Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by David Thomas
I have a passion for creating hair products, and when I was planning to launch my brand, TEN Hair Care, I faced a dilemma. Did I really want to contribute to the growing problem of waste in the world? I am one of those people who will stop to pick up litter on the street, and I cannot bear the thought of adding to the problem. I’m not sure what made me this way, but I knew that I had to use my brand to do more good than harm. I want to spread awareness and make a positive impact in my community.
Even a small number of people making a difference in the city can bring about significant change. We live in Los Angeles, which is essentially a desert, and adopting sustainable practices can help conserve our natural resources. Although we may not be facing a drought now, there are better ideas than dumping plastic into the soil because we cannot keep up with recycling. Every little bit counts, especially in a city as large as Los Angeles.
My Personal Sustainability Awakening:
I have always been curious about sustainable living. Although I am not an expert, I am interested in making a difference. I want to share my discoveries as I embark on this journey. In my recent YouTube video, I raised awareness about sustainability by cutting hair for 24 hours. During this time, I asked my clients about their stance on sustainability. I discovered that many people find it difficult or inconvenient to be sustainable.
After the 24-hour challenge, my new goal is to see how sustainable I can be around the house. We use many single-use products like paper towels, but we no longer use paper plates or plastic cups. I also made a list of sustainability refill stations around L.A. and decided to check one out. I visited SUN. MOON. RAIN in Santa Monica. I found fantastic alternatives like toothpaste tablets, laundry detergent, and hand soap. Before visiting the refill station, I didn’t realize how much plastic I used for doing laundry and hand soap. However, when comparing prices, the refill station was more than buying a new bottle. (more on that later) Now, I am faced with choosing between affordability and sustainability.
Sustainable Eating in the City
2017 I switched to a vegan lifestyle, which transformed my life. Although I no longer identify as a vegan, the habits I developed during that time still influenced my approach to food. I prefer to think of myself as a conscious eater who focuses on whole foods and plant-based options. This way of eating has led me to regularly explore local farmer’s markets.
Some argue that farmer’s markets are expensive but more affordable when shopping for essentials. Additionally, I’ve noticed that shopping at farmers’ markets reduces my plastic consumption. Instead of buying large plastic spinach tubs, I pick up a few bunches. My favorite farmer’s markets are Culver City and Santa Monica; I enjoy purchasing eggs there because of the high quality and the knowledge of their source.
Supporting local farmers through farmer’s markets is an excellent way to support the community and local economy. It’s also a great way to learn about the practices used in growing and preparing your food. Recently, I learned how to pick a watermelon and discovered that different breeds have unique patterns on the outside.
Sustainable Home Living in L.A.:
Small actions can lead to significant changes. Even a slight increase in awareness can make a considerable difference in a crowded city. However, most of us, including myself, need more awareness of how our water system works and how we manage fresh water, sewage, and trash. We take long, hot showers, throw things in the trash, and complain when the water is not warm or clean enough. If we start by educating ourselves on water and trash disposal, we can make a small effort towards a better future.
I am a big advocate of recycling and try my best to consume responsibly. We bought a water dispenser from Home Depot and refill it at our local water store or Whole Foods. Although I’m unfamiliar with composting, I cook a lot and try to dispose of our waste properly. For instance, I save our veggie scraps by putting them in the freezer, wait until I have a full bag, then make a delicious broth.
Engaging with the Community:
If you are interested in making a difference and promoting a cleaner environment, you can join us for our quarterly beach cleanup at Playa Del Rey. Our first two cleanups were highly successful, as we were able to remove all the tiny microplastics that the tractor couldn’t clean up. Beach cleanups play a critical role in fighting ocean pollution. You can come and hang out with like-minded individuals, enjoy good vibes, and contribute to a cleaner beach. Additionally, you can sign up to host your own beach cleanup whenever you want using the provided link.
Taking Action: Easy Steps to Start Your Sustainability Journey in L.A.:
Congratulations on making it this far! You are taking the first step towards making a difference in the world. Here are some simple and applicable steps to help you become more sustainable:
– Consider getting water delivered to your home or visit a local water store instead of using plastic water bottles.
– Check out your local sustainability store (a list of which will be provided soon).
– Choose to shop locally instead of using Amazon, even though it may be challenging.
– Look for local beach cleanup events and participate in them.
– Donate to companies like 1% for the Planet, The Ocean Cleanup, and One Tree Planted.
– Consume responsibly and buy your favorite products in bulk.
Conclusion
As the population of Los Angeles continues to grow, we must come together to create a community that welcomes newcomers and teaches them how to respect and care for our city. We owe it to the place that makes our dreams come true. While I’m not a sustainability expert, I’m starting to make changes in my life, and I invite you all to join me in making our city a better place to live by becoming more conscious of our impact on the environment.
If you have any stories about your own sustainability journey, I’d love to hear them. I’m especially interested in composting, which is my latest adventure. I’ll be sharing my progress along the way, so stay tuned. Remember, we’re all in this together.