Affordable Sustainable Home Guide

How to Make Your Home More Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start when wanting to make some changes in your home. Whether it’s redesigning your living room or cleaning out your closet, sometimes you need some help with knowing where to start! Fear no more, the Envirojunkies are here to help you make your home more sustainable without feeling overwhelmed and without having to spend a ton of money! 

Kitchen

Your kitchen is one of the most impactful places when it comes to sustainability in the home. There are so many little things that you may not even realize are affecting your carbon footprint in a bad way, but they are easily fixable! Here are some of the top sustainable kitchen tips: 

  1. Do not buy disposables or single-use items. These things include plasticware, throwaway cups/straws, and so on. The best way to keep your kitchen sustainable is to avoid the disposables completely and always use reusable items. Plus, you save money by reusing!
  1. Do not throw away jars or other containers that your food items from the store come in. Hello? Why would you ever throw away jars or other containers that will surely come in handy later?! Always save things like this because they can easily turn into your favorite storage containers! 
  2. Replace your ordinary paper towels with eco-friendly ones. At the end of the day, a paper towel is a paper towel and all kinds do the trick! So, there are plenty of eco-friendly paper towel brands that you can find at your local grocery that will definitely make your kitchen far more sustainable than the ordinary ones ever will! 

Laundry room & Bathroom 

Whether you live alone or live in a  big household, we all feel like doing laundry is such a big part of our routine as we do it so often! This is an obvious reason to make some changes and choose sustainable options when it comes to all things laundry. The same goes for your bathroom, choose the sustainable, eco-friendly products over the others.

  1. Make or use natural laundry detergent. This is so easy to do or find in the store and it really helps to reduce the amount of non-eco-friendly products you use in your home. Plus, natural laundry detergents to the job just as well, if not better! It is also cheaper than buying the fancy detergent so why not?!
  2. Use wool drying balls. These are a great product to use in your laundry room if you are serious about changing things up to be more sustainable! Wool drying balls are better because they do not contain any of the harsh chemicals or toxins that your average dryer sheet does. 
  3. Buy eco-friendly toilet paper and bathroom napkins. Just like the paper towels, eco-friendly toilet paper does the job just as well as the others so why not? 

Overall Household 

These tips apply to places all over your home and they really do make an impact, so get to it! 

  1. Use energy-efficient lighting. Having to replace your lightbulbs in the house is already a pain as they seem to lose their shine so quickly anyway, so why not make the right choice and switch on over to LED lights. They are proven to last longer than other bulbs, making your home way more energy efficient than it would be if you continued to do those switch-outs so often. This is also a great way to save some money! 
  1. Make your own cleaning products or buy eco-friendly ones. Keeping your house tidy certainly requires a lot of product, but why not make your own? Or, another great option is to go ahead and just buy some eco-friendly products. Next time you find yourself in the cleaning aisle of the grocery, grab those eco-friendly products instead of your usual Lysol. Plus, the eco-friendly ones tend to smell better and clean better, so it’s a win-win!
  2. Recycle and reuse. This is obviously a given, but we just wanted to go ahead and remind you just in case! 

Now that you have your easy & affordable guide to a sustainable household, it’s time to get to it! Let us know what tips work for your home and definitely tweet us @envirjunkiess to show us how you’ve made your home more eco-friendly! 

Tags #sustainablehome #greenhomeguide #ecofriendlyhome #sustainabilitytips 

https://thethirty.whowhatwear.com/sustainable-home-tips

https://flygrn.com/blog/sustainable-living-tips

Earth Day 2021: Nature Walk

Happy 51st Earth Day, Envirojunkies! As we begin to celebrate our beautiful Earth today, let’s take a moment to reflect upon some Earth Day history. Lately our country has felt somewhat divided politically, rarely finding a middle ground on issues. However, Earth Day was conceived as a unified movement made between a Democratic and a Replublican Senator. In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson (D) and Senator Pete McCloskey (R), worked together to create a globally recognized holiday to raise awareness and celebrate the Earth. April 22nd, a day in between spring break and finals season, was chosen because student involvement would be at its highest. It wasn’t until 1990 that Earth Day became a global event, allowing environmental issues to finally be recognized in governments around the World. Now, in 2021, over a billion people spread out in over 193 countries will join in the celebrate Earth Day Festivities. Here are some cheap and easy ways to celebrate Earth Day while making an impact. 

