This Earth Month, we want you to feel motivated and empowered to make simple changes in your lifestyle that will go such a long way in protecting our planet.
We can’t deny that going vegan is the single biggest way we can reduce our impact on the Earth, but don’t fret if you’re not there yet—remember, the first step is simply to take that first step. And this list will suggest numerous little steps you can take on the path to lowering your impact on the planet. If you are already on your vegan path, this post will specifically focus on what you can do to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle as a vegan!
We have made a list of actionable steps we can all take right now to start treating our planet with just a bit more TLC!
For starters…
1. Ditch meat, or try a plant-based alternative!
Animal-based foods are far more resource-intensive to produce than plant-based foods, taking a heavy toll on the environment. With more people ditching meat altogether or at least swapping for plant-based meat alternatives, we could significantly reduce agricultural pressure on the environment. TeamCow is a big fan of OmniPork, the yummy plant-based alternative to pork—seriously, you can barely tell the difference and it makes all the difference!
Do you have access to Omni? Are you looking for some dish inspo? Well then, here you go!
– Greek OmniPork Luncheon Gyros
– Hawaiian Pineapple OmniPork Strips Tacos
– OmniPork Luncheon Musubi with JUST Egg by @thekoreanvegan
– Fried OmniPork Strips Noodle Bowl by @sepps_eats
2. Shop local, seasonal, and in bulk.
Imported produce travels miles and miles to get to your local supermarket, so it’s clearly not so sustainable! On the other hand, when produce is locally sourced and in season, it not only has a smaller eco-footprint but is also less expensive due to production and transport costs being lower.
On top of this, buying in bulk will help you ditch the plastic and opt for your reusable bags or jars instead. An increasing number of mainstream stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and WinCo now have bulk bins, so head there to buy your grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds!
3. Keep yourself informed.
Well, one way to do this is by reading more articles like these!
– Top 3 Reasons To Go Vegan For The Planet
– Spotlight | Aviram Rozin, Founder of Sadhana Forest
– 10 Important Vegan Quotes About The Environment
Watch documentaries like Seaspiracy, Cowspiracy, and Meat The Truth. Staying well informed about the impact of our lifestyle choices on the environment will open doors to more insightful conversations. Once you become more aware, you can start spreading your awareness with others!
4. Ladies, switch to a cup!
Plastic-based period products like pads and tampons generate more than 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. And we all know this: plastic waste ends up in landfills or, even worse, in the oceans, rivers, and beaches. To make matters worse, the time it takes for a tampon or pad to degrade in a landfill is centuries longer than the lifespan of the individual who used it! On the other hand, a single menstrual cup will serve you for 10+ years. It’s one of the most life-changing swaps you can make!
5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
First off, buy only what you need. If something gets damaged, explore ways to fix it or repurpose it before hastily trashing it. And recycle what you can! All of this cuts down wastage of natural resources and there’s less waste going into landfills.
6. Carry your own reusable items.
Simple! If you have your own portable, reusable items (like coffee cups, water bottles, wooden cutlery, and food containers) when the need arises, it’s so easy to avoid grabbing the unnecessary plastic disposables.
7. Join online groups.
It’s very special to feel a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals striving to make a positive difference to the world! We live in a world that’s so digitally-inclined that it’s now easier than ever to find your tribe online. You might be interested in Facebook groups like Planet Vegan, Animal Rights and the Environment, and Climate Vegan. If you’d rather get to know like-minded people near you, here are some ways to do so!
8. Donate old clothes or items, don’t throw them away.
There’s a growing culture of thrift shopping, clothes exchanges, and secondhand shopping, and we’re all for it! It keeps clothes far from landfills, reduces carbon and chemical pollution induced by the supply and demand of new clothes, and therefore lowers water consumption too. Many thrift shops also donate proceeds to charities so look them up!
9. Minimize use of commercial cosmetics and cleaning products.
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and disposable containers, and opt for the natural route. Purchase personal-care cosmetics and home-care products from eco-conscious brands. There are so many that you can support! You can even make your own; it’s so fun and therapeutic!
10. Practice saying no!
This might actually be the most important point on our list. So many of us struggle to vocalise our stance out of a little fear of social discomfort. Getting used to saying no to animal products, single-use items like plastic bags/bottles/straws, and anything else that hinders our intention to live more consciously, is incredibly empowering!
We hope this list is useful to you. No matter where you are on your journey, TeamCow is here to support you with several tips, guides, resources, and stories on veganism and the environment. Watch this space and keep learning more.
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TeamCow wishes you an inspiring Earth Month!