Embracing the Planet Diet and how we're reducing our carbon footprint and fighting global warming/climate change as a family
Hi friends! Climate change and global warming are real, and you should be worried about their effects and how they can affect our lives currently and in the near future. As individuals and as families, we can make differences. Make it personal. Don’t think that small changes have zero effect on the environment. Collectively they will make a huge impact.
Before Phil was born, my husband and I started embracing a "small living" mentality. Back in NYC, we lived in a 543 square foot condo. We only bought necessities, and never in bulk. (We still don’t buy from Costco or BJ’s.) We took public transportation to work. Now that we're in the suburbs of Greater Seattle, we're still "living small" even though we have more space now. We’re very conscious of reducing our carbon footprint, and have taught Phil early on not to waste. Buy what we need, not what we want. Here’s what we've been doing to make a difference.
Embracing the Planet Diet
“A planetary diet can save lives and the planet.” (1) Just by cutting back on red meat, we can reduce global warming and climate change, as the meat industry is one of the “leading polluters of the food industry. (2, 3)
Try meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat burgers, or opt for salads and vegetarian options when eating out. I know how delicious steaks and burgers can be, but try to cut back, and give vegetarian and vegan alternatives a chance. If you don’t know where to start, try these delicious plant-based smoothies and soups! *Get $50 off your order of Splendid Spoon, a delicious vegan soup and smoothie program!
Using tote bags (Tote Life!)
We bring our reusable and washable tote bags with us during every grocery run. Like the Bare Bears, we embrace tote life! Tote bags are sturdy, inexpensive, and come in countless pretty and cool designs. Don't forget your tote bags when you go grocery shopping. Bring at least three with you if you know you'll be buying many different food items. You'll want your meats and seafood in one bag, your fruits and veggies in another, and so forth. You can also toss most tote bags into the washing machine, and then air dry them.
Driving an Electric Vehicle
We've gone electric with a Tesla Model 3, and I have not visited a gas pump since May 2018. We charge our car to 80%, and that helps improve battery life. The Model 3 is definitely the car of the future. If you have the means to do so, we recommend switching to an electric or hybrid car. (We're financing ours, by the way, and had traded in my minivan.) Electric vehicles "produce fewer emissions that contribute to climate change and smog than conventional vehicles." (4)
Using period panties, Thinx! (TMI content coming up)
So a little TMI, but friends, I’ve been using period panties since June 2017. So I’ve been using them for more then 12 period cycles! I don’t think I’ll ever go back to using disposable pads. You’ll have to get used to rinsing the period panties before tossing them into the washing machine. (And don’t forget to only air-dry them!) Never having to wake up to leaks and stains on our bedsheets is worth it! (See my Thinx review here.)
Wearing Sustainable Clothing
We’re all about sustainability. That’s why we love our Rothy’s shoes and our Allbirds. Rothy’s are made from recycled plastic bottles, and Allbirds are made from sustainable-sourced wool, and or plant fibers.
References
1. https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/16/health/new-diet-to-save-lives-and-planet-health-study-intl/index.html
2. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ilija_Djekic/publication/282325498_Environmental_Impact_of_Meat_Industry_-_Current_Status_and_Future_Perspectives/links/560be7e008ae6c9b0c424140/Environmental-Impact-of-Meat-Industry-Current-Status-and-Future-Perspectives.pdf
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666315300623
4. https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicle-benefits