5 Ways to Live More Sustainably

Caring for yourself and your health shouldn’t come at the earth’s expense but, yet, so many single-use products are created every year. From q-tips to cleaning supplies and takeout containers, single-use waste can really add up. Doing your part in the fight against climate change can feel daunting, but the truth is that even the smallest shifts can have an impact. Here are 5 ways to live more sustainably in your day-to-day life to protect the planet for future generations. 

1. Rethink Your Beauty Routine
Our beauty and skincare routines can generate a lot of waste if we don’t take the time to think about the products we’re using. Try to use products that last a long time, and be sure to recycle the containers of your favorite serums, moisturizers, and cleansers. Beyond that, choosing products that have been carefully-vetted (like those at Standard Dose!) and contain sustainably sourced ingredients is a thoughtful move. Team Standard Dose loves the Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil from Costa Brazil, which is made from ingredients sustainably sourced from the Amazon Rainforest.

2. Consider Sustainable Period Care 

For those of us with periods, considering sustainable alternatives for period care can be a substantial way to decrease your carbon footprint. According to National Geographic, in the course of a lifetime, “a single menstrator will use between 5 and 15 thousand pads and tampons.” Most of these end up in landfills. Switching to a sustainably-made period cup can vastly cut down this number.

3. Reimagine Your Everyday
While most of us love getting takeout or making a self-care splurge, there are ways to do so with more care. Consider bringing your own tupperware to get takeout, and think carefully about the items you do buy. Buying a candle? Reuse the vessel as a planter or jewelry holder.

4. Hang Dry Your Clothes
Using the dryer can take up a lot of energy, and hanging your clothes to air dry instead can really cut down on your household’s carbon footprint. Not to mention you’ll avoid shrinking that favorite sweater!

5. Cut Down On Food Waste
Every year, 108 billion pounds of food is wasted in the US. Do your part to minimize this number by making a meal plan for the week and only buying the food you truly know you’ll eat. And before going grocery shopping, try to finish up any leftovers in your fridge or make a meal with the remaining produce. 

A sustainable lifestyle might seem like a challenge, but the changes we make have the power to protect our planet so we can continue to enjoy the beauty of the world we live in.