Going green has not only become increasingly easy, but it’s becoming increasingly important too…
Being conscious about where, what and how you spend your money is non-negotiable if you intend to tread lightly on this beautiful planet of ours. To help you become gloriously green, we’ve put together a little guide to lead you in the right direction when you hit the shops.
For the bathroom..
We’ve already talked about the five simple swaps you can make to reduce your plastic consumption, but we reckon there’s still more work to be done. That’s why we’re asking you to give bottled shampoo and conditioner the flick and embrace shampoo bars instead – just like a bar of soap, but for your head! By doing so, you’ll avoid weird ingredients that you can’t pronounce, as well as nasty plastic packaging. If you really must buy the bottled stuff, make sure you recycle the containers.
The loo-paper you use says a lot about you too! At IQS, we recognise that going green is top-to-tail kind of process, so we choose to stock our bathrooms with responsibly-sourced toilet paper. Who Gives A Crap is our fave – it’s made from recycled materials (not freshly-cut trees!) and 50 per cent of the company’s profit is used to help build toilets for those in need.
For the kitchen…
Green shopping isn’t just about what you buy, it’s also about where you buy it. That’s why we reckon that bulk is the new black. Shopping in bulk (and BYOing your own containers) won’t burn a hole in your wallet, it’s kinder to the environment and it’s a surefire way to cut the crap from your cupboard. While old glass jars are a definite winner in terms of storage (you’ve likely got them lying around anyway!) there are a few other options out there to make your green-transition even easier. Beeswax wrap is a cute and convenient way to wrap and store food that, for whatever reason, can’t be kept in jars. We love them for wrapping up chunks of cheese and covering half-eaten dinners. Kiss goodbye to cling wrap – you don’t need it! And you can even make your own!
If your closest bulk shop is still too far away, keep cool, you can still go green. Let your fruit and veg roam free in your trolley (don’t bag it!) and choose products that come in either glass or aluminium cans – then reuse or recycle them! BTW, BYO shopping bags are a given.
For the wardrobe…
Apps like Good On You make it easy to shop for slow, ethical and sustainable clothing. Sure, the pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing off for months might be cute, but are they doing more harm than good? Choosing ethical clothing brands ensures that workers, animals and the environment are being treated with respect. And no, not all sustainable clothing has to look like a chopped up hessian sack! Do some investigating, or better yet, head to your local op-shop. (That’s a thrift shop for our U.S. friends and a charity shop for you Brits).
For the beauty cabinet…
Making good decisions in the beauty aisle can be particularly challenging as a greenie. But we think the best place to start is in your own home. Have a rummage through your beauty bag and detox it as best you can. If you plan on hitting the shops to replenish your stash, make sure you understand what different labels mean. Hint hint: natural doesn’t always mean natural. Your absolute best bet is to invest in some zero-waste beauty products that can be refilled over and over again! Luxury.
Do you consider yourself a green shopper? Let us know about all the good you’re doing in the comments below!
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