Simple Sustainable Swaps At Home

More and more people are becoming aware of the negative impacts our actions have on the environment. Check the news today and you're bound to see some horrible event that is either the direct effect of global warming, or a direct contribution to it. There is no doubt that things will be even more devastating than they already are if we continue on without a care.

With the magnitude of pollution humans have created on this Earth, many people think the actions of one person won't even make a difference, so why bother? I hear that time and time again. But what if everyone started doing simple things to help reduce their carbon footprint? Not only will that mean more people making a difference, but also increased activism and a shift in consumerism. We do not have control over what major corporations do but we can encourage them to evolve and make changes to their manufacturing practices and offer greener alternatives by way of demand. Worth a shot, right?

Why Swap?

If you've been paying attention, it's probably no surprise that non biodegradable materials, like most plastics, are bad for the environment. Many of these items end up sitting in landfills polluting the Earth because they cannot break down. Or they will end up in the ocean, which greatly endangers and kills marine life.

While recycling should be done whenever possible, keep in mind that not all plastics are recyclable. To make things even more complicated, some seemingly non-plastic items, like paper coffee cups, actually contain a layer of plastic inside, and therefore cannot be recycled either. That being said, it's a safe bet to avoid single-use items all together!

DITCH & SWITCH

Here are some simple swaps you can do for a more sustainable home.

Straws

If you were traumatized by the video of someone pulling a plastic straw out of a sea turtle's nose like I was, then you probably vowed to only use eco-friendly straws from then on. That is the sad reality of what happens when our trash ends up in the ocean. There are plenty of alternatives to plastic straws, like stainless steel and paper straws that you can buy to keep at home. Many restaurants have already made the switch too, and we love to see it.

Plastic Wrap, Baggies, & Containers

You can easily ditch these single-use food storage items and get glass containers and reusable silicone food storage bags and lids. This pack of silicone storage bags and lids came in all different sizes, which has been great for storing vegetables and freezing veggie burgers.

Plastic Bags

When checking out at a store, consider bringing your own reusable tote bags rather than getting plastic bags. I love using this tote that I got in support of all the rehab and rescue work that Sesame the Opossum does.

Produce Bags

Skip the plastic bags when you're picking out a fresh bunch of kale or a couple of avocados. Instead, bring your own mesh produce bags. I bought a pack with a few different sizes from The Vegan Warehouse, and they have been perfect for shopping and storing veggies.

Cotton rounds

Used in skincare routines, cotton balls and rounds are convenient, but they create a lot of waste. Ditch and switch to an alternative like these reusable cotton rounds I found at The Vegan Warehouse. They are washable and last a lot longer.

Plastic Water Bottles

While plastic water bottles can be recycled, replacing single-use water bottles is one of the easiest things we can do. There are plenty of reusable alternatives like stainless steel water bottles, and even ones with built in purifying filters. You can also replace paper coffee cups with a reusable alternative that will keep your drink nice and hot for hours, without the waste.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Did you know there are eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toothbrushes? Same goes for toothpaste tubes. Switch to a toothbrush made of biodegradable bamboo and toothpaste tablets instead.

Disposable Plates & Cutlery

For convenience reasons, paper plates and plastic utensils may be used when access to a dishwasher or sink is not available. They may be tempting for those who simply just don't want to do dishes (we have all been there). But did you know once they are contaminated with food, they cannot be recycled? Ditch the single-use plates and utensils and stick with ones you can simply wash and reuse.

Paper Towels & Napkins

Like paper plates, paper towels and napkins cannot be recycled after being contaminated with food. Besides that, paper towels, napkins, and tissues cannot be recycled due to the fibers they are made from. Stick with washable and reusable cloth napkins and eco-friendly alternatives to paper towels, like those made from bamboo or washable cloth.

These are just a few of the things we can do to start making a difference for a greener planet. Don't hesitate to ditch & switch to eco-friendly alternatives!

-Kat

Death & the Environment

Interest in reducing our carbon footprint has grown significantly in recent years. But what kind of footprint do we leave after we are gone?

Trigger warning: this post is about death, burial practices, and its relation to the environment, and may be sensitive to some readers.

Ok, I'm not going to lie - this was my favorite thing to write and research. If you know me, you know that I am absolutely fascinated with death science. I understand death is a sensitive topic to many and it's uncomfortable to think about. But my understanding and approach to death has always been one of curiosity, inner spirituality, and acceptance. I think there is beauty in the circle of life, from beginning to end.

