We’re pretty serious about being green. So serious, in fact, that we’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of our gross sales to environmental nonprofits we choose. At a recent meeting, we shared our personal green habits with each other. Check out our behind-the-scenes video with our ideas. There might be three or four that will surprise you.
Think it’s a hassle to change your ways? Here are some of our team’s suggestions that may actually make your life easier and greener.
Eat cleaner
- Shop at a local farmer’s market, join a local co-op, or better yet, grow your own fruits and veggies in a backyard garden or on a plot in a community garden. Eating cleaner reduces harmful chemicals in your diet and cuts down on all kinds of carbon-emitting transportation in food distribution channels.
- Reduce your meat consumption to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Shop greener
- Shop at “green” businesses. 1% for the Planet is a good place to look for eco-conscious retailers.
- Buy in bulk to bypass unnecessary packaging. And always avoid buying individually packaged snacks or other foods.
- Look for organic or sustainable clothing, mattresses, and other household items. They’re everywhere.
- Save money and the Earth with E-Cloths. These microfiber cloths clean everything from windows to stovetops, to bathrooms and counters with just water. No chemical cleaners required. And we promise—they really do work!
- Use glass containers in place of disposable plastics for drinkware, soap dispensers, and anything else you can think of.
Zero-waste meals
No matter where you find yourself eating lunch, whether on-the-go or at a restaurant, there are small changes you can make to reduce your footprint.
- Do you pack a lunch for work? Use a cloth napkin instead of paper. Buy reusable sandwich, salad, and snack containers that you can bring home and wash.
- Stop using plastic straws. There are so many reusable options like these, or these, or even these.
- If you’re at a restaurant that uses plastic or styrofoam cups (gasp!) for kids, request a reusable “adult” cup instead.
Live greener
- Check to see if your child’s school, your gym, church, or other stomping ground has a recycling service set up. If they don’t, help by starting one!
- Work from home. If you have to commute, buy an electric car. Not only will your emissions go to zero, but you can enjoy the convenience of never having to get gas.
- Recycle bath water to hydrate your lawn or plants.
- Bring an empty bag on walks or hikes to pick up litter.
Welcome to the green side! We promise—the grass really is greener over here.
