From using less energy to eating local, organic produce, and reducing waste, we can all make a conscious effort to decrease our carbon footprints and create a better planet for all of us to enjoy.
While we adapt to changes in our day-to-day lives, Earth Day offers an opportunity to give appreciation to the ground we stand on. At Thistle, sustainability forms one of the key foundations of our company, and we believe that the best way to nurture ourselves is in a way that cares for our communities and environment. Not only do we work hard to source sustainable ingredients and utilize facilities that run on carbon-free energy, but we are also constantly looking for new ways to help our planet.
This Earth Day, there are things you can do to help the environment. In fact, now might be the perfect time to start developing habits that can reduce your carbon footprint and benefit the planet! Challenge yourself and others this Earth Day to make positive changes in your homes and your routines to work toward more sustainable, conscious living.
Need a hand with brainstorming some of these positive changes? Consider some of the following suggestions to help you to be more cognizant as a global citizen and extend your Earth Day celebration throughout the year:
Flip the Switch
Energy conservation is not only important for reducing our carbon footprint, but it is also a simple and effective way to lower utility costs. Instead of leaving electrical devices on idle—like appliances and chargers—save that energy by unplugging and shutting down whenever they are not in use. Take advantage of natural lighting during the daytime and be mindful of leaving unnecessary lights on at night.
Eat a Plant-Forward Diet
Eating a plant-forward diet is the single most impactful way to reduce your overall environmental footprint. From greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption to air and water pollution and species extinction, eating more plants reduces the demand for and destructive effects of animal protein on our ecosystem.
Buy Local & Organic
Organic produce preserves soil integrity, which is an investment in fruitful future crops. The lack of chemical pesticides in organic produce means safer fruits and veggies and no chemical runoff into our local waterways. We partner with local farmers, artisans, and producers who are stewards of the land and employ sustainable, regenerative, and transparent practices to help build a better food system.
Reduce Waste
Did you know that in the US food waste is estimated between 30-40 percent of all food supply? This isn’t just a huge waste of food and money, it also adds to the amount of carbon dioxide creation by producing, processing, transporting, preparing, storing, and disposing of wasted food. We’re proud of the huge strides we’ve made in tracking and attacking food waste at Thistle: we’ve halved our food waste from a year ago, and we currently waste less than a quarter of the average individual consumer. We also hope that by eating our perfectly portioned Thistle meals, we’re helping our customers avoid purchasing extra groceries that might otherwise end up in compost or landfill.
Compost & Recycle
Try to compost vegetable trimmings and spoiled food instead of putting your food waste in the bin. Not only will this reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, but it’s also a simple way to add nutrients to your lawn or garden that fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. Don’t forget to check if a food container can be recycled before throwing it away.
Instead of using paper towels to clean your home, re-purpose old towels and t-shirts by cutting them into small cleaning cloths.
Consider starting an Earth Day tradition by taking a walk and using gloves or tongs to pick up any lingering litter by your home. Enjoy the fresh air while doing your part to keep our neighborhoods clean.
Grow Your Own Garden
Have fun crafting a small garden either in the yard or in windowsill boxes. This home addition brightens up the view, filters the air coming into your home, and gives you space for growing herbs and small vegetable patches. Include wildflowers to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and step back in appreciation for the beauties of nature.
You can also take part in the world’s largest environmental movement online to find out where you can make the most impact. Whether it be partaking in digital events, signing petitions, or educating ourselves and our loved ones, the way we celebrate Earth Day matters and can impact the way we act throughout the year. We’re all in this together!
From using less energy to eating local, organic produce, and reducing waste, we can all make a conscious effort to decrease our carbon footprints and create a better planet for all of us to enjoy.
While we adapt to changes in our day-to-day lives, Earth Day offers an opportunity to give appreciation to the ground we stand on. At Thistle, sustainability forms one of the key foundations of our company, and we believe that the best way to nurture ourselves is in a way that cares for our communities and environment. Not only do we work hard to source sustainable ingredients and utilize facilities that run on carbon-free energy, but we are also constantly looking for new ways to help our planet.
This Earth Day, there are things you can do to help the environment. In fact, now might be the perfect time to start developing habits that can reduce your carbon footprint and benefit the planet! Challenge yourself and others this Earth Day to make positive changes in your homes and your routines to work toward more sustainable, conscious living.
Need a hand with brainstorming some of these positive changes? Consider some of the following suggestions to help you to be more cognizant as a global citizen and extend your Earth Day celebration throughout the year:
Flip the Switch
Energy conservation is not only important for reducing our carbon footprint, but it is also a simple and effective way to lower utility costs. Instead of leaving electrical devices on idle—like appliances and chargers—save that energy by unplugging and shutting down whenever they are not in use. Take advantage of natural lighting during the daytime and be mindful of leaving unnecessary lights on at night.
Eat a Plant-Forward Diet
Eating a plant-forward diet is the single most impactful way to reduce your overall environmental footprint. From greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption to air and water pollution and species extinction, eating more plants reduces the demand for and destructive effects of animal protein on our ecosystem.
Buy Local & Organic
Organic produce preserves soil integrity, which is an investment in fruitful future crops. The lack of chemical pesticides in organic produce means safer fruits and veggies and no chemical runoff into our local waterways. We partner with local farmers, artisans, and producers who are stewards of the land and employ sustainable, regenerative, and transparent practices to help build a better food system.
Reduce Waste
Did you know that in the US food waste is estimated between 30-40 percent of all food supply? This isn’t just a huge waste of food and money, it also adds to the amount of carbon dioxide creation by producing, processing, transporting, preparing, storing, and disposing of wasted food. We’re proud of the huge strides we’ve made in tracking and attacking food waste at Thistle: we’ve halved our food waste from a year ago, and we currently waste less than a quarter of the average individual consumer. We also hope that by eating our perfectly portioned Thistle meals, we’re helping our customers avoid purchasing extra groceries that might otherwise end up in compost or landfill.
Compost & Recycle
Try to compost vegetable trimmings and spoiled food instead of putting your food waste in the bin. Not only will this reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, but it’s also a simple way to add nutrients to your lawn or garden that fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. Don’t forget to check if a food container can be recycled before throwing it away.
Instead of using paper towels to clean your home, re-purpose old towels and t-shirts by cutting them into small cleaning cloths.
Consider starting an Earth Day tradition by taking a walk and using gloves or tongs to pick up any lingering litter by your home. Enjoy the fresh air while doing your part to keep our neighborhoods clean.
Grow Your Own Garden
Have fun crafting a small garden either in the yard or in windowsill boxes. This home addition brightens up the view, filters the air coming into your home, and gives you space for growing herbs and small vegetable patches. Include wildflowers to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and step back in appreciation for the beauties of nature.
You can also take part in the world’s largest environmental movement online to find out where you can make the most impact. Whether it be partaking in digital events, signing petitions, or educating ourselves and our loved ones, the way we celebrate Earth Day matters and can impact the way we act throughout the year. We’re all in this together!
