April 22 is Earth Day worldwide.
You don’t want to hear me ranting about Earth Day. Every day should be Earth Day not just today alright? So lets make it a practice to be Earth friendly whenever we can not just to be “in” on one day of a year.
Now that I’ve gotten it out of my system, here are some eco friendly practices you can follow and products I like and use and where you can get them. Do note that I have only listed products I have used and like. There are loads more out there so feel free to add your favourites in the comments.
1. Carry Reusable Eco-friendly Bags to reduce plastic bag use
Be it the RuMe bags or the new RuMe All, I like this brand of reusable bags as they aren’t only sturdy yet compact, its made in a fair trade factory. I gave some away for Christmas last year. I hope the recipients liked them too! A lot of resources are used to make plastic bags and the indiscriminate throwing of plastic bags everywhere is bad for the environment and for animals. Whilst plastic bags aren’t the only way to help save the environment and the Earth, its one of the best ways to start. You can get RuMe bags from tinytapir.com. You can of course use any bag you like – the idea is to reuse and/or recycle 🙂
2. Use your own boxes and containers to pack food
Wherever possible, I try to use my own containers when I pack food. Many hawkers in the city are quite used to it these days. Just make sure if you use a plastic container, that it is BPA free. I usually use Lock n lock boxes and if they come with a pretty lunch bag set, all the better! In the alternative use stainless steel tiffin carriers like our parents or grandparents used to. Whatever you do, try to stay away from styrofoam boxes and plates. Styrofoam never biodegrades and its not safe to be ingested even accidentally.
3. Use bath products that are kind to the environment
There are lots of different types of natural or organic bath soaps around. Some bath soaps that are natural or organic are not only good for our skin, they are also kinder to the environment – less chemicals in our waterways. I have used the Soapy soaps, Yuan soaps and Indochine Natural soaps. All work well for me but there are lots more out there too. Indochine Natural has a new body wash for those who prefer using body washes.
For the hair, Yuan has a shampoo range too. If you prefer using body washes or salt scrubs with a touch of luxury, try Les Floralies, a natural skincare brand from New Zealand that’s new in Malaysia.
4. Use skincare products which are kind to the environment
I may not be the biggest fan of organic skincare but I’ve had one brand work well for me – Madara Organic skincare. Every product I’ve tried from the line has been great for me and does not cause me any allergic reaction. A bit more pricey than other brands but my concern is that it works for me. Get yours from BodyBar Skincare.
If you prefer something more easily accessible, L’Occitane has a new organic cream – Ma Creme Nature – a cream you make only when you need it. There are lots more other brands in this category of course.
Where possible I use products that have the Ecocert certification. EcoCert is a body that not only certifies a product as organic but also its environmental respect along the production line, from fair trade practices to the factory emissions and sustainable development. Its a package deal not just the product.
5. Use cloth menstrual pads
Ah something not every woman will do. I sometimes don’t too. But whenever I can, I try to use cloth sanitary pads not only because its better for the environment, its better for me too.
6. Buy less bottled water
Bottled water takes energy to process and the plastic bottles uses energy to manufacture. So where possible, buy less bottled water and carry your own. Its not hard to boil your own water at home and carry it out in a plastic bottle of your own. All it takes is a little planning. You save a fair bit of money in the process too! 😉 Ditto if you usually buy coffee from cafes or coffee shops. Bring your own insulated coffee mug – most household brands make one.
There is one more – if you enjoy burning scented candles, try using organic soy candles. They cost more, but burn longer with less soot to pollute the air which is better for everyone in the long run. My favourite? Dirt Candles by far! I have picked up more scents in the little scented tea lights version. Love em!
I might be less consistent with my skincare and bath and body use (there are many non organic non EcoCert products that I like unfortunately) but I’ve been pretty consistent in the rest of my Earth friendly practices that I have mentioned here. At least I try to make the effort one way or another every day of the year instead of just on April 22 or during Earth Hour.
Over to you. What is one Earth friendly practice you’d like to share or some alternative products you’d like to share with us?
Paris B
i think using less plastic bags and bottled waters are things that i practice the most.
Good on ya! That’s the least we can do but which cummulatively is a big deal!
Have used 2 bottles of Sukin Shampoo thus far which does not comes cheap 🙁 It’s made of SLS & paraben free ingredients. Takes the grease out of my hair and it’s not any worse on my hair.
Sukin didn’t work for me but I’m glad it did for you. For those sensitive to SLS its a great option 🙂
100% agree…and u can always buy Starbucks or other gourmet coffee outlet’s tumbler & reuse to take-away your favourite beverage….
Another thing to add, use cloth wipes to replace tissue & cloth napkins when serving guest… :>
Yeah Starbucks makes really nice tumblers – I used to have one 🙂 Thanks for your tip to use cloth wipes.
