The New Eco-Minded

When it comes to being eco-minded, the conversation often centers around things like reducing plastic usage, eating plant-based diets, and using alternative transportation. While these are all important steps, there are other ways to be environmentally conscious that don't get as much attention. Here are a few examples:

1. Repair and reuse more than recycle Recycling is great, but it's not a perfect solution. The recycling process still uses energy and resources, and not all materials can be recycled. Instead, consider repairing and reusing items whenever possible. This could mean fixing a hole in your jeans instead of buying a new pair, or repurposing an old glass jar as a food container. NOTE: Friend of Boketto, Lisa Hutchinson, Founder of Top Stitch, has a collection of online classes that teach you the brass tacks of mending + makes you more confident with repair.
2. Reduce food waste Food waste is a huge problem, with up to one-third of all food produced globally going to waste. Instead of throwing away leftovers or buying too much food at the grocery store, try planning meals ahead of time and only buying what you need. You can also get creative with using up leftovers, like turning vegetables into soup or making a frittata with leftover eggs and vegetables. Learn more about why food waste matters via the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website.
3. Opt for quality over quantity In our consumer-driven society, it's easy to fall into the trap of buying more and more stuff. But buying higher-quality items that are built to last can actually be more eco-friendly in the long run. When you invest in high-quality items, you're less likely to need to replace them frequently, which reduces the overall environmental impact of your consumption.
4. Support local and small businesses Shopping at local and small businesses can have a big impact on the environment. These businesses often source their products locally, reducing the environmental footprint associated with shipping and transportation. Additionally, supporting small businesses helps to keep money in the local economy, which can have a ripple effect on the environment. Some of our favorites small and local businesses include: Hand/Thrown (Clay Studio), Accoutre (Home Goods), Terroirizer (Natural Wine), Oro (Fresh Pasta), Corner Studio (Fine Jewelry)
5. Get involved in local environmental initiatives There are likely many environmental initiatives happening in your community that you can get involved in. This could mean participating in a community garden, joining a local environmental group, or attending a town hall meeting to advocate for environmental policies. By getting involved in your community, you can have a direct impact on the environment around you. Capital Trees is a favorite local-t-Richmond organization.

These are just a few examples of ways to be eco-minded that don't rely on recycling alone. By thinking outside the box and considering the impact of our choices beyond just the obvious ones, we can all do our part to make the world a more sustainable place.