6 Ways to Make Self-Care More Eco-Friendly

Mar 20

Self-care is commonly associated with luxurious spas and an extensive skincare routine. However, proper self-care goes deeper than that. It’s about being mindful of how your actions impact the environment. Discover how you can nurture your and the planet’s well-being.

1.Eat Plant-Based Foods

Your diet is one of the first places to start if you seek new self-care practices. Meat and dairy products fuel the climate crisis, while plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains help protect the planet. Livestock is responsible for over 14% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat, especially red and processed meats, to lower your carbon footprint. Incorporating plant-based foods shouldn’t be boring — make a vegetable soup or add them to smoothies.

2.Practice Mindful Consumption

Many people fall into the trap of mindless consumption, whether it be doom scrolling or impulsive buying. However, these practices aren’t good for mental health and the planet. The ads and influencer endorsements you see are designed to convince you to buy products you don’t need.

It’s time to end these habits and make more intentional choices. Here are ways to practice mindful consumption:

Set intentions: Avoid doom-scrolling by setting clear intentions. Are you using your phone for entertainment, learning or connection?
Avoid single-use items: You can swap out single-use beauty items like sheet masks and make-up wipes for reusable alternatives.
Support sustainable brands: Advocate for buying from companies that champion ethical practices. Look for certifications like Certified B Corporation, Cradle to Cradle Certified, Forest Stewardship Council and Organic Certification.

3.Make Your Beauty Products

Many commercially available cosmetic and skin care items contain harsh chemicals like parabens and excessive packaging, creating more garbage. Luckily, you can help the environment by making your own products. Make a face mask with honey and orange juice or turmeric and yogurt. Create a natural lip balm with castor seed oil, beeswax, shea butter and sustainable mica powder.

4.Exercise Outdoors

Exercise is an excellent self-care practice, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. If staying active feels like a chore, shake things up and go outside. Outdoor workouts provide natural scenery, sunlight and fresh air that help improve your physical and mental wellness.

Find a physical activity that makes you happy, whether it’s a morning stroll or an evening run. You can also take a yoga class outdoors to meet new people while basking in nature’s beauty.

5.Start a Garden

Planting your foods will strengthen your connection to nature, reminding you of its powerful ability to nurture you. The benefits will be hard to ignore once you start growing fruits and vegetables in your garden. It eliminates the need to buy fresh produce or visit crowded grocery stores — simply visit the fresh produce aisle in your garden.

Moreover, it’s an excellent exercise for the body and mind. It can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and boost your mood, giving you good vibes throughout the day.

6.Do Eco-Friendly Craft Projects

Arts and crafts are a great way to get creative, offering an escape from daily stresses. Instead of buying your materials from an art store, consider repurposing materials at home. Working with recycled items challenges your creativity. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something out of what other people might discard? Pure happiness.

Turn glass bottles into unique light fixtures, use old teacups as candle holders and transform old jars into plant pots. If you have kids, involve them in the fun. Turn large plastic bottles into hanging planters and let your children watch over the plants. Treat it as an opportunity to teach them about growing plants.

Create a Sustainable Self-Care Routine

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive and extravagant. Embracing sustainable practices means investing in your and the environment’s growth. Remember to have fun exploring ways that work for you. Keep your routine simple and easy so you’ll enjoy it better.

Want more tips on eco-friendly living, zero-waste habits, or plastic-free solutions?Check out Sea Going Green’s latest guides and sustainability challenges here!