5 Ways to Shop Sustainably Through Quarantine
support local
Shopping locally not only results in reduced air miles, it also means you’re supporting your local and community and injecting money directly into your local economy. Supporting local makers and entrepreneurs helps support the next generation of artists, crafters, artisans and designers and helps build community with more local job opportunities and a wider variety of work experience for the younger generations. Fund what you want to see more of because every time you spend money you cast a vote!
shop small
Shopping small means getting that special added touch of warm customer service and detail in the items you buy. There’s always a story behind each piece made whether it’s uniquely hand-crafted, locally sourced, or an interesting backstory behind the business. There’s always something special and a little magical about buying from small creators. Plus it’s often the very person who made the items that you get to buy them from, giving a deeper connection to the community and a sense of personal touch.
buy handmade
Buying handmade products means you know a lot of care and attention has gone into them, meaning they’re designed to last and are often stronger and better quality than mass-produced items. They’re also created by dedicated artists who have a passion for crafting each piece. The perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.
support black, POC and female-owned businesses
It’s important to buy from businesses owned by black people, POC and women to support their craft and helping close the racial and gender pay gap. Many black, POC and female owned businesses are self-funded due to a lack of capital so helping support these businesses is crucial for the growth of their business and creating more job opportunities for minorities and marginalised people. It’s also important that there is equal representation and visibility within the green movement, showcasing diversity and highlighting the voices and creations of black, POC and female business owners demonstrates that sustainability is for everyone and that the green movement encompasses all backgrounds and genders.
online / offline
Buying in-store is often the more ecological choice, reducing shipping and air mileage as well as supporting local businesses, however it can sometimes also be eco-conscious to buy from an online store, too. If, for example, your local area doesn’t offer a sustainable alternative to a product you need, it may be that you can find one online instead. There are plenty of eco-friendly online businesses that offer a range of sustainable products that aren’t yet widely available in stores. For example, Life Before Plastik is an online marketplace offering a wide range of handmade, artisan, zero-waste products from skincare and makeup to kitchen and travel essentials and right now you can use code ‘LB4PBlue20’ for 20% your purchase.
Soap dish handmade by Beci Callow and available at lifebeforeplastik.com