We’ve been reflecting a lot on why we do what we do, and how it fits into the bigger picture. We thought it was the perfect time to share, considering Earth week. Because helping to create a healthier, cleaner planet is the reason we created Organic Lifestyle in the first place.
But can an online retailer selling things like natural pillows and organic mattresses and bamboo toothbrushes really change the world? We like to think so.
Because with every conscious purchase you make:
- There’s less plastic polluting our oceans.
- There are fewer carcinogens released into our air and drinking water from manufacturing.
- Exposing you and your family to fewer hormones disrupting chemicals.
- The well-made products will last longer, meaning less waste going to landfill.
- You’ll see those products in your home and they will keep driving you to make more positive changes.
You see, everything we bring into our shop serves a purpose with as little impact on your health and the earth as possible. We do a lot of research before putting a product up for sale. We want to create a space that you can turn to and trust to shop with confidence that the products not only are safe and healthy but also work.
How will this change the world?
We believe in the ripple effect. Buying less and better starts with each of us (and yes, even though we’re a retailer we still believe in buying less, longer lasting, multi-use products). When we share our experiences and our strategies with friends and family, so they too can start making positive changes. And that’s where the magic really happens.
It’s a lot like Earth Day. Sure, on the surface it might seem inconsequential. What’s one day for raising awareness and celebrating the planet we call home? But if it can be used to start better habits that continue for the long term, bring people together towards a common goal, and bring a sense of hope in a rather depressing and uncertain time for environmentalists, we’ll take it.
So let’s make this year’s Earth Day count.
Here are our suggestions to share our experiences and our strategies with friends and family, so they too can start making positive changes:
- Throw a dinner party. Many of us are making a difference but individually – having friends over gives you the opportunity to catch up and share ideas. For instance, I like to cook Sri Lankan (think Indian food meets Thai) and it’s primarily vegan and gluten-free as it allows me to cater to everyone and show that you can make really scrumptious meals. It challenges me to try out new recipes and on a deadline (as I have a tendency to procrastinate). I try not to have anything that would be single use – No paper napkins (use hand towels instead), no disposable paper plates nor cups (we’ve acquired an eclectic mix from second-hand stores).
We provide guests with a glass with their name written using a grease pencil to reduce our cleanup efforts (and water use). I’m sure you have your own great ideas (likely a future blog post in itself, so please share yours below). In exchange for the effort, we receive a wealth of exciting ideas, suggestions over laughs and food with old and new friends.
- Audit your waste. Take a look at what’s in your garbage, recycling, and compost bins right now. Are there things in there that you can eliminate altogether? Maybe it’s bringing reusable containers to a bulk store, meal planning, and freezing leftovers, or stocking up on reusable snack containers. For instance, I went to a Soap refill station with my empty shampoo bottle and refilled it for less than retail price for a brand new bottle – less waste, less money and clean hair, Win win! What’s one action you can take to reduce your waste?
- Switch to non-toxic cleaning products. This is one of the simplest ways you can improve your indoor air quality, but it will also mean less toxic chemicals are dumped into our water. Try homemade, or use the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaners to find products from the store. And if you’re looking for a natural and safe alternative to disinfectants, we’ve got you covered.
Beeswax Tea Light Candles with Organic Wick
- Choose plastic alternatives. Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental threats we’re facing, next to climate change. When you can, choose alternatives to plastic. Like bamboo toothbrushes, shopping at your local zerowaste grocery stores, wooden kitchen utensils, reusable food wrap, etc.
I’d like to encourage you to consider that every day should be Earth Day. It’s not just a fad or something you think about once a year. Considering the environmental and health impacts of all our actions and purchases should be a habit. That’s not to say we’ll get it right 100% of the time. But we’ve got to start somewhere.
As Margaret Meade said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
We are grateful today, and every day, for all your efforts to save us and the planet.
We’re off to watch Our Planet on Netflix but we’d love to know #1 thing that helped you significantly reduce your footprint!
Dihan, Proud-Owner
Organic Lifestyle