urban treehugging

serious about sustainability

Even after all this time
The Sun never says to the earth,
“You owe me”
Look what happens with a
love like that,
It lights the Whole Sky.
-Hafiz

*Photo in McCarren Park by Anna Sirota, wearing Hyde organic cotton yoga apparel.

In my early phase of exploring a mindful, wellness-related lifestyle [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][such as actual nutrition values versus diet foods and caloric intake] I was inspired by this whole eco-friendly movement that began making an appearance in everything from food to bathroom cleaners to packaging. I knew it was important, but didn’t do much besides recycle and continue to hope for world peace.

I have always been a lover of animals, and in my mind I was a unicorn superhero whose mission was to save the planet and its species [how I would do that was unclear]. It wasn’t until grad school that I went from testing the waters to jumping in face-first.

While at Academy of Art University for Fashion Merchandising I began studying sustainable fashion, eco-friendly products and practices. I became increasingly interested in food as I watched my roommate whip up everything from salads to stews to sweets. The connection between it all became clearer as I learned more about the ways in which one affects the other, the same as humans affect one another.

One example I often use is cotton, which I discovered in my research for my thesis on sustainable west-coast fashion brands. The pesticides and herbicides used to spray cotton fields are incredibly toxic, and can cause horrendous physical and mental damage not only to those exposed to them but to the environment. The cotton itself usually goes on to be dyed, which is another story in and of itself including harmful runoffs to our water systems and soil, the amount of energy used in the process, and more.

The saga continues as the cotton seeds containing the chemicals go to places like slaughter houses to feed the cattle [read: the meat you find in the store may be pumped with not only hormones, but also pesticides from the seeds it digested] or to food companies to use as preservatives. Once the oil is on high heat, the pesticides have a chance to increase in value [not in a good way] and this cottonseed oil ends up in many of the packaged food we see on the shelves.

There is much more to say about this issue alone, not to mention things like the overall environmental impact of mass production, recycling, the energy it takes to recycle or commute, how trash and chemicals and non-renewable resources are damaging not only the ecosystem but also its inhabitants [animals, plants, you, me, our loved ones].

To which one might debate: it’s the fate of the world, things like this and global warming, as it pertains to evolution. To which I would retaliate: there is so much we can do. If we are willing to practice living mindfully in order to preserve the “inevitable”  withering of the planet and its species, we will not only enjoy it more, but will also learn to fully appreciate its gifts while we’re still here.

In this case, is ignorance really bliss? I would like to challenge this by claiming that bliss is available at all times even as we become more aware of the ways in which we live.

Yes, being more aware of the ways in which we live means looking at ourselves and our practices and not just questioning them, but forgiving them. I’ll save that for another day, but this has to be part of the process if we care about contributing effectively to the wellbeing of the planet and of each other.

Hear me out: this does not mean we have to resort to living in teepees and hunting/gathering for food [although I would not be totally against it….]. Part of the way in which I personally choose to live means enjoying life in an jam-packed concrete jungle while still doing my part for the planet.

How does one practice what I like to call urban treehugging to maintain the lifestyle they want in this modern society without having to relinquish the things they enjoy?

Here are some tips and products we can all consider if we feel passionate about creating a more loving, thriving earth on which all of us and our loved ones breathe:

• Swap conventional cleaners for earth-friendly ones. Many companies are already jumping on the sustainability wagon, but make sure you check the labels closely instead of believing all marketing schemes. Perhaps start with one or two items like your laundry detergent or dishwashing soap.
• Swap conventional body products for eco ones. You might notice many companies stating they are “free of” a chemical you can’t pronounce, because the US is finally somewhat regulating certain harmful ingredients that go into bath and beauty products. Feed your body the same way you feed yourself: mindfully. I love Acure Organics argan oil and Juice Beauty mascara.
• Shop eco toys for kids and yourself. Many companies are starting to adopt their own sustainable initiatives, like Apple’s recycling program. When in doubt, Google it. There are some great brands out there like Glob paints who make products that are both sustainable and slick.
• Shop for local food as much as possible. A farmer’s market is a great place to start, if you don’t want to or aren’t able to grow your own. Not possible for you? Consider buying organic when it’s available from your local supermarket, or composting in your home or community – my local greenmarket offers composting, so I freeze my scraps and drop them off. Little things like this can make a big difference.
• Support local businesses that support local businesses, the environment and its people. There are some fabulous restaurants and shops in Brooklyn and NYC that utilize produce from upstate New York farms, and there are products like Antidote Chocolate who support the workers and environmental responsibility behind its production.
• Be mindful of your consumer habits. Regarding clothing, for example: shop second hand, organize clothing swaps, and look for sustainable companies like Hyde or PACT. Consider shopping the bulk bins at natural food stores for things like nuts/seeds and dried fruits, and bring re-useable bags when shopping.
• Look at all that stuff in your closet. Is there anything you no longer absolutely need? Perhaps you can find another use for it like a household rag in place of paper towels, or donating to those who would benefit from it.
• Use reusable water bottles. Easy and so effective. I love Swell, and grab an eco hot beverage mug like KeepCup while you’re at it.
• Hug a tree. Be a literal urban treehugger and appreciate mama nature for all she offers, without asking for anything in return. Enjoy nature, visit it often, offer your gratitude.

Does this mean we have to do all of this, right now, in order to ensure the planet’s safety and our good karma? Absolutely not, but it does mean we have a choice at all times, if we are willing to look at ourselves and our values and act accordingly.

What are some ways you like to incorporate urban treehugging into your own lifestyle practices?

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