Turn Off

Since the pandemic, we are now more than ever engulfed by technology. Most weekdays, I spend around 4 hours on Zoom, and then I check my phone during breaks between classes. After class I leave to babysit, which is the only few hours that I get to spend outside without my phone. When I come home, I am usually so exhausted from the day that I turn on the Tv so I can tune out. This type of routine is so typical for people now, that we don’t realize really how out of touch we are becoming to nature. I cherish those few hours I spend outside just listening to the birds, and feeling the sun and wind on my face. 

This Earth Day, I challenge you to turn off your computer, phone, lights, and fan (if possible) and go outside. If you can, try leaving your phone at home so you can pay attention to all that is around you. Look down and notice the hustle and bustle of the ecosystem we have drifted so far from. Look up to notice all the animals that thrive in the trees. Each time you allow yourself to turn off your devices and tune into nature, the more you will notice and appreciate the ecosystem your community supports.

Tune In 

The term meditation might sound overwhelming for some people. However, meditation has numerous health benefits. Meditation can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and have a positive impact on your cardiovascular health. Studies have even shown that daily meditation can even improve your mood as much as an antidepressant. Sometimes breathing meditation can be hard when the mind is so chaotic, but here is a way to incorporate meditation into your Earth Day walk. Being mindful of your surroundings while on a walk around the neighborhood IS meditation, and can further your connectedness with nature.

Pick Up

While you’re enjoying this nature walk by really tuning into the present moment, pick up any trash you might see along the way. Once you tune into all that nature has to offer, you will realize how much you were consumed by technology. As humans, we consume, consume, and consume some more.. So give back to our Earth that gives us so much, and pick up even a few pieces of trash along the way. Once you give yourself some responsibility for the up-keep of our Planet, you won’t want to stop! 

Reach out to us on Twitter or Instagram and let us know what you did Earth Day 2021! 

5 Eco Friendly Products You Can Buy Today

It is no secret that plastic is one of the leading causes for marine pollution. According to an article posted on OurWorldinData.org, the world now produces more than 380 million tons of plastic every year. Most of that plastic ends up as pollutants entering our natural environment and oceans.

This is why it is important to use eco-friendly and reusable products to help slow down the flow of plastic waste. Here is a list of 5 eco-friendly products you can buy today:

Bamboo Cleaning Cloth

LUCKISS bamboo cleaning cloth is a sustainable alternative to using paper towels or cotton cleaning cloths. The cloth is 100% made of bamboo and is naturally absorbent because of the bamboo. You can purchase this cost effective reusable bamboo cleaning cloth here:

Glass Food Storage Containers 

Glass food storage containers are a great way to slow down your plastic usage. These glass containers are microwave friendly, so you won’t have to worry about chemicals with a plastic container. You can purchase a set here:

Reusable Shopping Bag

It is important to own a reusable shopping bag. Reusable shopping bags are more sturdy than the plastic bags you get at the grocery store. You can purchase this special HEB reusable grocery bag of Austin made by a local artist here:

https://www.heb.com/product-detail/h-e-b-austin-artist-reusable-shopping-bag/1965368

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

If you own a reusable metal water bottle you won’t have the need to use as many plastic water bottles. The Hydro Flask will keep your drinks cold or hot for hours. This is a great alternative to drinking plastic water bottles everyday. You can purchase your own Hydro Flask here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QNTYQL9?tag=bfabby-20&ascsubtag=5300880%2C18%2C29%2Cd%2C0%2C0%2Cgoogle%2C962%3A1%3B901%3A2%3B900%3A2%3B974%3A2%3B975%3A2%3B982%3A4%2C40508%2C0

Bamboo Toothbrush

Another product made of bamboo, these toothbrushes are made of 100% natural sustainable bamboo.It is important to make the switch from a plastic toothbrush to a bamboo one. Over 3.5 million plastic toothbrushes are sold around the world every year. Which is just one part of the dilemma.These toothbrushes are degradable, recyclable and can be reused. Most toothbrushes are made out of plastic, these bamboo toothbrushes are a green way to keep your teeth clean. You can purchase a bamboo toothbrush here: 

These products are all great sustainable and cost effective alternatives to everyday products that otherwise are made of plastic or aren’t reusable. Owning these products truly makes a difference. Small changes to habits lead to big results!

