As a Certified Business, I work really hard to make the most environmentally savvy choices when it comes to raw materials, production and the day to day tasks associated with running a business. My love for all things green started as a child, growing up around the forests of Northern California. Family camping trips, lake adventures and working on our summer garden deepened my connection with nature and passion for protecting it. In former jobs, I helped educate my fellow office mates on the importance of recycling and composting. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been known to dig recyclables out of the garbage just to make sure they go to the right place. While I don’t expect everyone to dumpster dive for the environment, I do think it’s important (and easy) for all of us to make simple conscious choices that will collectively impact on the world around us. So what can you do? The Etta + Billiecrew has put together a few simple tips on keeping this beautiful planet of ours healthy. Read on for easy ways to reduce your impact on a daily basis.

  1. Hydrate + Save
    Hydrate without negatively effecting the environment and its creatures. Be part of the solution by investing in good water bottle, like the hip ones found at bkr or S’well (my favs are here + here), and refill as needed. BPA-free preferred, of course. About 17 barrels of oil are used in producing plastic water bottles and nearly 90 % of them aren’t recycled. Many end up in landfill and can take up to 1000 years to break down. Those that don’t make it into a landfill often end up in the sea where they break up in small pieces, killing marine life that can mistake it for food.
  2. Buy Local
    Supporting locally made and grown goods reduces pollution by decreasing the amount of generally fancy but not earth-friendly packaging that goes into the landfill and reduces the amount of greenhouse gas created when products are distributed across the country and world. Support local also helps keep money within your community and supports makers like me.
  3. Shower Consciously
    Try shortening your shower by even just a minute and you could save 150 gallons of water a month! Imagine what 5 minutes could do. Try sneaking in a shower with your partner to add extra zest to your morning (add some refreshing Peppermint Lime Soap). This tip is especially useful for Californians who are in the 4th year of a major drought. Anything we can each due to reduce our water use will help! Bonus tip: It’s wiser to water your plants during the evening when it is cooler and dryer since hot and dry condition in the morning, just lead to water evaporation.
  4. UNPLUG
    Your appliances may seem idle when you turn them off, but they are still raising your energy bill. This phenomenon, called “phantom load,” is gouging your bank account (and increasing carbon emissions) needlessly. Many appliances and electronics are designed to have continuous displays and a standby resting states for quick start-up. This convenience is a waste of energy and dollars!
  5. Paperless Please
    Bills and bank statements substantially impact the environment. Production of this mail, kills 18.5 million trees every year, produces 2.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and 1.7 billion pounds of solid waste. Switching to electronic notifications can massively impact the destruction of forests and resulting waste plus who really wants to keep all those paper statements anyway. You can also utilize your bank’s apps to get up-to-date info on your accounts.