For almost a decade now sustainability has been a rising trend in all aspects of living, especially fashion. It used to be that only “hippie dippie”, or “home grown” businesses participated in eco-friendly fashion, however more recently bigger name brand companies such as Gap, and Athleta have got onto the movement. Sustainably fashion isn’t easy, “This kind of work requires so much vision and energy” says Joyce Hu, who co-founded the Sustainable Fashion Alliance with Plell. Manufacturing clothing takes a huge toll on the environment, and not many people know it. The term sustainable fashion does not just refer to the materials each item of clothing is made of. Eco-friendly fashion also includes good working conditions, and fair wages to those who work in the factories. At the end of the day it is relieving to know that people are taking simple steps to make the world a better place.
As more, and more people pick up the vegan lifestyle, the negative stigmas that used to surround it have slowly diminished. Being vegan has almost become the “norm”. People are going vegan for many reasons. First and foremost for the sake of the animals. It’s more than just their connection to the animals, it’s their knowledge of the way most animals are treated when raised to be slaughtered for sales purposes. Another reason people are choosing to be vegan is because, one of the most effective things an individual can do to lower their carbon footprint is to avoid all animal products. Aside from the endless benefits veganism offers the environment, being a vegan has also become “trendy”. Several social media health gurus or famous instagram “models” are seen promoting their own personal vegan lifestyle, which in turn makes others interested, and excited to try something new.
Gas isn’t cheap, and driving a car to work isn’t going to give you that epic morning workout. The benefits of biking instead of driving is endless. It has been brought to the attention of several environmental scientists that the state of global warming is at a all time high, and fuel emissions from cars are one of the leading causes of damage to our Ozone layer. Biking also has several health benefits including better cardiovascular health, stronger bones, decreased fat storage, and even better sex drive. Biking is a full body exercise that is easily available to everyone. Bike riding also allows the average person to experience more while riding from point a to point b. The slower pace of bike riding compared to driving allows one to sightsee, and helps to better absorb the world around you.
It’s Recycling, Not Trash
Recycling has only become super popular in the last two decades. Recycling is super beneficial to the earth. Not only does it reduce the amount of waste that goes to the incinerators, save energy, and conserve natural resources, but it also helps create jobs all across America. Some programs are even specialized for those who have been incarcerated, or have certain mental illnesses. Getting people to recycle is unfortunately not easy, however most Americans do not understand the importance of it. With mass production at an all time high it is crucial that companies worldwide create products that are recyclable.
Knowing what we put in our bodies is becoming increasingly important, especially since the increased awareness of GMOs, and pesticides which are used to enhance the food we eat. Organic food offers several benefits aside from it being better for the earth. Food that is produced organically is often fresher given that the food without pesticides must be delivered to grocery stores quicker. Eating organic also includes the meat and dairy products you buy. Organic dairy products means that the animals were not injected with hormones, or treated poorly while they were being raised. It also means that things such as milk are full of richer nutrients. Organic produce is better for you, and better for the environment.
