千里之行,始於足下
Lao Tzu
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with the first step.
Sustainability is about taking small steps in the right direction because little keys unlock big doors. Here are 8 Shades suggested 8 beginners steps for starting to build a sustainable lifestyle.
- Limit single use plastic.
- Say no to single-use plastic straws, utensils, bottles, and bags.
- Check out NGO EcoDrive HK www.ecodrivehk.com
- Consider eco-friendly alternatives that you can use in your household.
- In the kitchen: replace plastic cling wrap with silicone stretch lids, or bee wax wrap; replace Ziploc bags with reusable silicone seal bags; replace store items in glass containers.
- In the bathroom: use cotton buds with paper stems; replace disposable plastic razors with metal, stainless steel safety razors; replace plastic dental floss with silk dental floss that comes in a glass container, replace your plastic toothbrush with a wooden one.
- Try meatless Monday!
Excessive meat consumption, especially if it involves factory farming, can have grave effects on the environment. Going “meatless” one day a week can make positive impacts; it can also lead to healthier habits by motivating you to eat more fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes.- Check out https://www.mondaycampaigns.org/meatless-monday for some delicious plant-based recipes and get creative in the kitchen.
- Check out https://www.voguehk.com/en/article/art-lifestyle/best-vegan-restaurants-hong-kong/ for a list of Hong Kong’s best restaurants that feature vegan-friendly menus. One of my new favourites is Miss Lee, which serves authentic Chinese vegetarian recipes, and their interior décor is super Instagram friendly 😉
- Open up your blinds and use natural light as much as possible before switching on your light bulbs. Additionally, turn off your devices at night.
- Forego fast fashion and invest in higher-quality, staple pieces.
Learn more about the impact of fast fashion [hyperlink to fast fashion article] Also, consider donate your old clothes, and thrift shop!- Check out Redress,a local NGO dedicated to reducing waste in the fashion industry: https://www.redress.com.hk/
- Check out Vestiaire Collection, a vintage and second hand designer clothing store founded by Hong Kong-based Parisian entrepreneur: https://us.vestiairecollective.com/
- Check out Rumi X, a local activewear brand with fun, colourful patterns, using materials made of recycled water bottles, with coffee grounds weaved into the fibres: https://rumi-x-testing.myshopify.com/
- Buy locally and support eco-friendly initiatives!
Some of 8Shades’ favourite local stores include:- Check out Live Zero,a zero-waste bulk food store that sells package-free ingredients and pantry items. Bring your own containers and jars to the store and fill up on nuts, flours, granola, oats herbs and more. The store also sell eco-friendly household products. Learn more at: https://livezero.hk/
- Check out Soap Cycling: a non-profit that works with the hospitality industry to recycle soap and bottled amenities to service communities in need. Learn more at: https://www.soapcycling.org/
- Promote sustainability initiatives and sustainability practices with your friends and family!
Consider watching documentaries with your friends and family to spread the sustainability message. Check out https://youmatter.world/en/10-best-documentaries-climate-change/ for the top rated documentaries about raising awareness on climate change. Alternatively, plan to do a beach clean-up with your friends. - Start small start your sustainability journey now and pick your own shade of green.