I had the great privilege of hearing Jane Goodall speak recently at the California Women’s Conference (fangirl freak out moment), and felt very challenged by her words.

Every purchase you make send a message and supports either unethical and harmful practices to the planet, or positive ones. So many people can’t afford to buy organic or consider the weight of their purchases. They need cheap food and clothing to stay alive.

“Go to the shops and if you’re buying food or you’re buying something else, ask yourself, ‘Has it harmed the environment? Was it cruel to animals? Is it cheap because of inequitable wages somewhere else (child labor or something)?’ And if the answer to those things is yes, don’t buy it. And this will be consumer pressure on the big businesses and it’s beginning to work.We need everybody to make these ethical choices to really make a difference. [So many people] don’t have the luxury of making these choices. They’ve got to stay alive” (Jane Goodall to the California Conference for Women).

Tips for ‘Going Green’

• Use what you have. This is the unsexiest (is that a word?) concept, but the best place to go shopping is in your closet and cabinets!

• Repair and take care of your items to give them more life. All of my best stain removing and laundry tips can be found here.

• If you are in need of new clothing, consider buying used. You can go on Facebook and search a brand + BST (buy sell trade). You can purchase items in good conditions for a fraction of the price. I also love to shop consignment shops (there is one in an affluent neighborhood by my work that always has the best clothes!).

• Invest in good quality pieces. Try to buy new items from Ethical Businesses. Consider “Price Per Wear” when you are buying an item. if you buy a sale shirt for $10 that you like but only end up wearing it once, that cost you $10/wear. If you buy a top that you LOVE for $58 and wear it 10 times, it is only $5.80 per wear. Also, consider what ‘brings you joy,’ when bringing items into your home.

• Eliminate single use plastics. I love Porter’s reuse-able lunch bowl
  

• Use products that are better for the environment. Not only are they better for earth, detergents that are harsh on the environment are also hard on your skin!

• Focus on a plant based diet: Not only is it better for your health and can help to reduce your cancer risk, it’s better for the environment.