Links

https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution

5 Tips to Help You Create a Sustainable Garden

Sustainable living is a lifestyle that helps better the planet we live on and there are so many different ways to live sustainable. On this blog, we hope you have learned more about going paperless, learned more about composting basics and ways to repurpose items. But there is still so much more! Today, to continue this journey of giving you ways to live a more sustainable life, I am going to teach you how to create your own sustainable garden!

Tip 1: Create a Garden Design

In creating a sustainable garden it is important that you take some extra things into consideration. The main factor is to take into consideration how your garden is going to help the environment and not hurt it. So starting with the design of your garden, you’ll to want to put some thought into what you want from the garden. Maybe you are wanting a garden for more shade, a garden to grow fruits and vegetables or even just wanting a garden for a pretty landscape. Start planning on where you are going to put what and make sure you leave about 6-12 inches for small plants, 12-18 inches for 2-3 foot plants and 18-36 inches for taller plants.

Tip 2: Eco-Friendly Resources

Consider using rain barrels that can be used for watering your garden. Rain barrels are helpful because they use natural resources such as rainwater that way you don’t have to use drinking water that comes from your home. Another resource would be to fertilize your plants with manure. I know that manure isn’t one of the best smelling fertilizers but it is actually great for your plants! If you don’t have livestock at home, try getting manure from a farmer or farmer’s market in your local area. By using these two eco-friendly resources you are to promote a sustainable garden by using natural resources and saving money!

Tip 3: Let Nature Do Their Thing!

Beneficial insects are nature’s ways of controlling pests that could be found on your plants. By letting beneficial bugs do their thing you are saving yourself money and helping the environment by not buying harmful chemicals such as pesticides and other things. (However, please be aware of the difference between beneficial bugs and harmful bugs, link below this paragraph for details) Another way to benefit from nature is to let your plants produce seeds and collect them. By saving the seeds your plants produce you are able to use the seeds to grow more plants next year.

https://www.gardentech.com/blog/pest-id-and-prevention/identifying-good-and-bad-bugs-in-your-garden-infographic

Tip 4: Compost and Do Your Own Mulching

Instead of throwing away your dead leaves and plants try composting them instead! You can compost your dead leaves and plants into your fertilizers that will make your soil much richer and healthier. Another way to compost your dead plants and leaves is by mulching. Mulching is a technique done when you take dead leaves and plants, grass cuttings or even sticks and chop them up into what is called mulch. That mulch is then used for a protective layer that goes on top of the soil and around your plants to keep moisture for the soil and to overall help your garden (minimizes weeds too!).

Tip 5: Be Creative With Your Garden!

Get creative! Make it fun! You can do this by making wooden plant tags that allow you to label what you are growing and where you are growing it. Try using scrap wood and fall branches to create an organic fence around your garden and make your sustainable garden unique to you!

Follow us on Twitter and talk to us! We would love to hear about your sustainable gardens or more tips and tricks about ways you garden!

Resources:

https://sustainabilityx.co/15-sustainable-gardening-ideas-b22be80dfc7f

https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/how-far-apart-should-i-plant-my-perennials/#:~:text=If%20you%20can’t%20find,perennials%2018%2D36%20inches%20apart.

Famous Youtuber, Sukkari Gives Tips and Tricks on How to Live a Waste-Free Lifestyle

Meet Sukkari! Sukkari is an environmentalist and advocate for sustainable living in Riyadh. In her home, she has NO trash! Yes, I said what I said, she has no garbage, and she doesn’t even use a recycling bin. Sukkari lives her life by promoting ways that you can live a more sustainable life at home, and she does this by limiting the amount of plastic usage and composting. 

