Why Sustainability Matters & 5 Ways I am Making Changes.

Before I start talking about why sustainability matters I probably need to define just what it is.

Sustainability refers to the ability of something to continue without being depleted or destroyed. Here is a more targeted definition: Sustainability is the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.

And yet one more, equally targeted but more expansive:

Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.

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Why Sustainability is Important

There are many reasons why sustainability is so important.

1. We need to understand that our planet has limited natural resources. If we use them up, there will not be enough left for future generations.
2. We must consider the impact of human activity on the environment. We are using more energy than ever before, and we are also polluting our air, water, and land.
3. We must recognize that our actions affect other people as well. Our decisions have consequences for others, whether those consequences are positive or negative.
4. We should realize that we cannot sustain ourselves without taking care of the Earth.
5. There are several different types of sustainability. Environment, Social/Culture, Technology, Economic and Public Policy. The key point here is that we don’t live in a vacuum. What you do and what I do and what everyone does affects the world around today and as well as the world to come.

What Susan’s Soaps is doing to become more sustainable and eco-friendly and why.

I have always loved nature and the outdoors. As a kid I ran around barefoot literally the whole summer. I loved camping, the beach and sailing. As a young adult I subscribed to Mother Earth News. I always had a dream of living in the country and 25 years ago my husband and I did just that. We have raised everything from cucumbers to chickens and frozen, canned or pickled pretty much everything we have grown as well.

My love of nature and natural products played a big part in why I commited to only using essential oils when I started Susan’s Soaps & More over 20 years ago. It is also why I refused to use animal fats or do any animal testing of any of our products. In fact we have been a certified company with Leaping Bunny since 2008.

The Reason Why Sustainability Matters

I tell you this to let you know that I do value our earth and what she provides for us. Currently our products are packaged in either glass, metal or recyclable plastic. I am taking steps to reduce our use of plastic packaging where possible as well as bringing in new products to make it easier for you to choose non-plastic as well.

It is becoming more and more obvious that simply recycling plastic is not a viable solution. We need to actually reduce the amount of plastic used to begin with. I am going to continue working to move my company further in that direction but for now let me point some options that we can offer you as someone who cares about sustainability.

All the products listed below are packaged in metal, wood or fiber. The shampoo bars are still shrink wrapped. (working on that) But using them gets you away from a plastic bottle and being able to use one bar head-to-toe. If you have questions about any of these products or ANY of my products, please feel free to reach out!

My 5 Ways I am Making Changes

So what are the 5 Ways I am making changes?

1. Wood soap dishes
2. Sisal Soap Saver Bags
3. Steel Travel Soap Case
4. Recycled Kraft Gift Boxes
5. Kraft Soap Boxes

Start Making Small Sustainability Changes Today

You can make small changes today that will lead to big results down the road. Here are some ideas to get started:

1. Switch off lights when not needed.
2. Turn off computers at night.
3. Recycle paper and plastic. Or Better yet, try avoid using in the first place.
4. Buy local food or try to grow more of your own.
5. Walk or bike to work.
6. Take shorter showers.
7. Wash clothes in cold water.
8. Reduce use of detergents. Use true soap instead.
9. Plant trees.
10. Eat less meat.

To get even a bit more real and transparent here is what I doing personally. I use my products whenever possible without buying anything new. My products are natural and the soaps are soap, not detergent. We live in the country in a log house where we have planted trees, shade, nut and fruit. My work is where I live and yes, the computer gets turned off at night.

I recently gave up both meat and dairy products and feel better for it. I am trying buy more local and small business whenever possible. Everyone has to make their own choices what they can do, but I thought it might help to see some of those I have made.

How to Get Start Making Changes

If you’re looking for ways to start making small changes today, here’s what you need to do:

1. Make a list of things you’d like to change.
2. Choose one thing to begin with.
3. Set a goal for yourself.
4. Find out where you can find support.
5. Be patient.
6. Remember that small steps add up.

Doing something regarding sustainability is better than nothing.

There are so many reasons why we should care about sustainability. It affects us directly by affecting our quality of life. It also affects us indirectly because it affects the planet and its inhabitants. Even if all you can do it just a little, that is better than nothing. If everybody on this earth did just a little, we would be in a lot better shape tomorrow! 🌿💖🌎