SUSTAINABLE HACKS & HABITS

Explore five ways to live more sustainably.

Some of the choices and changes we can make in our daily lives for the sake of a smaller footprint are actually quite delightful. Check out these cool opportunities to be kinder to the environment in what you wear, buy, plant and ride!

1. REDUCE, REUSE

FD

MARKET | VERDE BETHLEHEM

fdmarketco.com | verdebethlehem.com

Cut your part in the proliferation of polluting plastics with sustainable household products and refillable bulk shopping. At Verde Bethlehem or FD Market (with locations in Emmaus and Easton) you can re-up glass bottles of dish soap, procure a plant-based bath pouf and otherwise outfit your home with versions of common items that can end up in the compost instead of the landfill

2. BETTER OFF BIKING

SOUTH MOUNTAIN CYCLE & CAFE southmountaincycle.com

When it comes to the health of our planet, cars are not cute. Mass transit aside, biking as a way to get around is good for our earth and our bodies. If you’ve ever thought your errands or commute could be done on two wheels but you’re not sure where to start, the folks at South Mountain Cycle & Cafe can match you with the best bike for your needs as well as a nice cup of java.

3. PLANT NATIVE PARKLAND NURSERIES EDGE OF THE WOODS NATIVE PLANT NURSERY parklandnurseries.net | edgeofthewoodsnursery.com

The local ecosystem has evolved a network of interconnected plants, animals and insects that need each other. Taking the time to make our yards part of that instead of obstructing the natural order with alien species means more continuity and support for the health of the region. Sustainable landscape architects at Parkland Nurseries can make sure your little oasis is kind to its community, or plant yourself from Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery, also based in Orefield.

4.THRIFT IT THE 330 THRIFT

the330thrift.com

Fast fashion is now known as one of the Four (or more) Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and why fall for its toxic allure when the unique finds at resale stores can give a better opportunity to express your individual style? By buying secondhand, we reduce the demand for new products and the associated carbon emissions from manufacturing and transportation. Give it a try or find your new go-to hunting hot spot at The 330 Thrift in Bethlehem, a cute and carefully curated boutique.

5. SHOP FROM HOME WILLOW HAVEN FARM

willowhavenfarmpa.com

Having groceries delivered saves time and protects against extraneous impulse buys, and though it can feel a bit indulgent, it’s got an eco-friendly edge. By making fewer trips to multiple households, grocery delivery vehicles keep their customers’ individual cars off the road. Even some local CSAs deliver, like Willow Haven Farm in New Tripoli. Their offerings go beyond organic produce to supply breads, cheeses, eggs, coffee, pasta, cookies and lots more.