In honor of Climate Week 2021, join us in taking small steps each day this week to reduce your environmental impact.
Monday: Eat more plants
When you’re planning out your dinners this week, consider going meatless. It’s no surprise that plant-based diets are better for you, but they’re also much better for the planet—studies show that the meat and dairy industry uses 83% of farmland and produces 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. Use this week to build up your vegetarian recipe repertoire so you can come back to your favorites long after Climate Week is over.
Tuesday: Learn something new at a virtual event
Take some time to learn about how businesses, governments and organizations are showing up to the climate change conversation.Climate Week 2021 is back this week with many virtual events you can attend from anywhere, including Building a Just Climate Future: Centering Equity in Climate Solutions and Corporate Climate Action That Actually Matters. You can learn more and check out the full event list here
Wednesday: Audit your shopping habits
Think about the power of your purchase. Make a list of the 5 grocery brands you buy most frequently and do a bit of research—do your favorite brands have environmental practices that align with your values? Our friends at Oatly, for example, sum it up pretty well: “We are not a perfect company, not even close, but our intentions are true. We would like to be judged by the good we do and not just the pretty words we say.” You can learn more about Gotham Greens’ story, values, and vision here
Thursday: Try a greener cleaner
Next time you make a mess, hold off on the harsh cleaners and try a non-toxic, DIY solution instead. Start with everyday items you already have—like baking soda, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and fresh herbs—then stock up on extras like essential oils and castile soap to take your green cleaning arsenal to the next level. Check out some DIY cleaner recipes here.
Friday: Get thrifty
Out with the old, in with the thrifted. Take stock of your fall/winter wardrobe today and donate the gently used clothing you don’t see yourself wearing this coming season. Then, instead of replacing those items with brand new fast-fashion pieces, start your search at a secondhand shop. Circular fashion is the future and sustainably sourced clothing will never go out of style.
Saturday: Give your mailbox a break
No one likes an over-stuffed mailbox, especially when it’s full of junk mail and catalogs you never wanted in the first place. Set aside a few minutes to finally set up paperless billing once and for all—gas, electric, credit card, and so on. Cancel subscriptions you no longer need, and if you find yourself getting a lot of junk mail, use this guide to opt out of mailing lists you probably don’t even realize you’re on.
Sunday: Refresh your laundry routine
If your typical Laundry Day involves lots of hot water and several dryer cycles, make these easy swaps for a more sustainable life. Save energy by washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot when you can. Hang-dry your clothes, too, and if you can do it outside, even better. And only wash your clothes when you can fill the washing machine—no more half-full cycles.
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