Thoughts on the environment
Working to restore our Earth is similar to restoring wellness within our bodies. Every step you take makes an impact. And, taking care of our planet is taking care of our health!
Plastic lasts forever. It doesn’t biodegrade. It just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, never really disappearing.
Top Reasons to be Plastic-Free
- Lower our dependency on oil – Producing plastic requires the use of fossil fuel-derived chemicals.
- Reduce toxic emissions from plastic production – Producing plastics, even from recycled plastic, releases chemicals into the air, water, and soil that affect both human and animal life.
- Improve our health – There are many many chemicals in plastic, most of which we do not even know the full scope of harm caused. The few we do know about, such as the phthalates like BPA and BPS, are known hormone disruptors in humans. There is new research suggesting that these chemicals also cause some level of neurologic dysfunction. The less exposure we have to these chemicals the better we function and the better our health and fertility.
- Reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills – Unfortunately, landfills aren’t going away. Let’s do something about that with our everyday decisions.
- Reduce the amount of waste that ends up in delicate and pristine areas like our lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans. Not only is this unsightly, but it is toxic. Just like the toxins in plastics pollute our bodies, they also leach into the water and topsoil, poisoning animals and ecosystems alike.
- Protect wildlife – Haphazardly discarded plastics may end up in the bellies of wildlife or entangling them. Let’s think downstream about where our products end up, and commit to protecting these precious creatures.
So what do we do about our plastic addiction?
Plastic products often meant to be single-use. Here at Gaia Med we’ve embarked on a learning frenzy since the start of 2021 and are very excited to share what we’ve learned about a plastic-free, zero-waste lifestyle!
We’ve created a list of some of our favorite reusable and non-toxic products to be a resource for you to help combat throwaway culture and support a healthy lifestyle. We love these products and think you will too!
Additionally, all these companies are committed to environmental change and equality and they donate product, money, or trees with every purchase.
Products We Love:
For Storage:
Stasher bags – your plastic baggie solution
Bees wrap – plastic wrap alternative
Etee – food storage, straws, utensils
For Cleaning:
Who gives a crap – Household paper products (think TP without the plastic wrap).
Earth breeze – laundry detergent. Imagine your current detergent bottles being your last ones!
Ethique – household cleansers
Etee – dish soap, scrub brushes, and sponges
For Grooming:
Bite – Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash
Ethique – hair and skincare
Etee – shaving, hand & body soap, face cleansers, and more…
Social help in finding solutions:
How to make a change in our throwaway culture.
~One man’s trash is another man’s treasure~
There are many social media groups dedicated to helping you learn how to become “zero waste” or to bring your recycling and up-cycling skills to the next level.
Buy Nothing
- From furniture & electronics to kitchen appliances and children’s clothes, you can find a lot of what you need (and maybe didn’t know you needed) in one of these are locally based groups. These are also great places to donate what you no longer need or want.
- Learn tips and tricks about how to live with a lower impact. This is a great forum to get your questions answered. Get curious!
- Here’s the Zero Waste Vegans subreddit: for those of us who are also Vegan.
If you love this article, please share it with your friends, families, and communities!
Thank you for making a difference in your health and our planetary health.
Products We Love:
Here’s a wonderful resource for finding 3rd party tested products like cookware and bandaids that have low PFAS, toxins, and endocrine disruptors!