This Week In Sustainability - Edition 7

Sustainability In The Press

On April 3rd Aldi sent out a press release stating that by 2025, all packaging will be reusable, compostable, or recyclable. ALDI has never offered single-use plastic shopping bags. The CEO, Jason Hart said, “While we’re pleased that we’ve helped keep billions of plastic grocery bags out of landfills and oceans, we want to continue to do more. The commitments we’re making to reduce plastic packaging waste are an investment in our collective future that we are proud to make.”

As weather patterns become more extreme, those living in government-subsidized housing are suffering (as well as the government’s wallet). Many of these housing complexes are built on flood plains, which are flooding more and more frequently. The residents are not in a financial position to leave, allowing them to move to safer ground. HUD cites that low-income housing is at a shortage, so complexes built in unsafe areas are here to stay.

A team of scientists determined that 16% of the glacial lakes that are melting in the Tibetan Plateau have the ability to flood and destroy communities downstream. This was the most comprehensive study done to date on glacial flood risk, and the team hopes their findings can help governments pinpoint which lakes they need to set up risk management efforts for and protect people’s lives.

There’s a new docuseries out on Netflix and it’s going to make your heart hurt. Our Planet documents the effect of climate change on animals species across the globe. The eight-part series took four years to film in 50 countries. If you are an animal lover, you may want to skip over a few parts!

Sustainability Podcasts

Food Heroes Podcast Episode 024: Mindful Manufacturing and Following Your Passion with Cindy Poiesz

Green Dreamer Podcast Episode 128: Questioning Overconsumption and our Wasteful Fashion System with Sarah-Jayne Smith

Parting Thoughts

A year ago today marks my last "shopping spree." I spent $74 at Goodwill and came home with a whole new wardrobe - including labels like Ralph Lauren, Patagonia, Abercrombie, and Christie Dawn. I had just done a "Clear Closet Clear Mind" clean out (which is a simple clothes purging system I share in my ebook The Holistic Home) and knew I was ready for a fresh start on my clothes. Since that spree, I've purchased a few musts like socks, bras, and underwear - but the secondhand clothes have lasted and I love them. I encourage you to do a closet clean-out and focus on what you actually love and wear, then buy secondhand if you feel inspired to shop! 

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