What You Will Learn

• Global citizenship transcends nationality, emphasizing our shared humanity and ethical responsibilities.
• Engaging with global issues fosters awareness and promotes social justice, equality, and sustainability.
• Educational frameworks are essential for cultivating global citizenship among future generations.
• Youth play a pivotal role in shaping a global community through activism and engagement.
• A personal action plan can guide you in making meaningful contributions to global challenges.
• Participating in organizations and networks amplifies your advocacy efforts and connects you with like-minded individuals.

We Want to Hear From You!

As we delve deeper into the concept of global citizenship, we’d love to know your thoughts. How do you define global citizenship in your own life? What actions do you take to embody this philosophy?

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Recap of Key Points

Here is a quick recap of the important points discussed in the article:

• Global Citizenship Defined: Emphasizes shared humanity, interconnectedness, and the responsibility to engage in global issues.
• Ethical Responsibilities: Advocates for social justice, equal rights, and environmental sustainability as integral parts of global citizenry.
• Educational Frameworks: Incorporates global themes into education, promoting critical thinking and experiential learning to foster global awareness.
• Acting on Global Issues: Encourages the creation of personal action plans and daily practices that contribute to global citizenship.
• Engagement Opportunities: Highlights organizations and resources available for individuals to deepen their involvement in global advocacy.

What You Will Learn

• Zero waste living aims to send no waste to landfills, promoting sustainability and resourcefulness.
• Adopting the five key principles: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot is essential for a zero waste lifestyle.
• Reducing waste is crucial for conserving natural resources and combating climate change.
• Participating in challenges and community initiatives enhances motivation and builds a support network.
• Understanding the circular economy can empower informed purchasing decisions and promote sustainable practices.

We Want to Hear From You!

What step are you most excited to take in your zero waste journey? Share your thoughts below:

Submit

Recap of Key Points

Here is a quick recap of the important points discussed in the article:

• Zero Waste Living: Aims to send no waste to landfills by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials.
• Key Principles: Follow the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.
• Importance of Waste Reduction: Helps conserve resources, decreases pollution, and promotes sustainable practices.
• Influential Figures: Bea Johnson and Lauren Singer have significantly shaped the zero waste movement, providing guidance and inspiration.
• Progress Over Perfection: Focus on small, manageable changes to create a sustainable lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.
• Circular Economy: Emphasizes redesigning consumption patterns to minimize waste and supports sustainable business practices.
• Next Steps: Engage in challenges or initiatives to deepen your commitment and connect with a supportive community.

What You Will Learn

• Plant-based proteins are derived from sources like legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains, providing essential amino acids without harmful fats.
• Incorporating plant-based proteins can reduce the risk of chronic diseases while promoting a healthier lifestyle.
• The plant-based protein market is rapidly expanding, driven by growing consumer interest in health, sustainability, and ethical eating.
• Future innovations may include novel protein sources and products tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences.

We Want to Hear From You!

What aspect of plant-based proteins interests you the most? Is it the health benefits, environmental impact, or culinary versatility? Share your thoughts below:

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Recap of Key Points

• Plant-based proteins, sourced from legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains, are beneficial for health and the environment.
• These proteins provide essential amino acids while being lower in saturated fats, calories, and helping reduce chronic disease risk.
• The plant-based protein market is rapidly expanding due to increasing health awareness, dietary preferences, and sustainability concerns.
• Future trends include innovative ingredients, enhanced nutritional profiles, personalized products, and a focus on sustainability.
• When incorporating plant-based proteins into your diet, consider personal nutritional needs and lifestyle choices for the best experience.

Unfortunately, CeraVe skin care isn’t considered cruelty free, vegan, or sustainable. Part of The L’Oréal Group, CeraVe may offer budget-friendly products rooted in the science of dermatology, but the brand doesn’t develop its line with environment or sustainability in mind.

Not Cruelty Free Certified

CeraVe is not certified cruelty free by any global organizations that certify these types of products, such as PETA or Leaping Bunny.  Although CeraVe says it doesn’t directly test its products on animals, it fails to monitor its ingredient providers and third-party suppliers for animal testing practices. 

