2019 is in the books! Even though I knew the numbers wouldn’t be grandiose, I thought it important to try to figure out what kind of impact I, as an individual, was able to make. I knew that I wanted to discover more socially good / socially conscious brands that were making great products and helping people and the planet along the way. But, I also knew there were lifestyle changes I had to make with my own plastic consumption and awareness around where and how products are sourced and made. Let’s take a look!
Causes Supported in 2019
My big push in 2019 was to check out as many social good brands as possible. It was interesting and inspiring to discover so many socially conscious brands and products that align themselves with causes that are helping others and the planet. From flip-flops made from old tires to sunglasses that help fund vision care for people in need, it was a year of reframing the consumer experience as one that not only benefits myself, but others.
By the end of the year, I made purchases from 25 different social good brands. Particularly intriguing was the diversity of causes supported through those purchases. Part of this journey has been about learning the causes associated by these brands. It gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into issues that I only superficially understood, if I was even aware of them at all. Even then, I realized how uninformed I am about so many of the world’s problems. For example, I didn’t know that 37 million Americans suffer from hunger and food insecurity. 11 million of those are children and seniors are the fastest growing food insecure population.
I took a look at all of my purchases and categorized them based on what causes they were benefitting. Here’s how my 2019 spending came out by CAUSE:
Less Plastic in 2019
My other big goal for 2019 was reducing my plastic consumption. I wish I could say I was able to banish plastic from my life. But unfortunately that was not the case. I reduced the amount of plastic I used by quite a bit, but left much room for improvement in 2020.
Reducing my plastic consumption outside the home was more challenging than I initially thought because I am a TOTAL creature of habit. I go into autopilot and just start pulling plastic produce bags at the grocery store because I’ve been doing that for DECADES. When I started my quest to reduce my own plastic consumption in the early months of 2019, I was gung ho for about two weeks. But after that, I would forget to put my reusable grocery bags in the car or left them at home. Even harder to remember were the reusable produce bags. It probably took me about 3-4 months to re-wire my brain to remember to bring the bags with me whenever I went shopping. Now, it’s become more of a habit. But honestly, I know I can do so much better.
My efforts to reduce plastic consumption at home was better. I stopped using plastic storage bags simply because I didn’t have any in my house. I no longer use plastic wrap because… you guessed it… I don’t have any in my house. It becomes so much easier when you don’t have a choice. I have pretty much eliminated 99% of those plastic storage bags and plastic wrap from my life. A win in my book!!
If you are also trying to win the plastic battle, here are some simple tips & hacks:
- Any reduction in plastic usage helps!! You may not be able to go completely plastic-free right now, but find the areas that are easiest to tackle.
- Most of the battle for me was remembering to #bringyourownbag! Place a hook on your door at eye level and hang your bags (or in my case, my bag of bags) on that hook to remind yourself to replenish your bag supply as you’re walking out the door.
- Get rid of the plastic wrap. Seriously, you don’t need it. When left with no other option, it’s surprisingly easy to find a way around it (e.g. use reusable storage containers).
Favorite Finds of 2019
One of the best parts about writing this blog is stumbling upon awesome products. In most cases, these are great products that also happen to do good — which is simply icing on the cake. Here are my favorite socially conscious brand finds from 2019:
- SOAPBOX SOAPS: I love Soapbox’s Bamboo Shampoo and Conditioner. My previously extremely fine hair has never been fuller or healthier. So much so, friends were constantly commenting on it. Plus, Soapbox donates soap and supports clean water initiatives with every purchase. Awesome hair + clean water = WIN.
- INDOSOLE: I love me a good pair of flip flops. You can take the girl out of the SoCal, but you can’t take the SoCal out of the girl!! Indosole makes flip flops and slides out of recycled tires — which is awesome since tires do not biodegrade. EVER. Love that they found a new life for old tires.
- THREDUP: A few years ago, I would have never considered buying secondhand clothes. ThredUP totally changed my mind about that. It’s especially awesome for finding kids clothes and shoes.
- PACT: I live in Pact clothing. From t-shirts to leggings to hoodies to underwear. Fair trade, organic cotton, and great prices. This place is THE BEST for basics. What more do I need to say?
- THE LITTLE MARKET: Say what you will about Lauren Conrad, but I love that she founded The Little Market. An e-commerce platform that enables and empowers global artisans to showcase and sell their products, the Little Market’s fair trade products ooze that charming shabby chic vibe and quality craftsmanship. I feel more artsy already.
2019 was a fun, intriguing, and educational year for me. I am looking forward to 2020 and a new year of discovering socially conscious brands, finding new ways to reduce my plastic consumption, and journeying towards becoming a more conscious consumer.