In my process of becoming vegan and continuously learning about sustainability and our carbon footprint on the planet, I started thinking about how burial practices affect the environment long term. Some of the impacts seem obvious, but are there some more eco-friendly alternatives out there?

Burial Practices

There are many different and fascinating burial practices and rituals all over the world. Every culture and religion has their own beliefs and I think that many can be beautiful for coping with death. This isn't a deep dive into all of those rituals and beliefs, however I am writing about some of the most common and interesting ones for perspective.

Embalming: Not a type of burial, but it is often part of the process and important to understand. Embalming is not always required, but it is the process of preserving the body to slow down decomposition by use of chemicals. These chemicals include formaldehyde, methanol, humectants, disinfectants and preservatives.

In Ground Burials: With these burials, the deceased are placed in a casket that is then buried in a gravesite and marked with a headstone. This provides a way for the bereaved to visit their loved ones.

• Traditional burials: the body is embalmed and a viewing and funeral service is held.

• Direct burials: this is done very soon after death and does not involve a viewing and service. Embalming is not required.

Mausoleums: These are above ground buildings that house the casket, like a tomb. Embalming is sometimes required.

Cremation: This is the process of burning the body down to ashes, which are then given to the bereaved in an urn to keep or return back to the Earth. This can be done at a crematorium, or in some countries, using a funeral pyre outside (though this has become less common).

Ossuaries: An ossuary is a dedicated site, such as a chest, tomb, or cave, that houses skeletal remains after being temporarily buried. This is often done where not much burial space is available. An example of an ossuary would be the underground Catacombs of Paris.

Columbaria: A columbarium is similar to an ossuary, but houses cremated remains in urns.

Environmental Impact

When we really break it down, some of the most common methods of burial are actually pretty terrible for the environment. Cemeteries take up a lot of land and if land is being cleared for burial plots, that obviously affects the ecosystem. Don't forget to add in all the water and other resources needed to keep up the cemetery grounds.

Wood and metals, like steel, are the most common materials used to make caskets in the United States. The amount of wood, steel, and concrete needed for traditional burials in the United States alone is staggering. This obviously leads to deforestation and more CO2 emissions from steel production.

Over time, many different factors can cause the casket to break down. Wood caskets will likely break down more quickly as they are not as sturdy as metal. When the body is embalmed, it only slows down the decomposition process and does not prevent it, so eventually all those toxic chemicals (formaldehyde is a known carcinogen) will end up back in the Earth. If the casket is sealed, the decomposition process may cause pressure and moisture to build up. Metal caskets may eventually rust due to moisture in the soil also, which can compromise the structural integrity. Basically, piling a bunch of heavy, non-biodegradable boxes filled with toxic chemicals into the ground is just not a good idea.

One might think cremation would be the way to go, right? Cuts back on land use and material production. That's what I always thought anyways. However, it turns out cremation is also not good for the environment. Factors like the size of the body can affect how long it takes to incinerate, the average amount of time being about 2-3 hours. The furnace temperature can range anywhere from 1500-1800 degrees Fahrenheit, so a significant amount of fuel is needed to run the crematory. In this time, many toxic chemicals are released into the air. Carbon dioxide emissions are upwards of millions of tons every year.

These same issues exist with open-air cremations using a funeral pyre (only done in certain parts of the world). The pyres are made of wood, the body is placed on top, and the pyre is lit. This burns a lot slower and the emissions being released directly into the air are less controlled. Interestingly, green alternatives are being developed so those that still practice this ritual can do so in a more environmentally friendly way.

So what is the most environmentally friendly way to be buried?

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Green Burials: No embalming, no cremation, no caskets. The body is placed in a biodegradable container or wrapped in a shroud. It is then placed in the ground and can return to the earth naturally without all the chemicals and other issues. Simple coffins made of soft wood, like pine, wicker, or cardboard may be used.

Water Cremation (alkaline hydrolysis): This type of cremation uses water, lye, and heat. The body is placed in a chamber filled with water and either potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, which is then heated, but also pressurized to prevent boiling. The body breaks down, decomposing everything but the bones, which can then be crushed to ashes for the bereaved. The water can be treated before releasing it, just like any water filtration process, to reduce environmental issues. Various religions, personal beliefs, and traditional burial businesses oppose this process however, and it is currently only legal in 18 states.

Sky Burials: Common in some parts of Asia, this is the practice of placing the body outdoors for scavengers to eat or for the body to decompose naturally in the environment.

