Sustainable Baby Steps || Pela Case
I've talked a lot about how my journey into minimalism — and now into ethical/conscious living — has been much closer to a marathon than a sprint. I stopped buying clothes from fast fashion brands almost a year ago, but transitioning the "non-fashion" aspects of my life has been a harder adjustment than I expected. One of my "resolutions" for this year is to transition towards a zero-waste lifestyle. With two toddlers and a very non-zero-waste home to begin with, it will be quite the transition. But it's all about baby steps in the right direction.
I'm learning that the best method is to take baby steps into "slow living", and not overhaul your entire life all at once. Which is why, instead of running to Walmart when I run out of something like mascara, body wash — or when I need, say, a new phone case — I replace the item with an ethically made one, from a brand I can support.
It's a mindset shift more than anything. It's teaching myself that I can wait until I find an ethical option for most everything in my life. I don't need anything right. now.
Which is why, after one too many drops from our one and a half year old, I decided to research sustainable phone cases.
I'd seen Pela Case on a few other blogs and fell in love with not only the design of their cases but the way they're designed as well. Pela's cases are 100% biodegradable — made primarily with flax seed and a blend of other natural and recycled ingredients they've dubbed "Flaxstic". This means that when you're done with the case, you can simply recycle or compost it. They're scratch resistant, light-weight, and best of all, keep your phone safe from toddlers.
Plus, a phone case with a story is way more interesting than a mass produced case from Apple.
Here are a few simple baby steps you can take to ease into sustainable living:
1. Implement the "run out" rule: Like I mentioned earlier, it's easier (and more practical) to make the transition overtime than all at once. When you notice you're getting low on something, research ethically-made/sustainable options, and then buy it instead of your old go-to. Eventually the ethical items will outweigh the unethical.
2. Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk saves you from picking up extra (oftentimes un-recycleable) packaging. Store things in glass, or re-usable containers.
3. Simplify your list of "needs": When you get down to it, the list of things you actually need is pretty short. Simplifying each aspect of your life from your wardrobe, to the ingredient list for your favorite recipes, will help you be more intentional with the things you bring into your home.
4. Research Before Buying: There is an entire thriving community of people and businesses changing the way we shop and consume. Do your research before buying something — you, as the consumer, have more power than you know.
What changes have you made to live a more eco-friendly/sustainable lifestyle?
