Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable

At NOTES®, we believe small changes can have a big impact. With a few changes to the way you consume, you can join in a worldwide mission to leave a little less behind. Whether you're new to the whole sustainable thing, or a master zero-waster, we recommend the following tips to minimize your environmental footprint:

• Request Electronic Services Where Possible.
  1. Paper substitutes often go overlooked as an easy way to decrease waste. Still receiving a mailed copy of your bank statement every month? Try opting for a digital copy instead! Not only does this decrease the use of paper and plastic materials used via mail, but also eliminates the carbon footprint associated with shipping.
  2. This same principle can be applied to virtually any shopping experience. Next time you’re swiping your card, opt for an email receipt over a printed copy. Bonus: It's super easy to move these receipts to a digital folder to stay organized.

• Supplement hobbies with secondhand goods.
  1. Charmed by the crochet craze? Make your own crochet yarn ball by unwinding the fabric of an old, thrifted sweater.
  2. Canvases are a dime a dozen at most thrift and secondhand stores. Repurposing an old frame or canvas not only means less waste, but it's usually more affordable than buying new from your box art supply store.

• Donate unused products
  1. Before you say 'later' to your old Levi's, try donating them. Homeless shelters are always looking for clothing to provide to those in need and give second life to gently used clothing. You can also send these clothes to your local non-profit to support small businesses.
  2. Can't bring yourself to part with an old piece of clothing? It might ease your mind to exchange it. Many thrift stores have store credit programs which allow you the opportunity to swap out your gently used items for another article of clothing that's more your speed.

• Reduce electric usage
  1. There are a million ways to reduce power consumption around your home. To start, try using LED lighting instead of incandescent lighting. Not only are they proven to be less energy intensive, but they also last longer. This reduces the purchase frequency, and the overall cost investment.
  2. Along that vein, limit the use of lightbulbs altogether. Open up your blinds and use as much natural light as possible before switching on your light bulbs. Not only will it create a nice natural ambience, but is also provides some much needed Vitamin D. You can also light your favorite candle (for us, it's NOTES®), for subtle lighting and irresistible fragrance.
  3. Invest in water saving technology such as shower timers or water-saving shower-heads. Reducing our water usage reduces the energy required to process and deliver it to homes, businesses, farms, and communities, which, in turn, helps to reduce pollution and conserve fuel resources.
  4. For ten more ways to reduce electric usage at home, click here.

• Refill where possible
  1. For instance, NOTES® candles allow you to use the same vessel to fragrance again and again. This is one example of sustainability without compromise, as it allows for consumption that doesn't come at your expense, or the earth's.
  2. Other brands are implementing these refill systems as well. Where possible, choose beauty and lifestyle products that support a circular economy. This eliminates the need for often energy intensive recycling plants, or worse, waste.

While these ideas hardly scratch the sustainability surface, they are great foundational concepts to help you start consuming less, while still living large. How do you leave a little less behind?