Self care is all about nourishing our mind, body, and spirit, but it is also important that the rituals and practices we do daily are also good for the planet. Thankfully, we don’t have to sacrifice our me-time in the name of sustainability. There are easy changes we can implement to go green with our routine. Below, we’ve rounded up seven eco-friendly ways you can practice self-care.
Take a walk or ride your bike
Walking or biking to your destination is a great way to multi-task. Not only will you help reduce the amount of air pollution that results from driving a car, but you’ll also get your workout in for the day, enjoy meditative time to clear your head, process your day, and even come up with creative ideas. You can also use this moving self-care time to listen to a podcast or audiobook.
Opt for natural skin care products
Yes, you can save the world and have #flawless skin while doing it. Start by stocking your beauty cabinet with skincare products made with naturally derived ingredients. Rael’s Glow All Out Skincare Kit, for example, is made with natural ingredients and without any toxic, harsh chemicals. From cleanser to moisturizer, it includes everything you need in a skincare regime.
Set the mood with candles
Reducing the amount of energy you consume at home is one simple way to support the planet. Enter: candles. They’re eco-friendly and will really set the mood for your self-care ritual, whether that includes taking a bath and popping on a sheet mask or just relaxing in bed and journaling. That said, not all candles are created equal. Be sure to shop for candles that are natural, sustainability made, and don’t contain any toxic ingredients.
Get your arts and crafts on
Arts and crafts are not just for kids, friends. Letting your creative juices flow is an excellent form of self-care. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on fancy art supplies either. Look around your home for recyclables or things you’re no longer using that you can repurpose into art projects. Turn wine bottles into flower vases, old t-shirts into DIY tote bags, or wood logs into conversation-starting coasters. The possibilities are endless.
Switch to a green period routine
Feminine care products create a large amount of waste. Swapping your traditional pads for eco-friendly period panties or organic cotton reusable pads or liners will make a major impact. You can wear Rael’s super absorbent reusable pads up to 120 times, producing zero waste. And the period panties have you covered with leak and stain prevention. Still can’t quit tampons? We get it. If that’s the case, go with organic tampons with plant-based applicators.
Eat a plant-based meal
Nourish your body and the Earth by treating yourself to a wholesome, plant-based meal a couple of times a week. Get creative in the kitchen and whip up something new and exciting using ingredients you’ve never tried before. Bonus points if you also get your groceries from your local farmers market. Shopping local and what’s in season also reduces your environmental footprint.
Start an eco-friendly hobby
Looking for a new hobby? Make it an eco-friendly one. Gardening is a fun self-care hobby to take up. There’s nothing like getting your hands dirty in the dirt and really connecting with nature. You can grow your own veggie and herb garden. You don’t even need a backyard to do so. Creating a mini-garden on your balcony or small patio is doable. Antiquing is another Earth-conscious hobby. Hunting for the perfect item can be quite the thrill and it also supports the planet by giving something old a second life.