Additionally, CeraVe sells products in Brazil and mainland China, which up until 2021 had legal requirements for animal testing on imported cosmetics. While these laws are rapidly changing, companies committed to being cruelty free don’t directly sell products in these regions.

Is CeraVe Vegan?

CeraVe can’t be considered a vegan brand because many of its products contain animal derivatives, including glycerin and cholesterol.

According to CeraVe representatives, the products don’t contain porcine, bovine, or ovine-originating ingredients except for lanolin (derived from sheep). They may, however, leverage ingredients derived from bees, fish, or eggs.

Sustainability Issues

As of 2022, CeraVe doesn’t use recycled shipping materials or deploy carbon offsets. The company employs plastic containers to package its products, which may not be recyclable depending on your municipality’s program. The brand’s cleanser bars are its only products packaged in recyclable cardboard, but these are merely three items out of 77 personal care products on offer.

What about environmentally unfriendly ingredients? Many CeraVe Products contain dimethicone, a common palm oil derivative. While consuming products containing palm oil is a complicated issue, CeraVe’s use of this ingredient is an additional hole in the company’s sustainability profile.

Petrolatum is another ingredient found in CeraVe products. Often used in skin care for its ability to create a protective barrier to retain moisture, the ingredient is derived from petroleum (oil). Petrolatum may also be called petroleum jelly, mineral oil, white petrolatum, or paraffin oil in ingredient lists.

Ethical Concerns

CeraVe is a subsidiary of The L’Oréal Group, a company that has received negative reviews from The Ethical Consumer. The L’Oréal Group’s supply chain is not particularly transparent, making it difficult for watch groups to verify whether ingredients are sourced using animal, child, or slave labor. 

The L’Oreal Group’s Sustainability Goals

Treehugger attempted to obtain more information from CeraVe regarding its ingredient sourcing and sustainability practices but received only a superficial response from company representatives referencing The L’Oréal Group’s 2030 vision for global sustainability. CeraVe has been part of The L’Oréal Group since 2017.

The group’s sustainability manifesto, issued in June 2020, states that the company intends to reach complete carbon neutrality by 2025 and use 100% recycled or bio-based plastics by 2030. The document also establishes ambitious goals regarding the ethical and sustainability practices of the company, its suppliers, and consumers. What these commitments mean for CeraVe specifically remains to be seen.

Alternatives to CeraVe

CeraVe isn’t cruelty free or vegan, but other companies with similar product lines do prioritize green skin care alternatives. Check out these suggestions from Byrdie’s roundup of effective sustainable skin care.

• Cleansing: Klur Gentle Matter cleanser lifts oil and dirt from pores, and offers a sustainable alternative to CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser. 
• Retexturing: A plant-based alternative to CeraVe Smoothing Cream is Cocokind’s Texture Smoothing Cream. It’s lightweight, nutrient-rich, and effective.
• Eye Cream: Instead of using CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream, try Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream. The cream refreshes the skin and the brand is cruelty free and vegan, and uses sustainable packaging. 

Last Updated on August 21, 2025

When you’re shopping for clothing, food, or home goods, you’ve probably seen labels like Fair Trade Certified, GOTS, or B Corp. These eco-labels can feel confusing – what do they all mean, and which ones should you look for if you want to shop more sustainably?

While I don’t believe that every single product needs to pass a perfect ‘eco-friendly’ litmus test, (because that doesn’t exist!) I do think these labels and certificates can help us make better and more informed choices.

This guide breaks down the most common sustainability certifications and what each one represents. Knowing these can help you cut through the greenwashing and support brands that are actually making a difference.

why these eco-friendly labels matter:

Not all “eco-friendly” claims are created equal. Many products use vague language like “natural,” “green,” or “eco,” but those words are often just marketing buzzwords with no real standards behind them. This is where third-party certifications come in. They provide independent verification so you can trust that a product actually meets sustainability benchmarks.

