Because of the massive changes in our day to day right now, we are probably being more sustainable than you think.
We’re now into month 4 of Sustainable Swaps 2020 and COVID-19 has pretty much taken away the habits we focused on in January, February and March. BUT, this is temporary, and as soon as we’re allowed, you know I’ll be getting coffee in my reusable cup again and toting my reusable bags everywhere. I haven’t ordered any of the reusable bathroom supplies (from March) because we’re still working through products we have. And I really don’t want to order anything I don’t truly NEED right now. I started a list in my phone of “things to purchase after quarantine” so I don’t forget some home and beauty items haha.
As with everything, there are silver linings during this pandemic. Especially related to our planet and our consumption. Today I want to talk about those, because there are still plenty of ways to be sustainable at home!
The focus for this month?
Do the best you can.
Many people are making the majority of meals at home instead of eating out. We are using up the food they have before going to get more, and getting more creative with recipes. All of which contributes to less food waste both at home and in restaurants.
And, based on shut downs and stay at home orders, many people are driving and flying WAY LESS. By choice? Probably not. But nonetheless, the slow down in travel is also beneficial for the environment.
As we’ve seen from all over the world, the Earth is enjoying a much needed break from…well, us. Nature is carrying on without us!
Air pollution in China has dropped drastically
The water in the Venice canals is clear and fish can be seen (Contrary to Twitter, National Geographic has confirmed no dolphins)
Animals are enjoying their time in Yosemite without humans
Pandas are mating at a zoo after 10 years!
For the first time in decades the Himalayan Mountains are now visible in India due to a decrease in air pollution.
All of this has been eye-opening for me. The fact that there can be such extreme changes in a matter of weeks is both amazing and sad. As a world we have to do better, and maybe this forced time at home will provide some insight as to changes we can make.
That being said, there are definitely negative changes that will be causing more waste during this time. For example, I cannot even fathom the amount of medical waste that will be disposed off as the world deals with pandemics. And in the home, the amount of single use Clorox wipes being used has probably skyrocketed, just to name two small examples.
I truly believe we will never return to exactly where we were before this. And frankly, I don’t want to. I said to a friend the other day that I hoped this would bring about positive changes (both politically and in our own homes), and they immediately said “it won’t.” This is NOT the attitude we need.
If you want to make changes, then MAKE THE CHANGES.
And tell your friends and family, and encourage and support them in making changes. We have to take care of our planet.
I’m choosing to remain open and hopeful. There is so much good still happening, and I know that there will always be people who choose to do GOOD THINGS. Let’s be those people.
And, if you’re interested in reading more, here are a handful of articles about COVID-19 and the environment.
Rethinking Our Relationship to the Natural World After Covid-19
Will Covid-19 have a lasting impact on the environment?
Bill Gates: How the coronavirus pandemic can help the world solve climate change
First Person: COVID-19 is not a silver lining for the climate, says UN Environment chief
The Pandemic is Turning the Natural World Upside Down
As always, I’d really love to hear your opinions or thoughts on this!
Thanks for stopping by the blog today.
xo, Maddy
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Well said Maddy. One of mine and John’s favorite springtime activities is visiting the Magee Marsh Wildlife Refuge Area for the warbler migration. All human traffic inside the park is prohibited this year and I can’t help but wonder how much it will positively affect the birds and this much needed rest stop before they cross Lake Erie to their summer breeding grounds. On any given day in early may the parking lot is full with hundreds of pollution emitting vehicles, Not so this year. Will the birds and this unique habitat miss us? I don’t think so. They will be there this year without us, and perhaps thank us tenfold in years to come.
I agree! i think the planet needed a break, and this is how she is getting one. I hope we can all make changes as we return to our “new normal” because the old normal is never coming back completely as it was!