"THE EARTH IS A FINE PLACE AND WORTH FIGHTING FOR" - Ernest Hemingway
We could all use a little more self care and TLC these days. Especially after the long never-ending ‘year’ we’ve had. Living through a pandemic has been surreal in so many ways, and it feels like we’re not out of the woods yet. ‘Unpredictable’ and ‘Uncertain’ have become part of our regular vocabulary, and on so many levels, with different parts of the world opening up, some closing and then opening again….and on and on. With so many things ‘out’ in the world that we can’t control, we thought we’d take a minute to ponder some of the things we can control. At Siddhiwear, we’re all about the little things. Maybe it’s because we’re ‘little’ ourselves. We’re a small brother/sister local business and are particularly passionate about being as sustainable as we can be, with the resources and knowledge we have. We believe that this is true for all of us. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we all have an interest in taking care of our precious planet…the only home we’ve got. So we’ve been thinking about some of the little things we can do to make a difference…..small choices in our own lives which we know will ripple out into the world and have a lasting effect. Climb on board as we take you through some of our best eco friendly lifestyle tips!
BYOB
Bring your own bottle and Bags!!! Beyond basics like Reduce, Reuse and Recycle-other small every day choices can actually have a big impact. Start by eliminating as much plastic from your surroundings as you can. Using a refillable water bottle on a daily basis is a huge, easy step towards minimizing the mess in our landfills….as well as the energy, waste and man power required if and where recycling facilities exist. Invest in a filtered water system directly on your tap, or a pitcher water filtration system that sits in youridge and eliminates many of the chemicals and contaminates in tap water. Use a stainless steel or aluminium bottle when you’re out and about or if you’re using a reusable plastic bottle, look for BPA, BPF, and BPS. (Bisphenol A,F and S) FREE. These industrial chemicals are used mostly in packaging, to line cans and make polycarbonate plastics. They show up in a ton of common household items, like baby bottles, canned foods, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, thermal paper, cd’s and dvd’s, sports equipment….and more! (healthline.com) Unfortunately, they’re kind of tough to stay away from. The best way to avoid bisphenol exposure is by reducing consumption of processed foods in cans, not microwaving polycarbonate food containers avoiding other sources especially in food and skin care products. Only use plastic products with a 1,2,4 or 5 in their recycling symbol. Use frozen vegetables or fruits if fresh are unavailable as opposed to cans. Don’t print receipts (often on thermal paper coated in BPA-containing resins). Don’t use plastic wrap or plastic baggies in your home and of course, avoid plastic water bottles. Bad for you and the planet!
And because we vote with our dollars, supporting and purchasing products from Eco friendly/Conscious companies is a great step in promoting the elimination of these toxins many of which have already been restricted in Europe, Canada, China, and Malaysia — particularly in products for babies and young children. A detriment to the whole body, mostly affecting the endocrine system related to hormones and fertility, there have also been links to diabetes and heart disease, obesity, cancer and neurological disorders. All of which we’d like to avoid. Grab your reusable bottle, or better yet, a glass and keep yourself hydrated and healthy!!
KEEP IT CLEAN
Another way we can all be more eco-friendly in 2021 is to take a look at what’s lurking in our cupboards and closets. Most of us know that toxins are just that……toxic! So why use anything other than natural cleaning products to disinfect your personal space, your home or office?! There are so many incredible natural options available to us now….many of which are even easy to make!! Our personal favourite is citric acid powder (a weak acid found naturally in all citrus fruits), mixed with water in a spray bottle. Add a drop or two of your favourite essential oil to add a fresh or uplifting scent and you’ve got a powerful, eco and wallet friendly option that’s safe to use daily. And don’t stop there. When it comes to caring for your clothes, the cleaner the products that are used, the better. There are purer, more ethically aligned options for all of your cleaning needs these days. Avoiding the harmful chemicals in most conventional laundry detergents keeps our water systems and waterways free and clear, allowing fish and plant life to thrive, the way nature intended.
Remember, what goes ON your body goes IN your body as our skin is our largest organ! So your body wash, shampoo and conditioner….are just as relevant when it comes to staying healthy. Easy eco friendly practices in day to day life can be a game changer for your health and well being and it’s never too late to start!
GO GREEN
And not just with your products. Adding living plants to your environment is another amazing way to increase your vitality, mentally and physically. Surprisingly, plants have a multitude of health benefits, from improving air quality to lowering stress and anxiety, boosting your mood and even reducing fatigue. Why wouldn’t you grow your own garden, indoors and out….totally backed by science!
These are but a few of our eco friendly lifestyle tips….literally the tip of the iceberg of all that’s available to us to make better choices. Things like walking and riding a bike instead of driving, or carpooling, car shares and public transit can all help keep our air a little bit cleaner. Bringing your own coffee cup or thermos to your local cafe and supporting local businesses where products don’t travel as far. Like us, at Siddhiwear, we’re always looking for ways to improve. Lessen our environmental footprint and leave our cherished planet better off than we found it. Our Oeko-Tex certified fabric is used to make all our bamboo products right here in Canada, ensuring there are no harmful chemicals in our clothes. Made in small batches, sewn and screened by hand….by real people, hopefully making a difference with our every day small choices!
