Earth Day Every Day

My home village in the outskirts of Paris, France

Since it is Earth Week, I thought it'd be fun to share some of my every day sustainable changes!

Every little modification in our not-so-green habits have a positive impact. Period. Even if you start small, trust that it will have a beneficial effect on our planet and wildlife, but also on your soul. And you'd be surprised how much you learn as you go.

Up-cycling containers, using tote bags for groceries, growing herbs, cutting down meat and dairy, choosing to bike, reducing the consumption of plastic, switching to oat milk... I mean, the list goes on and on.

Let me show you what I try to do consistently!

Choose Glass Over Plastic

The best way to recycle is to not have to recycle. Meaning, don't buy plastic at all! And if you do buy plastic, which unfortunately is quite difficult not to, reuse or up-cycle as much as you can.

These jars are from jam, honey, apple cider, to-go beers from local breweries, etc. They're super practical and they also look super cool. Use these to drink out of them, conserve food, store loose tea, make candles, or for toothbrush and pen holders.

Be creative, they have amazing and resourceful second, third, and fourth lives.

The Inevitable Silverware Set

This is definitely an item that has to stay in your handbag or car! I myself forget to bring it in with me everywhere I go, but it's such a wonderful set to have handy. It avoids using plastic utensils and straws.

What I do have with me at all times is a retractable medal straw. I simply refuse to get any more plastic straws. Although some businesses offer bamboo or other natural material straws, I still prefer to use my own.

Remember to request not to get any utensils or straws when ordering food!

Fabric Bags Forever

Earth Policy Institute reports "A trillion single-use plastic bags are used each year worldwide, nearly 2 million each minute." Clearly alarming.

I've had tote bags for a while, but I've now started using fabric bags for fruits and veggies. Before using these, I'd simply put my loose items in a grocery cart.

More and more stores have fabric and mesh bags available. You can easily wash and reuse them for a very long time. Sturdy and trendy!

Bee's Love

In our constant quest for a plastic-free world, here are some alternatives to plastic wraps of sorts.

My solution is beeswax wraps. They conserve food very well and last for several months. You can find them at local farmers' markets or at almost any grocery stores. No, they don't stick to your hands and don't leave any smells on your food.

Otherwise, you can use Tupperware, silicone wraps, jars, or wash and reuse sandwich bags and take-out containers.

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse

Very easy switch from cotton balls to reusable make-up remover pads. You can also make these yourself with bathroom towels! Also, bar soaps are a great way to stop buying plastic.

On the above picture, it's actually a conditioner bar—great for traveling!

Substitute synthetic and nylon bath sponges to natural fiber ones. They're cute, efficient, and biodegradable. The sponge I have is from agave fibers and you can put a soap bar inside it.

Cheers to more plastic-free items!

I get it, paper towels are super convenient, but these kitchen serviettes are just as suitable. And let's be honest, way more chic!

Get Your Hands Dirty

Another great way to avoid buying plastic is to plant your own herbs, fruits, and veggies. Perennial plants like mint, rosemary, or chives grow back every year and are super easy to maintain.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or other greens definitely require more attention, knowledge, and space for their pots—and ideally a garden. But again, you learn with practice, trial, and error.

If you're not much of a green thumb person, you can start by buying herbs in their own pots, which will also last a bit longer!

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

It's easy to feel that our small everyday changes won't impact our environment. But I believe that we must start somewhere. Today you may pick up trash in your neighborhood and tomorrow you might be part of a much bigger cause!

Read articles, watch documentaries, do your own investigations.

Walk or bike instead of using a car, opt for wooden toothbrushes, support a local business.

Check your county regulations regarding recyclable items.

Travel with an eco-friendly mindset like bringing your own cup, silverware, and napkin.

These are just a few of countless ways to help change our routine into a more environmental friendly one.

I hope this helped make you realize that even grabbing a glass jar of honey instead of a plastic one is already a step towards a plastic-free ideal world.