On this World Environment Day (June 5th) we are reminded of our responsibilities to protect our planet from decay. We may not be able to incite instant global change but we CAN make a difference by altering small choices in our day-to-day lives. By living dedicated to sustainability, we can help our Earth be a healthier and safer place to be. Today’s woman dreamer, Dia Arora (one of our fantastic Women Who Win interns) shares 5 strategies to ensure a more eco-friendly lifestyle going forward.

1. Invest in Slow Fashion

If you are anything like me you love to keep a closet full of the latest fashionable styles. However, when purchasing from unsustainable brands like Shein you can fall into rapid trend cycles that hurt the environment. Fast fashion companies often use unethical labor and unsustainable practices within their factories to meet the demand of overconsumption. So when you buy the newest trend off of a site like Amazon, Forever 21, or Romwe, you may unintentionally be prompting factory pollution. Next time you go shopping, look for red flags in the company's environmental policy. If a brand has no acknowledgment of its eco-footprint, constant production, and suspiciously cheap prices it may be best to steer clear. Consider shopping more from brands like Reformation, Girlfriend Collective, and Patagonia that lay out their environmental and ethical practices. By avoiding fast fashion you can be stylish AND sustainable.

2. Donate Old Technology to Reduce E-Waste 

We all probably have some old device lying around our house that we have no clue what to do with. While our first instinct might be to throw it away, this can be a very unsustainable practice. When we throw away technology we fill landfills with Electronic Waste (E-Waste) that is not biodegradable and can release toxic materials into the Earth. Instead consider donating the device to an applicable business convenient for you, or selling it for someone else’s use. If these don’t work for you, being generally mindful about your technology use can also decrease E-waste. For example, you can try to steer away from purchasing a newly launched iPhone if your current phone already works. This way perfectly good technology isn’t stuck going to waste.

3. Composting

Composting is the practice of discarding organic solid waste, especially food scraps, into a container filled with soil-like material. Once mixed, a natural plant fertilizer is created that can be used to increase plant growth or further decompose more scraps. Not only does this process keep trash from landfills, but it promotes the growth of other greenery. Traditionally this can be made for cheap in a container outside of the house. For avid composters, electronic composting devices can also provide more convenience in the process. Regardless of how you choose to compost, it is undeniable that the process is one of the best ways to promote a sustainable lifestyle.

4. Volunteer with a Local Cleanup organization. 

Local community service organizations and environmental advocates often host public clean-up projects in littered areas. If you strive to see obvious results from your efforts, volunteering at a project like this could be the perfect opportunity for you. You can even invite your friends and family, making sustainability a fun group activity. To find such projects, research specific organizations in your state/town and find one you are interested in. You can also join facebook groups dedicated to sustainability in your area. In the case you can’t find a cleanup, you can always help create one in your community. Reach out to your friends, family, and your town to scout for interest and support. Beach and Trail clean-ups are just two examples of potential sustainable service opportunities.

5. Select products with Glass packaging over plastic for your everyday products (i.e makeup, groceries, and more).

When shopping for groceries, makeup etc  we may be inclined to purchase the cheapest version of the product available. Unfortunately, this is often synonymous with plastic packaging that is flimsy and not biodegradable. Next time you're at the store, consider spending a bit more money getting the product with glass packaging. Once you use up the product, there are so many ways to reuse glass packaging. They can be used as containers, be given as gifts, used as vases, be interesting decorations, and so much more. The glass is usually recyclable as well. While the extra cost may not be an affordable option for everyone, if you have the ability, buying the glass alternative will always be more sustainable than the plastic option.

Thank you Dia for sharing these tips with us! We are excited to have you on the team and in our global women’s network

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