Welcome to the green side.
My Beginnings.
I was once the supposed animal lover who purchased fur and ate whatever I wanted without a second thought. Fast forward a couple years, I'm mostly using beauty products that are non-toxic/cruelty-free/eco-friendly and slowly transitioning with fashion, consumer goods, and food. I am always inspired by companies that embody positive social and environmentally consciousness in their business culture. It gives me the encouragement that it's possible to make better choices and also support people that are creating something much more significant than a means to an end.
time to move on.
Mind you, I had no idea the cleaning products or the face cream I was slowly killing me from the outside in. Safe? Of course, it was, it was available in the grocery stores, how could it not be? I feel so naive, now looking back.
I have a family history of diabetes, eczema, hyperthyroid, and other health-related issues, which also blessed me with very mild eczema and allergies, so I was desperately looking for prevention. The initial change began when I started questioning what I was putting into my body, which made me change my eating habits (eating local, organic, GMO-free, no red meats, cutting dairy). I inevitably then started to question what I was putting ON my body as well.
I said to myself;
"if it's not safe for me to eat, then there is no way it's going anywhere near my body."
One day I just discarded (in the recycling, donated, or resold and yes, there's a market for used makeup) all of my conventional beauty products. Was it tough letting go? Yes! Did I regret it? No.
want to make the change? here is what you need to know.
It is not easy to change your lifestyle, and I still struggle with it every day. Living a more conscious lifestyle is something that does take time and commitment, just like anything else in life that is worth it (your physical health and brain health is everything you have). Here are some lessons learned from someone who is still learning and growing;
1. Define what living a more conscious lifestyle means to you and ONLY you. Everyone’s priorities may vary.
2. With change comes self-reflection of who you are and who you want to be, remembering to listen to your gut, and never to force anything. There is a saying, 'one's business much reflects one's self and that it is an extension of our values' - So take the time to reflect on what matters to you and allow it to guide you in all aspects of your life.
3. Acknowledge all the positive changes you are adding to your life instead of focusing on all the things you want to change right away, for example, being excited about your first purchase of organic coffee mascara! It doesn’t have to be 0 to 100 real quick. One gradual step in the right direction can change everything.
4. Constantly do your own research. Whether it is reading books, following a blog, listening to a podcast, or watching a documentary - continual learning is a fundamental part of growing. Being aware and knowledgeable of what you are consuming both mind/body/soul can make the process much easier than you think.
5. Do not be harsh on yourself when you fall off your plan, we're only human. Just have fun with it and enjoy the journey. How can having coffee on your eyelashes not be the coolest thing in the world?
Here's my brief story. I'm no expert, nor am I am always right, but I am passionate about learning the whys, whats, ifs, and whens. I hope that I can make you feel a less alone on this path to self growth and change.