seasonal eco-consciousness
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child — our own two eyes. All is a miracle.
Thich Nhat Hanh
The planet provides us with literally everything we need, yet humans continue to trash it.
On recent trips to Sicily and Lago Di Garda in Italy, I watched multiple beach patrons look directly at a piece of garbage – whether in sand or sea – and walk or swim by without lifting a finger.
I huffed and puffed as I eventually made my way to retrieve these disruptive items; although I am working on limiting judgement of myself and others, I found it hard to believe that people would so easily ignore pieces of junk that could have so easily been removed.
I am not saying I am an absolute hero angel – although it felt really good to take conscious beach-walks with the intention of picking up unwanted items – because I am also human and sometimes forget my to-go cup or end up buying a plastic bottle (which I promptly recycle).
That being said – imagine if every single one of us not only dissected trash out of natural habitats, but also did our best to reduce our waste in general?
Even though sustainability is applicable to all seasons, it is especially important to be aware of both our consumption and our waste when many of us are spending more time outdoors (or flying to outdoor destinations), and during a time where signs of global warming are so prevalent.
Here are a few simple practices we can all put to use to protect our collective Mama Earth:
- Bring your own: water bottle/mug, utensils, food containers, shopping/tote/canvas bags, reusable napkins, STRAWS.
- Say no thank you to: plastic utensils or bags, takeout utensils, excess napkins – especially if not made of recycled paper, STRAWS (you can still enjoy an Aperol Spritz without one).
- Say yes to: seasonal/local/organic produce if/when possible, like-minded brands and restaurants, bulk-bins or sustainably packaged items, non-packaged items if/when possible.
- Say hello to: sustainable/lightly-used/vintage furniture and appliances and clothing – check out apps like Poshmark (use code SASHA for $10 toward your first purchase).
- Say BYE STRAWS and buy [sustainable] straws instead. Please just try [watch this video].
Visit my Amazon Influencer storefront for curated tools and clean, earth-friendly ingredients.
What is one thing you can implement this week to help keep our home healthy and happy?
Read the newsletter for a delicious take on summer Ayurvedic oats, details on upcoming events like Wanderlust Germany / Paris and Costa Rica and Morocco, good tunes and good vibes.
Photo: Jardin des Tuileries, Paris.
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