My top 5 tips to a more sustainable life

This is it, my very last post on this platform. Thank you, Miriam, for allowing me to write about anything I want. I considered topics we covered during our classes together and I feel like we were always guided to think about the environmental issues, which I appreciate so much, because I’m personally very concerned about this. Thinking about a topic for this article, I was also wondering, what would I want to write about, if I had my own blog. And I came to conclusion that the topic of sustainability is so close to me, that I would probably focus exactly on that. I would be sharing my journey towards it. Even though I know I’m still very far from being perfect. But is that even the point? 

I honestly don’t know how many of you, who might read this post, already use the following tips on your daily basics. Thanks to Erasmus, I talked to different people of different nationalities, and I made my subjective conclusion that worrying about climate change and primarily about taking sustainable actions really is a thing of privileged central/western Europeans. Which is such a pity! Of course I won’t give advice such as “close taps with running water, turn-off the lights and use public transportation”. But maybe I’m still going to list a bunch of things that are widely well-known and obvious, no matter where you are from. I’d like to share those tips anyway, in case someone didn’t hear or think about them.

I’m not trying to sound super important or to become some kind of guru or influencer, trust me. I just think that if I could inspire even one other person to try to adapt some of the advice and start their own journey to sustainability, it’s worth it! I believe the more we talk about it and share facts, thoughts and tips with each other, the more we can actually do. Together, if we all tried our best, I really believe our impact could be huge. And of course, the huge companies and governments are the most powerful figures when it comes to fighting climate change. However, we have extremely powerful weapons too: our decisions and our voice. Let’s dictate the trend together!

Snack to go with minimal impact

As a coffee addict, I always try to carry a reusable cup in case I need some caffeine boost during the day. I have one by Stojo which is super practical, because when empty it can be folded so it takes only very little space. It’s made from light health-safe silicone, it can be filled with very hot beverages (even tea) and it can be washed in a dishwasher. I think I save around a hundred one use cups per year this way. Not kidding. It can be purchased at different places online, even in Kaufland, if you’re still on German land! But here’s a link to their official website, check out the cute colours:

https://stojo.co/products/12-oz-cup

I also carry one spoon and fork from solid plastic everywhere with me. It used to happen to me so often that I needed one and I had to take (or buy) the one for one use only and throw it out – for snacks from ice-cream to kebab box or any take-away. If I don’t have anything with me, I prefer to stop and drink or eat in the restaurant or bistro, using their regular dishes. Maybe that’s also why I’m always late. If you’re supposed to meet me, I’m sorry, I’m drinking my coffee at the table first, because I refuse paper cup for the way!

Bags in every pocket!

This tip is a little bit similar to the previous one. But let’s talk about shopping bags specifically. Can one ever have enough of them? Seriously, how often have you spontaneously stopped in a store on your way, and you didn’t have one, so you had to buy a plastic one? And even though nowadays they offer mostly paper bags, paper also isn’t renewable, right? My hack is to have a bag in every backpack and bigger handbag I own. Again, I love those foldable light ones that take up as much space as one package of tissues does. There is always such room left. And this way I simply can’t ever forget to take it. You never know when it can be useful. And yes, I have a lot of them. But unlike the simple paper or plastic ones, they can serve me a lifetime. For cute, yet cheap foldable ones I recommend Lindex, they are even made of recycled material apparently:

https://www.lindex.com/eu/p/8372677-70-white-foldable-shopper

Menstruation safe for me and my planet

Thank God that women’s cycle isn’t such a big taboo topic anymore. At least in Czechia. Instead of harmful pads and tampons, we have menstrual cups and period panties, yay! I have no idea if someone has their own experience, but I can say for me it works! And not only it saves so much waste, it helps also financially in the long-term! I personally like to combine both of these products, I really can’t imagine my life without them. I have one cup which I carry with me and I don’t need to think of buying new products every time. When I use it, lasts all day and I can literally forget about it. And the panties? They look like my regular underwear. As a lingerie lover, I’m so thrilled that there are different fits, materials and colours on the market. Even fancy lacy ones. Every girl should know how comfy, yet sexy she can feel even during her days! Here’s a tip for a Czech company shipping to all countries in European union, but I’m sure there are also other alternatives. Just do your research, please.

https://snuggs.com/collections/just-arrived

Brand new household in a sec

Cleaning is boring let’s face it. Maybe that’s why people developed so many different innovative products to use, that should guarantee the best results. If you have 10 different bottles full of weird liquids to help you clean only the bathroom, suddenly you became quite occupied. But does it make it more fun? Not really, right? It actually causes different irritation and allergies, because the conventional cleaning products we’re used to buy usually contain very strong chemicals. But did you know that you can clean most of your flat with only few non-toxic ingrediencies?  Use baking soda, citric acid and olive oil. With the right combination of those, you can really fight with all the dirt and stains possible. For instance, citric acid works perfectly for cleaning a bathtub or a toilet, but it can clean also pots or a kettle. Baking soda combined with white vinegar can help with a dirty oven or with hydroperoxide a coffee stain on a carpet. With olive oil you can polish steely surfaces like a fridge or a trash can! There are plenty tutorials out there!

Slow fashion obsession

On this topic, I could write several separate articles, so this last tip will actually consist of more tips. Or let’s call it a general one: buy less. But that doesn’t mean, that you have to give up on your fashionable aspirations. I love fashion! Yet I try to minimalize my impact as much as I feel comfortable with. You should always start with what you already own. That is the most sustainable wardrobe you’ll ever have, so even if 90 % of it is fast fashion, wear it and enjoy it. Take a good care of your clothes, wash it less and properly, fix what can be fixed. You can try to re-use items in a different way or even up-cycle them. Make shorts from old jeans. Sew pearls on a boring sweater. Make it cropped. Make it tailored. Ask your local tailor for help. Or swap with your friends or family members. Borrow that boyfriend’s shirt! When looking for an item first try to buy it from a second hand. And if you can invest in a new timeless quality piece, support a fair company. Avoid Shein, Zara or H&M. In case you ever make a trip to Prague, I highly recommend visiting those vintage shops: 1981 Second Hand Shop, Lula Vintage Prague, Malé černé (Little black dress). Good luck on your hunt!