Sukkari’s home

Compost is essential in Sukkari’s home Sukarri has compost in her bedroom for plant leaves. She has a second compost in the kitchen and the third compost in her garden. Sukkari relies heavily on having composts around her house as an alternative to typical trash bins.  Sukkari strongly believes in living a waste-free life, and throughout her youtube video, she illustrates ways she can do it. 

Clothing 

 When it comes to clothing, she buys used “clothes.” she believes that clothing companies that prioritize ethics are environmentally friendly. She always makes sure there is nothing wasted, and recycling plays a significant role in her life. Her shoes are made of plastic recycled bottles, and when she doesn’t need a piece of cloth, she makes it as wiping instead of paper. Her socks would be reused to clean plants. Even when she cleans the clothes, she uses Indian natural products to clean naturally. The products can be used 5 to 7 times and then, she put them in the compost to be decomposable.  

Food without plastic  

To keep up promoting environmentally friendly living, Sukkari makes her food at home too. And all the spices and other food necessities she buys are in wholescale so she can put them in her own glass jars. She even goes further to make her species and food, if possible. For example, she makes her own yeast and milk.  As for having water, she uses and refills a water filter is essential so that she doesn’t have to go out and buy/use plastic bottles. She has two water filters, one for the fridge and one for regular use. Go Sukkari on limiting plastic usage!

Sukkari outside home

Furthering the idea of limiting plastic usage, every time Sukkari goes out, she brings whatever she may need, so she doesn’t use plastic. Sukkari has a wooden fork, a wooden spoon, and a reusable bottle of water. She also carries around a wooden straw that is made of bamboo and a basket that she uses if she is going to a bakery for bread. Sukkari always makes sure to inform workers in the stores she visits to not give her a plastic bag or copy of her receipt that way, she does not contribute to plastic or paper waste.  

Sukkari does not find her life difficult as many people around her think. She strongly believes that everyone is responsible for the environment, and the more we care about it, the more human we become. So check out Sukkari on youtube and learn about ways you can live a waste-free life too! The link below to Sukkari’s short documentary.

To watch Sukkari’s short documentary.  

Also, talk to us on Twitter! We would love to hear from all our Envirojunkies!

Whatchu’ Drinkin?

As most of you know, single-use plastic water bottles are a HUGE problem when it comes to sustainability, but let me paint an even better picture for you. It is estimated that over 15 million metric tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans every year. SO much plastic is being dumped that scientists are now finding traces of microplastics in the fish we consume. All human life revolves around the health of our oceans, whether we think it or not. Furthermore, 1 million single-use plastic water bottles are bought every minute in the world. However, less than ⅓ of this plastic will be recycled. It is naive that we assume that because we live in places such as Austin, TX, our plastic won’t end up in our oceans. Here is some advice to inspire the change within yourself! 

Tap Water 

Did you know that bottled water costs over 100 times more to produce than tap water? Well, the consumer must be paying for better quality water, right? Wrong! 25% of all bottled water is just tap water that was put into single-use plastic and sold. Essentially, you are just paying for well-advertised tap water which is costing you more than you think. A person who only buys bottled water spends around $1,095 annually, whereas a tap water drinker will only spend a mere $0.48 per YEAR. Who wouldn’t want over a thousand extra dollars in their pocket by making this simple switch? 

Reusable Plastic Water Bottles

If a person drinks around 4 bottles of water per day, they will waste 1460 single-use plastic bottles in a year. Even if that person only purchased 1 single-use plastic bottle every day, they would still be wasting 365 water bottles a year. A person who uses a reusable plastic bottle every day will not have to throw away one single bottle that entire year. Reusable plastic water bottles are the most cost-effective bottle to purchase since they will be quite a bit more affordable than stainless steel bottles. Reusable plastic bottles are easy to clean, especially since you can see through them it will be easy to spot any areas that need special attention. However, since these bottles are still plastic they are still more likely to end up in landfills and our oceans. First, when it comes to picking the perfect plastic water bottle, be sure to look for bottles that are BPA-free and PET-free. These are harmful chemicals that can leech into your water over time, especially when left out in the sun or a hot car. Second, make sure the bottle you buy is dish-washer-friendly so that it doesn’t warp when subjected to high temperatures. 

