By Matt Rogan
On its 50thanniversary, Earth Day is still a fairly unrecognisable and unnoticed holiday. Whether it’s through advocacy, education or engagement, Earth Day has been a historically important event that has campaigned and championed internationally demanding cases.
From the initial small protests for clean air in Wisconsin, USA to the now globally recognised Paris Agreement of 2015, it has become a landmark day for environmental justice.
Whilst it’s important to us at KeiSei Magazine that we never compromise on our identity, we are proudly open-minded to supporting sustainability across all sectors of our lives. With this year’s theme tackling climate change, we’ve provided three key aspects of your life that could be due a revamp (especially during quarantine).
Fashion
Fashion is a representation of how you carry yourself. When looking for your next purchase, look beyond the aesthetics of the clothing and into the ethics of the brand. There are many branches to sustainable fashion: brand ethics, organic materials, fair trade compliances and a cruelty-free production (to name a few).
If you’re in the mood for a big spring clean of your wardrobe this year, try focusing on these four modes of sustainability: recycling, reusing, repurposing and reducing. If you
Online
Fuel
Due to social distancing measures at the moment, the need for international unity has never been more relevant yet ironically unachievable. With travel options being limited right now anyway, take your time to re-evaluate your eco-footprint.
There have already been satellite images that have shown a drop in carbon emissions worldwide since self-isolation orders have been imposed. Though it isn’t borne out of the best circumstances, quarantine has proved the significance of reducing your carbon travel footprint.
Individual contribution to the cause is worthwhile, like limiting your fuel usage through carpooling or public transportation, or even using delivery options for desired items as they transport multiples on a singular drive (Abel & Cole are a particular favourite of ours).
Apart from the obvious solution to walk and cycle more, you can lower your fuel footprint by supporting local businesses and community driven events. With modern advancements at our expense, we can sometimes take the opportunities right outside our doorstep for granted.
In relation to energy-conservation, small changes to your home like transferring to EDF light bulbs or switching to shower heads with less water spray, but with a similar pressure outlet, can go a long way. These changes are time-efficient and eco-friendly – it’s not only the Earth you’re saving, but your money too.
Food
Food can be seen as a form of fuel too – one that nourishes your body. There is now a remarkable shift in people introducing less meat and dairy products into their everyday diet. Though it can be a daunting (but a nonetheless worthy) commitment, it’s all about making long-lasting decisions with permanent impact.
Younger consumers are already influencing the demands of the food industry. With rising vegetarian (and vegan) substitutes on the shelves, choices are now wide-ranging for both the affordable and luxury markets. The Vegan Kind Supermarket is an online retailer that sells only vegan products – it helped us discover brands you wouldn’t usually find at your local supermarket.
Ethical consumption of food is one factor to be taken into account and ethical production of food is another. There are aisles upon aisles of unnecessary plastic packaging; from fruit to water bottles to cosmetics. Our relationship with plastic has moulded into something unsustainable. Luckily nowadays, there are numerous plastic-free alternatives such as paper, reusable or decomposable bags that are readily available.
For example, TheEcoShop is a brand that supplies tote, lunch and string bags so you can be stylish and ethically conscious at the same time. The current strain on supermarkets is visible but we shouldn’t let fear overrule rationality. Stockpiling should be avoided at all costs as this will affect lower-income consumers and contribute to excess food waste.
Securing the future of the Earth is done through the determined toil of the present day.
Though a financial donation to the cause is greatly appreciated, simply donating your time is more than enough. Earth Day has cemented itself into the legacy of the ongoing climate change battle. By implementing even some of these minor suggestions, you will be ensuring that we’ll be celebrating and furthering its legacy for many more years to come.
Matt Rogan
Matt is an English Literature graduate from the University of Leeds. In a playful yet provocative tone, he writes with particular attention towards LGBTQ+ issues, pop culture and modern living.
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