Dear MDECOE Community,
It is important to take care of the natural world around us as act of engaging in self-care. CSUN has a wonderful Institute for Sustainability committed to caring for the earth. Please see this video that shares how our campus Master’s in sustainability program, faculty, and students engage in sustainability at CSUN: https://youtu.be/cQ-ddqaOAUA
And for ideas about how to engage in personal self-care that is also mindful of caring for the earth, the Sustainable Living Association offers the following ideas:
8 Sustainable Ways to Practice Self-Care Without Waste
1. Make Your Cosmetics
You can save money and support sustainability by making some cosmetics. Create lipstick with beeswax, coconut oil and food coloring and eyeshadow with rubbing alcohol, oil and ethically-sourced cosmetic mica powder. Make a face mask with oatmeal and yogurt and homemade soap with water, oil and lye for skin care. You can even create toothpaste with baking soda and coconut oil.
When you make your own cosmetics, you reduce the use of plastics and other non-renewable resources that contribute to climate change. By focusing on natural, reusable and biodegradable products, you can sustainably enjoy your favorite makeup and skincare products. Plus, it’s fun!
2. Grow Your Food
A great way to practice self-care is to nourish your body with fresh, healthy foods. You can sustainably do this by farming your own produce. Grow various fruits and vegetables at home with just a little space, sunshine and water. Many of them can flourish in indoor containers or on patios if you don’t have a yard.
When you grow your food, you won’t support the substantial emissions released through the transportation of crops around the country. Plus, local produce tastes better. Purchase seeds directly from manufacturers or plants from local nurseries to get started.
3. Use Reusable Towels and Wipes
Americans use more than 13 billion pounds of paper towels and 11 billion wet wipes yearly. These products result in millions of tons of waste that releases carbon dioxide into the air and contributes to climate change.
You can make a significant difference by replacing your disposal wipes and towels with reusable ones. Use the widely available bath and kitchen towels for your hands and body. Also, use old cotton t-shirts as wet wipes and purchase reusable makeup wipes at almost any beauty store. You no longer contribute to the waste problem by using these items repeatedly.
4. Bring Plants Inside
Houseplants are a popular way to decorate your home, but they have more benefits than simply looking nice. Plants can help improve your indoor air quality. If you suffer from allergies or live in an area with air pollution, plants are a low-waste and fun way to clean your space. Spending time in nature can also boost your mental health, so having a bit of greenery in your home will bring some positivity, too.
5. Exercise
Exercising is a fantastic form of self-care, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. When you move your body, you release endorphins that help regulate your mood and get you feeling good. It also improves your physical health, which benefits your well-being.
Walking, running, dancing and push-ups are just a few exercises that cost nothing. You can go outside in a safe location or stay inside and do a workout that just needs your body. Once you start an exercise routine, you likely won’t want to stop.
6. Spend Time With Your Pets
If you have a furry, feathered or scaly friend, just spending time with them can be an excellent form of self-care. Having a pet can help you relax and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Your pets can be wonderful comfort companions you must care for and nurture. Petting a friendly animal can release feel-good hormones in your brain, which helps you feel good.
7. Create Aromatherapy Candles
Different scents can help your mind and body relax. Lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus are all smells that can soothe you, but many essential oil diffusers rely on plastic and electricity.
A more sustainable option is to make aromatherapy candles. All you need is wax, your essential oil of choice and a wick. You can control how strong the scent is through the amount of oil you put in it. Burn the candle to enjoy the fruits of your labor. For many, making the candle is relaxing as well.
8. Invest In Sustainable Companies
You can’t be sustainable in some situations, but you can support the planet and your self-care needs by supporting companies making eco-friendly strides. Though natural and green products can be expensive upfront, more businesses are working to create carbon neutrality while providing lower-cost items. You can find information about sustainable companies online to make the best shopping decisions possible.
Practicing Sustainable Self-Care
It’s important to care for yourself, but you don’t always have to sacrifice sustainability. You can treat yourself and the planet with these eco-friendly self-care tips.
To read more, please go to
https://sustainablelivingassociation.org/8-sustainable-ways-to-practice-self-care-without-waste/
For a list of other self-care options, please see our COE self-care website for resources for faculty, staff, students, and the community at:
https://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/self-care/articles-information-self-care
May we care for the natural world around us as we care for ourselves!
Warmly,
Shari