When you understand what these sustainability certifications mean, you gain the tools to:

• Avoid Greenwashing: Certifications act as proof. For example, a T-shirt labeled GOTS Certified Organic Cotton has been verified at every stage of production, unlike one simply marketed as “made with organic cotton,” which could be just a small percentage of the fabric.
• Support Ethical Labor and Farming: Labels like Fair Trade Certified ensure farmers and workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions, so your purchase directly supports communities around the globe.
• Choose Safer, Cleaner Products: Certifications like OEKO-TEX reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals in clothing, bedding, food, and personal care. This matters for your health as much as the planet’s.
• Help Shift Industries Toward Transparency: When more consumers demand certified products, businesses are pressured to adopt measurable sustainability practices. Programs like B Corp and Climate Neutral hold entire companies accountable, not just individual products.
• Make Smarter, Longer-Lasting Purchases: Certified products not always but often have to meet higher durability, sourcing, or repairability standards, which means less waste and better value over time.

In short, these labels give you a way to cut through the noise, shop with confidence, and ensure that your money is going toward businesses truly working for people and the planet.

food & farming certifications

fair trade certified

Guarantees farmers and workers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. Premiums also fund community development projects like schools and healthcare. Commonly seen on coffee, chocolate, and cotton.

usda organic / certified organic

Ensures crops are grown without synthetic pesticides, GMOs, or fertilizers. Organic certification supports soil health, biodiversity, and cleaner ingredients. Found on food, textiles, and personal care.

rainforest alliance certified

Focuses on biodiversity, sustainable land use, and better farmer livelihoods. You’ll see the frog logo on coffee, cocoa, tea, bananas, and other agricultural goods.

demeter biodynamic

Goes beyond organic by certifying biodynamic farming practices, which treat the farm as a living ecosystem. Standards include composting, crop rotation, and biodiversity preservation. Products often include wine, produce, and grains.

msc (marine stewardship council)

Found on seafood products. Ensures fish are caught using sustainable practices that protect marine ecosystems. Certification requires maintaining fish populations and reducing bycatch.

textiles & fashion certifications

gots (global organic textile standard)

Applies to the full textile supply chain, from organic fiber harvesting to finished product. GOTS-certified products are free from toxic chemicals and meet strict labor standards.

oeko-tex® standard 100

Tests textiles for harmful substances, from pesticides to heavy metals. Every component (zippers, thread, buttons) must pass. Widely used for clothing, bedding, and baby products.

fair wear foundation

Focuses on improving labor conditions in garment factories. Fair Wear works directly with brands and suppliers to ensure safe working environments and fair pay.

beauty & personal care certifications

cruelty free / leaping bunny

Ensures that neither the finished product nor its ingredients were tested on animals. Leaping Bunny is considered the gold standard, more rigorous than generic “cruelty-free” claims.

ewg verified

Found on cosmetics, skincare, and cleaning products. Ensures products meet strict ingredient safety standards and avoid harmful chemicals. Helps consumers choose safer, healthier options.

business & corporate responsibility certifications

b corp certified

A company-wide certification measuring environmental impact, worker treatment, community engagement, and governance. Businesses must meet high accountability and transparency standards.

1% for the planet

Brands commit to donating 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits. Purchases directly fund climate action, conservation, and grassroots groups.

climate neutral certified

Requires companies to measure, reduce, and offset their carbon emissions annually. Certification ensures ongoing emissions reductions, not just offsets.

plastic neutral

Brands measure their plastic use and offset it by funding programs that remove an equivalent amount of plastic waste from the environment.

fair for life

Certifies companies across supply chains for both social and environmental responsibility. Covers fair wages, safe working conditions, and ecological practices.

sa8000

A global standard for ethical working conditions. Ensures no child or forced labor, safe workplaces, and fair treatment of workers.

cradle to cradle certified

Assesses circular product design across five categories: material health, product circularity, renewable energy, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Encourages true closed-loop systems.

leed (leadership in energy and environmental design)

The most recognized green building certification. Covers energy efficiency, water use, indoor air quality, and sustainable construction practices.

energy star

Certifies appliances, electronics, and buildings that meet strict energy efficiency standards. Products reduce carbon emissions while saving money on utility bills.

carbon trust / pas 2060

Certifications that measure and verify carbon footprints. PAS 2060 sets standards for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality.

forestry and paper certifications

fsc (forest stewardship council)

Ensures wood, paper, and packaging come from responsibly managed forests. Protects ecosystems and indigenous rights while promoting sustainable forestry.

sfi (sustainable forestry initiative)

Common in North America. Focuses on sustainable forest management, biodiversity, and responsible supply chains. You’ll see it on wood, paper, and packaging.

blue angel (germany)

One of the oldest eco-labels, also applied to wood and furniture. Products must meet strict standards for environmental safety, recyclability, and emissions.

