Small Shifts, Big Impact: Earth Week Tips
Every April 22nd, we’re reminded of something both simple and profound: the Earth needs us. But what if helping the planet didn’t require grand gestures or dramatic lifestyle overhauls? What if it began right at home with the small choices we make each day?
This Earth Week let’s look at a few gentle, doable shifts we can make in our households, our beauty rituals, and even our yoga practice, to honor the Earth and ourselves.
FTC Disclaimer: Some links in this guide may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!1. Greener Habits at Home
Switch to Reusables:
Start with the basics: swap out single-use plastic bags for reusable food storage bags, paper towels for washable rags, and plastic wrap for beeswax wraps. It’s a one-time change that reduces a lifetime of waste.
Eco-friendly Travel Recycle Shopping Bags
I like to hang these onto all the purses, backpacks, fannypacks etc. that I own. So whenever I need a reusable bag, I will have one ready with me instead of having to run back to my car to grab shopping bags from the trunk.
Swedish Kitchen Dishcloths
These are super absorbent and handy. I chose the sea ocean prints but they come in so many different prints and colors. Definitely will have one that will suit your taste.
ROLL'EAT ® Boc'n'Roll Reusable Sandwich Bag
I got these as a gift from a friend and then I ended up loving them so much that I went to purchase more. They are BPA free. Cotton and Polyester composition on the outer layer and waterproof TPU on the interior layer. It’s machine washable but I just give it a quick rinse under the kitchen sink with some detergent and hot water and just leave it on the dish rack to dry. It dries super quickly and before you know it, it is ready for your next use.
Compost Your Scraps:
Food waste that goes to landfills creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Try composting instead. Even apartment dwellers can use compact indoor compost bins or participate in local compost drop-off programs.
BioBag (USA), The Original Compostable Bag
A fun fact about me is I have been composting for many many years. Out of the 3 garbage bins (Compost, Recycle, and Trash) we have to take out on trash days, we got the smallest trash can and the largest compost and recycle bins we could get our hands on. We try to reduce trash whenever possible and make an effort to recycle and compost.
Unplug to Unwind:
Electronics draw energy even when turned off. Unplug devices you’re not using and invest in a smart power strip. Bonus: less screen time = more calm.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning:
Ditch the harsh chemical cleaners. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils can do wonders—plus, they’re better for your lungs and the planet. I use a lot of vinegar and baking soda. For example, I would wash my vegetables and fruits with baking soda, I would use baking soda and vinegar to clear the drain or wash the ventilation filters, and I would put vinegar in the washer to deodorize and clean clothes and towels.
2. Earth-Loving Beauty Tips
Simplify Your Routine:
The fewer products we use, the less waste we create. Opt for multi-use products (like a tinted moisturizer with SPF) and seek out brands with multi-purpose, recyclable, refillable packaging. Some of the climate-friendly Korean brands that use sustainable and refillable packaging are Kjaer Weis, Aromatica, Klairs, Purito, and Innisfree just to name a few.
DIY When You Can:
Make a nourishing face mask or bath soak with ingredients you can find in your own kitchen like avocado, yogurt, milk, honey, and oats. Can save the water you just finished washing your rice, to use as a face cleanser. Not only does it reduce packaging waste, but your skin gets pure, unprocessed care.
Choose Cruelty-Free & Sustainable Brands:
Look for certifications like Leaping Bunny or EcoCert. Read ingredient lists and steer clear of microbeads or palm oil (unless sustainably sourced). I also like to check on EWG.org website and check the ratings on my skincare and cosmetic products.
Recycle (the Right Way):
Beauty packaging can be tricky. Terracycle offers recycling programs for hard-to-recycle items like mascara tubes and lipstick cases.
3. Eco-Aware Yoga & Self-Care
Invest in Sustainable Gear:
Cork yoga blocks, natural rubber mats, and organic cotton straps are all durable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials. Yoga brands such as PrAna, Girlfriend Collective, Tentree, and Manduka are known for using organic materials, recycled content, and ethical production methods. I have mentioned in my previous blog that I love my Manduka PRO yoga mat. It just has the right density and cushion which keeps my limbs and joints comfortable and protected.
Practice Mindful Breathwork (Pranayama):
No energy needed—just your lungs and being in the presence. A few minutes of deep breathing not only reduces your stress, it also can reconnects you with the rhythms of the Earth.
Outdoor Yoga = Zero Energy, Maximum Zen:
Take your practice outside. Nature becomes your studio. The sun becomes your heat lamp. You can save electricity and get yourself some vitamin D fix at the same time.
Support Local Studios & Eco-Instructors:
If you take classes, seek out studios that prioritize sustainable practices—like using natural cleaning products or avoiding single-use plastic cups.
Living more sustainably doesn't mean living less beautifully or peacefully. Quite the opposite. When we align our daily habits with the rhythms of the Earth, everything feels more harmonious—our homes, our bodies, and our minds.
This Earth Week, let’s honor our planet with intention and grace, one small act at a time. Because healing the Earth starts with how we live in it.
Wow Yourself!