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Stainless Steel water bottles are the BEST option for the environment, and here is why! Stainless steel, unlike plastic, is not porous, which means it will not leak any toxic chemicals into your water, even if subjected to high temperatures. Stainless steel makes these bottles resistant to rust, bacteria, corrosion, and mold too. Furthermore, Stainless Steel water bottles are 100% recyclable and are much more likely to stay out of landfills. These water bottles are also more environmentally friendly to produce than other materials. Although stainless steel bottles are more expensive than reusable plastic bottles, they are much more durable. The only downside to stainless steel bottles is that when they are dropped, they can sometimes dent. However, the benefits outweigh the cons. Make sure that when you are purchasing a metal water bottle it is Stainless Steel, rather than aluminum. Researchers have found that BPA can still exist in Aluminum, so it is best to steer clear of them all together. 

Hopefully, this information will inspire you to make a cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly change in your life! Most of the United States has clean and safe tap water to drink, so finding a filling station near you won’t be a problem. Let us know how your journey to switching from single-use water bottles to reusable ones has impacted your life! 

5 Items to Reuse and Repurpose at Home

It is common in hispanic culture that most households reuse items to give them a new purpose. Growing up as a hispanic myself, my family and I were practicing sustainable habits without even knowing it!  

More people should adopt this sustainable lifestyle since it is cost effective and at the same time helps the environment. Today, I am here to introduce you to a list of items that my family and I have reused and repurposed so that you can too!

Plastic Bag from the Grocery Store 

(Because you forgot your reusable bag at home, of course)

The average American family takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year. Plastic bags are also used for an average of 12 minutes. To extend their time span of use,  they can be used as a trash bag for small trash bins around the house like for your room or restroom. This way, you can refrain from purchasing actual smaller sized trash bags saving you money and cutting back on plastic usage. That is, of course, if you forget a reusable grocery bag. 

Plastic Food Containers

Brace yourself for someone in your family to eventually be deceived by this. Reusing food containers for other food is a great way to avoid paying for more plastic tupperware. The world produces more than 380 million tonnes of plastic every year and this sustainable habit can help cut that number down. Plastic containers can be reused over and over again.

Old Clothes

Old, torn clothes can be repurposed as a cleaning rag to get rid of dusty areas. It is green and also cost effective. According to the World Wildlife Fund, it can take 2,700 liters of water to produce the cotton for a single t-shirt. So might as well make the most of it instead of throwing it away.

Plastic Bottles

Instead of going out to find a pricey pot for your plant, you can reuse a plastic water bottle. Instead of buying a pencil container, use a water bottle. Instead of purchasing a watering can for your plants, use a water bottle. The ways you can reuse a water bottle are bountiful; from making a bird feeder to using the water bottle to suck egg yolk to even making a jewelry stand.

Disposable Razors

Once your razor becomes too dull to use for shaving, you can repurpose it to remove lint from your clothes. Like any sustainable habit, it is cost effective and this one will make your clothes look nice and presentable. 

Extending the usage of items such as the ones mentioned creates a household with sustainable habit and slows down purchases of disposable items. Growing up in a hispanic household there was no such thing as disposable, only reusable. That itself is living sustainably. You do not need to be Greta Thunberg or Leonardo DiCaprio to make a difference. 

Tag us @envirojunkiess on your Instagram/Twitter posts sharing if your family did the same growing up or if you have more items in mind that can be reused or repurposed feel free to share that with us! 

Links:

https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/plastic_bag_facts.html

https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution

https://treefy.org/2020/06/24/template-2/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20World%20Wildlife,just%20for%20one%20t%2Dshirt.

