how you'll be living more sustainably in 2021!