I can't imagine how many posts you are going to see this year telling you about all the sustainable things you can do to respect the planet and still have a good time. Well, we thought we would also put together a list of the easiest things you can do too, except our list will be bare bones and only give you the "greenest" options. No razzle, no dazzle, all killer, no filler. Sorry that these suggestions are pretty christian focused. Don't use wrapping paper, put your gift in a reusable bag instead. I have honestly been doing this for years. I throw my gifts in a sack and present them to my friends and family each year. Nobody cares that the gift is in a reusable bag, and if they want they can even keep the bag afterwards (I mean who doesn't have a 1000 of these things all about anyways).  I think I might even be as bold as to say that some people are relieved that they don't have to deal with that paper afterwards. It might seem innocuous but wrapping paper i...

In their 2008 progress report, the China Council for International Cooperation on Environmental Development defined the circular economy as " a generic term for the reducing, reusing and recycling activities conducted in the process of production, circulation, and consumption " (CCICED, 2008). In the 1990s, the term "Circular Economy" was popularized in China, stemming from rapid economic growth and subsequent strain on the country's natural resources. The principle of a circular economy is to capitalize on the recycling/reuse of raw materials while balancing natural resource use with economic growth. Although definitions of circular economy are relatively modern, the fundamentals of the circular economy have been around since before the industrial revolution.   Examples of a circular economy in Ottawa are second-hand stores such as Value Village. The role of thrift stores in promoting reuse is essential. Buying clothing second-hand is an efficient way to pr...

Part three in a three-part series brought to you by us, sharing note-worthy tips and tricks on shopping smart, reducing your textile waste footprint PLUS, how to find sustainable brands! Finding brands that are legitimately sustainable is easier than you think. Often, companies claim to have changed their business models to more sustainable, eco-friendly habits but don’t be fooled: You have to do your research! See if a particular brand follows the criteria given. WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SEARCHING FOR SUSTAINABLE BRANDS So this is it, we’ve convinced you enough to join the green side.You’re not alone, Sustainable Fashion Matterz says that in 2017, the amount of Google searches for “Sustainable Fashion” had risen by over 250% from January 2017 to December 2018. But wait, how do you know if a company is truly sustainable? Follow these guidelines when evaluating the best brand for you. LEGITIMACY  Although this is rare for clothing companies, companies that do have char...

The well-worn, Madmen-esque marketing mantra that "sex sells" may still hold up, but a new wave of conscious consumerism has folks many reaching for benefit-corporation over bikini-clad and eco-products over easy prices. But why can't we have both? Who wouldn't want to look hot, fun, beautiful, trendy, cool, sexy etc.  and still do better for the planet and its people? What is known as "fast fashion" is a complex and frightening issue in which the hottest trends are made to appear to come and go so quickly that consumers feel the need to buy more and more with little regard for the environmental and ethical impact of the industry. Fashion is the third most polluting industry in the world, and the second largest consumer of water. Around 13 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year. Furthermore, the hazardous production and manufacture process  is horrible for water systems, agriculture and even your own health. Plus, the push for fa...

Packing to move to university can quickly turn into a Tetris-like nightmare. Fitting your life into one minivan isn’t easy- how about fitting all those essentials into a suitcase and carry-on, a challenge presented to many international and out-of-province students each September? What if I told you you’ll be able to find almost everything you’ll need once you arrive, available right on campus, for FREE? Let me introduce you to your new favourite place - the Free Store , a converted house where donated items are cleaned, sorted, and offered back to the university community, free of charge. Though you can downsize all you want, there are still certain items you’ll need whether moving into a university residence or an apartment off-campus. Here is a list of the top things you’ll need during your time as a student- but should NOT pack! Basically any kitchen items Most incoming students will benefit from the all new Dining Hall and will realize they have hardly any need for th...

Each spring, I end up looking at my wardrobe in complete desolation.  I never know how to dress when the weather gets too warm to wear my winter coat and boots, but not warm enough yet to wear my favorite summer dresses and skirts.  Adds to my desperation when I sort through my stuff and find clothes that I haven’t worn in years… So this year I decided to see things differently.  Rather than keeping all of my old clothes, I decided to bring everything I didn’t want anymore to the Free Store.  And over there, I was able to find some great pieces that could easily be paired with accessories and basic pieces that I already owned in order to create new and fun outfits.  With the help of other students working and volunteering with the Office of Campus Sustainability, I was able to organize a photoshoot to show you where a little creativity can take you. As the weather gets warmer, sweaters often get pushed over to the top shelf of the closet, never to be seen...