Sea Burial: The deceased are put to rest in a body of water, wrapped in a shroud or placed in a water soluble container. This is commonly done by the United States Navy and may be done by citizens as well. The EPA has a set of regulations for proper sea burials.

Body Farms: One option is to donate your body to a body farm. Forensic anthropologists use body farms to study the natural decomposition of bodies in various environments. This is a huge benefit for the criminal justice world.

As the demand for sustainable alternatives grows, more and more eco-friendly burial methods will be developed. As a society, it is important to be able have these difficult discussions so that we can move towards a greener future.

-Kat

Vegan Deodorant Guide

Sweat and body odor is natural. Your deodorant should be too.

Before I went vegan I would just grab any "Extra Strength" deodorant from the store. But then I started hearing about some of the nasty chemicals in deodorants that can actually mess with your hormones, so I started looking into more natural options.

Why Should You Care

It's important to remember that anything you put on your skin will be absorbed into your body. For years, we have been marketed products that we assume are safe, yet how many of the ingredients in every day products can you even pronounce properly, let alone know what they are and what they do?

Ingredients to Watch For

Some common ingredients that raise a red flag in deodorants include:

Aluminum: often found in antiperspirants, aluminum can affect estrogen and breast tissues, which is thought to lead to breast cancer.

Pthalates: also known as plasticizers, pthalates are a chemical that can damage internal organs, affect the reproductive system, and mess with hormones. They have been linked to many other issues and have even been banned in some products.

Triclosan: this is a chemical antibacterial that can mimic hormones and is a suspected carcinogen. It has been banned in soaps but is still approved to be used in other products like deodorant.

Parabens: chemical preservatives that mimic estrogen and can interfere with hormones. Parabens have been found in breast tumors, though it is unclear if they actually cause breast cancer.

Diethanolamine (DEA): interacts with other ingredients and becomes a known carcinogen. Can affect internal organs like the liver and kidneys. Banned in some countries.

Triethanolamine (TEA): known carcinogen and can affect internal organs like the liver and kidneys. Banned in some countries.

Propylene Glycol: gives deodorant its consistency, but may cause skin irritation if you have an allergy to it, and has been linked in some studies to cancer and nervous system issues, though it is considered generally safe by the FDA in the United States.

Isobutane: used in aerosol deodorants, isobutane has been linked to cancer and can affect the reproductive system, though it is considered generally safe by the FDA in the United States.

Fragrances: considered "trade secrets" by the FDA, many companies do not need to list the ingredients in their fragrances, which can be composed of all different kinds of chemicals.

Vegan Deodorants

Vegan deodorants tend to be more on the natural end, and are cruelty free so they are not tested on animals. I have tried many of these brands below (but not all of them), and all that I have listed are completely cruelty free and vegan, so no need to worry about checking labels!

Herban Cowboy

This was the very first vegan deodorant I tried when I started dabbling in switching to cruelty free products, and it worked so well. Available in fresh scents for men and women.

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Pacifica

You all know how much I use Pacifica products. I've been using their deodorants for awhile and absolutely love them.

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Alpine Provisions

I personally use Alpine Provisions products and absolutely love the clean, earthy scents. They offer 3 different types of vegan and cruelty free deodorants which include charcoal, magnesium, and aluminum-free sodium bicarbonate. Alpine Provisions also uses eco-friendly and sustainable packaging.

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Rustic Maka

I found this brand through The Vegan Warehouse and have been using their Naughty Butter natural unscented deodorant and absolutely love it. Other lines include a magnesium deodorant, charcoal deodorant, and a prebiotic deodorant.

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Native

This brand is vegan and cruelty free and offers all kinds of natural deodorants in different scents, unscented, and now has a line with plastic-free packaging.

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Spirit Nest

The Naked Moon deodorant was the second vegan deodorant I've tried. Spirit Nest offers tons of other vegan beauty products and even some accessories, clothing, and home and altar stuff for my fellow witchy folks.

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Schmidt's

Offering up both deodorant sticks and jars in unisex scents, Schmidt's uses plant-based formulas and has a line for sensitive skin. Schmidt's is vegan, natural, sustainable, and has won plenty of clean beauty awards.

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Habitat Botanicals

Sustainable, vegan, cruelty free body care products with a deodorant line available in 2 fresh scents. Habitat Botanicals is actually owned by Pela, the sustainable phone case company!

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Happy, healthy shopping!

-Kat