Greetings, my friend! And happy July. Isn’t it beautiful to have all the flowers blooming and the trees clothed in different shades of green? Isn’t it amazing to enjoy the sweet berries and fruits that are freshly grown? And wouldn’t it be nice to give a BIG thank you to the creator of all these things? I believe we can do just that by using these beautiful things in a way that best serves everyone. And we can do that by taking baby steps towards change. It doesn’t have to be perfect; imperfection is beautiful and any effort counts.

This past year has been crazy to most of us. We’ve seen a lot of change around us, some for the better some not so much. Personally to me it has been a whole school year. See I had to make a change in my life and recognize my habits make a difference in the world. I used to look at nature enthusiasts sideways, those hippies *eye roll*. But turns out those “hippies” have a point… and I am one of them now. I never realized how much it could change my whole attitude in life by truly loving what has been given to me. Or how cutting products that have chemicals can effect in my whole mood, I read a long time ago that the chemicals we use home can also have a lot to do with our depression, sicknesses and such. These chemicals can cause illness that we don’t even know about.

And another thing I learned is big brands like Nike don’t care about their own people. Those same $600 shoes we wear, once were in the hands of their maker that barely gets a penny out of their own work. The places where they create these items also tend to be quite disgusting and none of us would ever volunteer to work there. And as long as we support those companies, they will never make a change in their work ethics and how they get the ingredients to their products.

Most make up brands use a mineral called mica in their products. It’s the ingredient that makes the product shine, glow or glitter. Some use ethically gathered mica, some use child labor. Those kids go underground into dark and dangerous caves to gather it, they see others get hurt or even die in front of their own eyes. I know most of us would never work in places like this, so why should anyone else have to? Because we like cool shoes? I don’t see that being good enough of a reason to kill our own children.

That is just the more serious side of my passion to try to live more of a sustainable life. But I do find it super interesting and exciting to learn about natural ways to take care of my health, and use clothes that have been produced in a more planet saving way. See I think the Earth was given to us to take care of it, and use it. But how we use it is something I’m sure God is really passionate about too. here’s some tips to take a step towards change.

I started cutting plastics, single use plastics especially ( note that I’m not Ms. Zero Waste yet lol, don’t expect yourself to be perfect either). Or you can recycle the plastic you use if it’s more convenient to your lifestyle. And reading the ingredients in every single thing I use. I don’t buy regular shampoos and conditioners anymore. Nor do I use normal moisturizers or deodorant. Naturally produced beauty products can save energy and water in some cases, most cases these brands want to be as waste free as possible.

One of my favorite places to shop is ZEROWASTESTORE.COM. They have really cool things. Some of it is kind of out off my budget but so far I’m in love with all the things I’ve bought. I have their shampoo and it’s amazing! You can send the bottle back once it’s empty and they’ll reuse it! All their packaging is safe for the planet. I also got a bamboo hairbrush and clean deodorant from them. I also recently found another store called Mindful Merchant. They just opened a new store in Cary, NC. And they provide some art from local artists, and other local products. Which is also something I find really cool; by buying local stuff I help the businesses in my area and also SAVE the PLANET!! *And everybody claps their hands and whistles*. It truly is a fun hobby once you get the hang of it, and cause we really do have a lot use in the environment we live in.

Here’s pictures of the products I’ve fallen in love with that not only save the planet but saves my skin and body.

All the products in the pictures are from Zero Waste Store btw. Mine are travel sizes because I wanted to try them for a bit before investing in them more, which I think is my next move since I LOVE these products. Anyway! I hope my post has been a helpful tool for you. If you have more tips for me please share. Or if you know of local stores in your city, I’d love to know about them. Other than that , if you like my blog I’d encourage you to like and subscribe it. And also follow my social media for more content 😉 Have a beautiful and sunny week, boys and girls. PEACE OUT!