Soap nuts is my latest discovery. They cost about RM20+ for a bag of 250gm and they really do work for laundry and mopping floor. Completely natural and chemical-free and cheaper than your average detergent. Soap nuts grows mostly in India but found out that in Indon, the ladies of old have been using it for the longest time. There are some caveats though…. it doesn’t foam (a little disturbing) and the method of using is quite important. I find that adding various essential oils adds to the effectiveness (and experience) too. You should check out soap nuts, it’s kinda cool 🙂 Only thing is that it’s not easily available for now.
Sounds interesting! I’d never come across this one before. Shall go look this one up – soap nuts! Any idea what they are known as locally or in Bahasa Indonesia?
I’m Indonesian and I don’t know what soap nuts is
*shy*
Here’s what I got from Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapindus
Hey paris, which scents would you recommend for the Dirt Candles? And where did you buy the tea light versions?
Erm… I’d say all of them? 😛 Seriously they smell amazing! I got the tea light version from the Tiny Tapir stall at Bangsar Village.
Great tips! I’m getting those RuMe bags as gifts this year for birthdays/christmas. Thanks for saving me from a headache from gift buying! =)
Definitely try to go paperless where possible. I work in a legal firm where things are still a bit “antiquated” (to say the least) so I can attest to how much paper is wasted. The “paper for recycling” (read: paper which has only been used on one side) box is always overflowing!
Even if you forget your reusable bag (which happens to me quite often!), decline plastic bags where possible. Many times I’ve been caught out when I forget that it’s “no plastic bag” day but thank goodness I’m one of those who carry gigantic handbags. If I’m really out of options, I take a plastic bag first purchase and then put all my subsequent purchases into that first plastic bag. A little bit goes a long way.
Finally, embrace minimalism!
“Did you ever stop to notice
The crying Earth the weeping shores”
-MJ
They will make great gifts! Your lucky recipients 😉 If i forget my reusable bags or if I”m buying something small at a pharmacy and don’t want to take out my reusable bag, I just decline the plastic bags. They are usually too small to be reused. Unfortunately I’m a bit of a pack rat so I can’t quite embrace minimalism just yet 😉 Thanks for sharing your tips Isabel
I use reusable bags too. I love RuMe so much 🙂 I heard that Starbucks has discount for bringing your own tumbler when you purchase a drink 😛 I tried Sukin lately but I was hoping that they’ll bring in the Protein Shampoo coz the Purifying Shampoo didn’t work for me unless I double wash which means it’ll run out fast. Almost bought Aesop coz you need so little but they do have SLS though… But coz of the price I tried Sukin first 😛
Actually I want to point out that using Wet wipes or Cloth wipes doesn’t help the environment infact it’s causing more wastes. The best is to use a hankerchief instead 😛 hehehhe
I’m afraid I can’t use handkerchiefs because its not so hygienic. So I do try to reduce the use of wet wipes and tissue paper where possible. But that’s a good point 🙂
Opps there’s a typo on my name… Actually I do too. Unless you bring a few hankerchiefs out rite… I try to cut down as much wet wipes and tissues as I can… the only thing I cannot cut down is toilet paper ahahha 😛
Oh yeah – did you know there are people advocating the use of cloth wipes for the toilet too? Personally I couldn’t do it.
oops…
I use both cloth and handkerchief…:D
I use handkerchief only for face-blotting, not when I had flu.
And we’re Indonesian use water and soap to clean ourselves, so the toilet paper is used to dry the part :D. I substitute toilet paper with old towels (I recycled old towel, tore it into 4 pieces)….I put it inside small plastic bag after use (it can be used 2-3 times) and wash it everyday, with my panties…–I handwash them–
…. I only use this toilet-towel at home and in my office, not when I’m traveling…and not when I’m having my period 🙂
I keep forgetting to put my reusable shopping bags into my handbag but I do decline plastic bags whenever I can. And I don’t shower and wash my hair very often! 😀 Don’t worry, I shower before I go out to meet people. Don’t sleep in air con either.
I had several Earth Day “activities” lined up today but they all didn’t work out cuz we had to send the car to the workshop and the weather was so hot I actually slept in his mom’s air-conditioned room. First time EVER! Yes, I’m Earth’s enemy! 🙁
Haha what a day to be spending in an air conditioned room! I’m not better – I can’t go to sleep without the cool air and I have to wash my hair everyday 😛
Hi, I am planning to get a reuseable bag for my shopping/traveling use. I been to the tinytapir website but dont know which to choose. Which brand (Envirosax or Rume) would you recommend based on your experience? Though I do think Envirosax is being mean. =)
I would prefer something lightweight, folds compact and sturdy (can withstand heavy groceries). What is the most practical size too? Are the materials used similar to those used for Le Sport Sac?
Right now, I am undecided among Envirosax singles, mini Rume and regular Rume. Thanks.
Hi Louise I’ve shared my thoughts on both in this post comparing the Envirosax with the Rume. It could help you decide 🙂 Neither feel like the lesportsac material. Its much lighter and thinner but just as sturdy. In terms of sizes, for the Rume, I like the Mini for everyday and occasional groceries and the Regular for weekly groceries and bigger bulkier items.