Apps For Environmentalism

The number of people worldwide who use smartphone technology is continuously increasing, now there are close to 3 billion users worldwide. More smartphones mean more opportunities for App development. There are a seemingly endless number of apps available to users, whether you have an iPhone or Android. Now, in the palm of your hands are many opportunities to step-up your environmental impact through these new apps. Here is a list of three great Earth-saving Apps and what makes them worth the download! 

Earth Hero: Climate Change  

Earth Hero connects you with reliable climate data from around the world, as well as practical ways to take individual action on the Climate Crisis. Earth Hero has easy signup, which took me less than 30 seconds to register for. When you first access the App you will answer five questions that give you an estimate of your carbon footprint. Once you’ve answered all the questions, you will see a breakdown of your carbon emissions compared to the U.S and the rest of the world. It’s time for change! You can set personal climate goals and track your progress on reducing your emissions. Can’t think of any climate goal? Well, don’t worry because Earth Hero Provides hundreds of actions you can apply to your life. 

Brightly: Eco-Community

The Brightly App is another great app for sustainable living. The Brightly app is unique because of its interactive nature. Brightly connects you with thousands of other environmentalists who are interested in a wide range of sustainable topics. You can meet people through direct messaging them, or you can join one of the hundreds of group chats that are available based on your interest. For example, I love being a plant mom, so I joined a group forum called “Plant Lovers”. Brightly also has a tab for all current climate news and a tab for sustainable searching by topic. Topics include; shopping guides, home and lifestyle, fashion, beauty and wellness, food and kitchen, and environmental podcasts.  If you’re looking to join a global community of environmentalists then this is the app for you! 

My Little Plastic Footprint (MLPF)

It is MLPF’s mission to help you improve your plastic footprint by going on a “plastic diet”. The world consumes too much plastic, but you have the opportunity to reduce your use of plastic. MLPF starts by calculating your Plastic Mass Index (PMI), which is based on the number of plastics you consume, the size of those items, the frequency of their use, the probability of that plastic ending up in the environment, and the availability of alternative products. By using this app, you can find alternatives to your plastic products, and educate yourself by taking quizzes that help educate you on the uses of plastics and how to reduce that use. For example, Did you know that you can easily make your own deodorant? No?  Me either, before taking the MLPF bathroom quiz. I encourage you to download the MLPF app and discover all the easy and fun ways to go on a “plastic diet”. 

Now making an individual impact on the Climate Crisis is even easier through the use of smartphone technology. Hopefully, one, if not all of these apps interest you enough to download. Each of these apps has such valuable information at your fingertips. Download now and be the change! Tag @envirojunkiess on Twitter and let us know about your environmental journey!

Beginner Composting Basics

Did you know that when you combine our food scraps and yard waste together, they make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away in the trash? I mean seriously, 30 percent! This is such a high percentage, which could be totally reduced by composting! We can do better than this, plus there are so many cool benefits that come from composting, so, that’s why I’ve put together a basic guide for anyone looking to start up this great hobby! 

Compost Storage 

There are two types of composting, indoor and outdoor. For indoor composting, it is best to buy an actual composting bin. Many places like target, Walmart, and Amazon all sell composting bins and have plenty of options. The main tip if you use indoor composting is to make sure to keep the area clean and manageable so that it won’t attract any pest. As far as outdoor composting goes, you can use a variety of things to make a bind, wooden planks, bricks, whatever works for you should be fine. Just make sure that you choose a dry, shady spot for your compost. 

Getting Started

To get a compost bin started, there are three things required, browns, greens, and water. Browns include things such as dead leaves, tree branches, and twigs. These things are in charge of providing carbon in your compost. 

Greens are pretty obvious. Materials such as grass clippings, vegetable scraps/waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds are all part of the green category. Green materials provide nitrogen for your compost. 

Water is important for composting because the moisture is there to help break down the organic matter in the compost. 

Benefits of Composting 

There are many benefits to composting. First, composting plays a very positive role in our ability to naturally enrich our soil by helping the soil retain moisture and to limit plant disease. Because of all of this, composting reduces the need to use chemical fertilizers, which is absolutely necessary. Composting also promotes and encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi. 

