Simple Ways To Be More Sustainable

Mayde Tea was born out of a deep love for the natural healing properties of plants - but those plants can only help us heal if we heal the environment. As the need to make big changes becomes more and more apparent, it can be difficult to know what you can do to play your part in helping our environment heal. 

At the same time, it’s also easy to fall into the trap of feeling helpless to the problem of climate change and environmental degradation. How could something you change have any impact on the greater picture, when you’re only one of 8 billion? But, when you make changes and encourage those around you to make change too, you all contribute towards a greater movement of healing. As they say, many hands make light work.

So, as we emerge from these latest (and hopefully last) lockdowns and adjust to the ‘new normal’, we need to make adjustments to make sure this normal is more sustainable. To make that adjustment easier, we’ve compiled a list of simple ways to be more sustainable in your everyday life.

One of the biggest ways you can have an impact is by partaking in conscious consumption, meaning engaging in the economy with more awareness of how your consumption impacts society at large. Excessive consumerism has a hugely negative impact on the environment, and taking a few extra minutes each day to think about the way you spend your money can make a world of difference. 

When you need to buy, buy high-quality products that are multi-purpose. When you can, buy second-hand and when you need to buy new products that are recyclable, refillable, compostable and/or reusable. Our jars are the perfect example of a product that can be used time and time again, whether it be as storage, for home decoration, or as the jar you take to your local bulk food store when you need to buy pantry items. 

On that note, spend some time each weekend to plan your meals for the week ahead, then write a shopping list, and only buy what you need. This not only limits food waste in your home but helps you save money at the shops. Then, pack your leftovers for lunch! It’s the best way to avoid food waste, save money and avoid unnecessary takeaway container waste. After all, the best food is the food that’s in your stomach, not in the bin!

Avoid buying plastics where you can. This is especially important when buying tea! Most tea bags have plastics either in the bag itself or in the glue adhesive, meaning you can’t compost them. Buying loose leaf tea is the best way you can buy it, to ensure you avoid plastic and can compost your waste at the end of its use. 

Take a bag with you wherever you go, and keep a reusable cup and water bottle inside. They always come in handy, and it’s better to carry them and not use them than getting stuck without them.

Compost all your food scraps! If you don’t have community green waste services, create a compost heap at home, or take your compost to your local community garden. Leave your coffee grinds and used loose leaf leaves separate because you can use them as a natural fertiliser in your own garden!

Treat your spring clean as a way to reacquaint yourself with the clothes you already have. We’re constantly told to buy more to keep up with trends, but odds are you’ve forgotten what you already own! Go through your wardrobe, revisit your old gems, have a clothes swap with your friends, then donate the pieces that are leftover. 

While we’re on the topic of clothes, wash your clothes on a cold cycle! There is absolutely no need to use warm water since washing detergents are all made to work in cold water. And dry your clothes in the sun - it’s warm outside and the sun is better than any dryer!

Finally, surround yourself with like-minded people who are working towards being more sustainable and share your sustainable tips with one another!