Health isn’t all about what you buy at the grocery store, and how much you exercise. The way our lifestyles impact the environment is a huge part of healthy living. Ensuring that we are doing our part to conserve our natural resources and not pollute our water, air, and soil is necessary for avoiding chronic disease. 

One of the best things about spring cleaning and letting go of stuff, is the opportunity to recycle, repair, and then green-up your belongings. We can all lower our carbon footprint and ecological impact by doing the following:

1. Stop buying plastic

Buy wood, glass, metal, or ceramic items which will break back down into natural materials in time, unlike plastics. You also avoid the health risk of plastics, which are proven to disrupt endocrine function causing issues with fertility, reproductive organs, and hormones (think PMS, PCOS, menopausal symptoms, mood swings, metabolism issues, etc.).

2. Shop local

Shopping local reduces your carbon footprint by drastically cutting down on shipping and transportation of goods. The transportation industry is a major contributor to pollution and climate change. By shopping local you also support your local economy, keeping money in your community where it benefits you most!

3. Shop second-hand

Not only are you saving money, you aren’t contributing to the use of new raw materials to make new stuff. You are supporting a recycling economy, which is both more sustainable and ethical (there are probably no child laborers at your local consignment shop) than most retail shopping options. You can get everything from furniture to amazing clothing at thrift stores, consignment shops. You can go green by hosting a clothing swap or checking out garage and yard sales in your neighborhood too!

4. Repair broken items

 Instead of throwing out and replacing that stool, or torn shirt, or shoe with the worn sole, consider repairing those items at a local business or on your own. This is a wonderful way to reduce waste and save money. However, if you’re someone who holds on to things for months or years that you never get around to fixing, donate that clutter to someone who will be interested in fixing it up. Read more on Letting Go of Stuff.

5. Do it yourself

Maybe you finally cleaned out your bathroom cabinets full of half-used and expired products and now it’s time to get some new stuff. Try simplifying and making natural versions of your favorite products. Reducing the amount of chemicals you use in your household and your own body is one of the best ways to go green. You can make everything from your own deodorant to laundry detergent, shampoo, or face wash. It saves money, time, and is so much less toxic for you and your family!

Boulder Resources

• ReSource: Building supplies, furniture, appliances
• Ares Thrift Shop: Furniture, kitchenware, clothing, etc.
• Rags Consignment Shop: Clothing, shoes, accessories for women
• Rebecca’s Apothecary: Natural personal care products, supplies for DIY
• Boulder Custom Tailoring: Get clothing items repaired or altered within a week
• Perry’s Shoe Shop: Shoe repair
• Boulder Farmer’s Market: Local food, food trucks, crafts, flowers, etc.