Finally, one of the biggest benefits is that by composting, it helps reduce methane emissions from landfills and drumroll please…..LOWERS YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT!! 

So, it is clear that composting is one of the best ways to really enhance your sustainable lifestyle and a great hobby to take up as well. However, it isn’t just a hobby, it’s growing in our restaurant industry. In fact, on the local end, many restaurants in Austin have started to switch to using compostable to-go containers, awesome right!? It is so important that we stay committed to continuously work towards a lower and lower carbon footprint and composting is an awesome way to do so! I mean, now that you know the basics, aren’t you SO ready to get started?! 

Sources

https://mashable.com/article/beginners-guide-to-composting/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ultimate-beginners-guide-composting.htm

Places to Thrift in Austin

Americans are buying more clothes now than ever. Clothing items have never been cheaper and this is thanks to fast fashion. While fast fashion is a highly profitable business model, it is detrimental to the environment. Producing a pair of jeans requires 2,000 gallons of water and emits the same amount of carbon as driving a car for 80 miles. The fast fashion industry leaves a giant footprint in the environment and is responsible for a tenth of all humanity’s carbon emissions. The fashion industry is also considered as the fourth most polluting industry under food retail. 

A way to avoid spending money on fast fashion is thrift shopping. Thrift stores sell used clothing at an affordable price. That way, you can save 2,000 gallons of water every time you buy a pair of jeans at a thrift store. Thrift shopping allows you to be environmentally conscious while also saving a few bucks. So here is a list of  stores you can thrift at in Austin, Texas:

Buffalo Exchange 

Located on the corner of 29th and Guadalupe St. Buffalo Exchange works to protect the environment by reusing and recycling clothing and gives clothing a second life. Make sure to stop by the store on April 22nd because they are having a $1 Earth Day Sale in support of charities and environmental causes. More information can be found on their site: https://www.buffaloexchange.com/

Pavement

Located on 611 S Lamar Blvd and 2932 Guadalupe St. 

Pavement is a larger than life buy/sell/trade shop. The thrift store has buy counters where you can drop off clothing you want to recycle in return for some extra cash. Visit their site for more information: https://pavement.store/

Uptown Cheapskate

Located on 3005 S Lamar Blvd

Uptown Cheapskate promotes sustainable fashion. Their website is full of insightful information on the environmental impact of fast fashion and the benefits of purchasing used clothing. Uptown Cheapskate has raised close to $600,000 in donations and have helped build 13 schools through their Charity Fill-A-Bag Sale. More information can be found at: https://www.uptowncheapskate.com/upcycling-impact

Austin Pets Alive! Thrift

Austin Pets Alive has 3 locations in Austin: 1409 West Oltorf St., 5801 Burnet Rd., and on 5102 Clarkson Ave. 

Austin Pets Alive is a boutique style thrift store, all their net proceeds go to directly support their lifesaving programs and animals. Fosters actually receive a 20% off on in store purchases. More information can be found at: https://www.austinpetsalive.org/shop/thrift

These are just some of our favorite thrift stores out of the many you will find in Austin. Thrift shopping is a simple way you can make a big impact towards the betterment of the Earth. You can save 700 gallons of water if you buy a cotton t-shirt at a thrift store instead of purchasing a new one. That is an insane amount of water you can be saving just by thrifting! So go out and find yourself a nice outfit. (Wearing a mask, of course!)

Tags: Thrift Shopping, Thrifting, Sustainable Fashion, Sustainability 

Citations:

https://www.planetaid.org/thrift-center/thrift-center-blog/the-thrifting-movement

https://healthyhumanlife.com/blogs/news/what-is-fast-fashion

https://www.levistrauss.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Full-LCA-Results-Deck-FINAL.pdf

https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-fashion-environmental-impact-pollution-emissions-waste-water-2019-10#:~:text=Fast%20fashion%20makes%20shopping%20for,pollutes%20the%20oceans%20with%20microplastics.