Sustainability certifications aren’t perfect, but they’re one of the best tools we have to separate genuine action from empty marketing. By looking for trusted eco-labels whether it’s Fair Trade on your coffee, GOTS on your clothing, or FSC on your paper products you’re advocating for more transparency.

Each purchase may feel small, but collectively these decisions send a powerful message: consumers want safer products, ethical labor, and businesses that put people and the planet first. The more we support certified brands, the more sustainable practices become the norm rather than the exception.

Throughout history, environmentalists have had a great impact not only on natural spaces, but also on individual lives. Environmentalists have been founders of public lands, the brains behind regenerative agriculture, authors of seminal literature, and voices of people, wildlife, and centuries-old trees.

Here’s a list of 17 influential scientists, conservationists, ecologists, and other rabble-rousing leaders who’ve been central to the ever-growing green movement.

Last Updated on August 19, 2025

Reusing your items is one of the best things you can do for the environment. As well as simply using what you have!  

Before buying new, I’ll borrow from a loved one first. If that doesn’t work, getting it secondhand is second best. And, as a last resort, I’ll buy it new – but support small businesses where applicable. 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

There’s already so many items on this planet – and our resources aren’t infinite. Did you know every single piece of plastic ever made still exists today? Considering most items are made from plastic nowadays, we should make the effort to buy less and choose well.

If you’re looking for a list of items that you can reuse over and over again, here’s what I love to use.

This post is divided into sections to make it easier to navigate, so feel free to jump around where you need to. I also tried to link to small businesses whenever possible in place of Amazon. 

kitchen 

The kitchen is one of the most wasteful rooms of the home. And I spend a good chunk of time in it whipping up scrappy recipes (check them out in my new book, 101 Tips For a Zero Waste Kitchen)! 

1. reusable water bottle 

Almost everyone has a reusable water bottle nowadays, which is great! But I’ve noticed that sometimes people feel pressured to buy these to be trendy (ahem, Stanley cups anyone?).

Now those very Stanley cups are littering thrift stores. My best advice? Stick to what you have.

And if you are in need of a new reusable water bottle, I’ve had my Klean Kanteen for 6 years and couldn’t be happier with it! 

2. tumbler 

If you love hitting up cafes for tea or coffee, consider bringing a reusable tumbler with you! I’ve even been known to bring a coffee mug from home in the past if I plan to stay for a bit.

Of course, double check the cafe doesn’t offer their own mugs if you order it to stay. Many small, local cafes will!  

3. french press 

I cannot say enough about my French press – yes, it can make coffee. But it also can make loose leaf tea! And we love a versatile, reusable product that eliminates the need for single-use K-cups or plastic tea bags. 

4. stasher bags 

To replace plastic ziplock bags, I recommend silicone bags that seal shut. Stasher bags are a good option to consider. You can use them in the microwave, freezer, or even the oven.  

5. metal lunch box 

A metal lunch box totally beats wrapping a sandwich in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They even have tiered ones which are great when you want to pack more than one thing but don’t want the foods touching. You can wash and reuse it for years to come. 

6. snapware  

Glass snapware is perfect for storing leftovers, cut produce, and transporting homemade goodies! You don’t have to worry about plastic leaching into your food either. And it can be frozen too, if need be. 

7. silicone baking mat 

I love lining my pans with a silicone baking mat – I use it in place of parchment paper or tin foil and it works like a charm. Just clean and repeat! Use some baking soda and a wooden scrubber to get off burnt-on grime. 

8. silicone covers 

Silicone bowl covers work great at covering bowls with leftovers instead of using plastic wrap. I don’t prefer beeswax wraps (though that is another option). 

9. long handled wood dish brush 

Instead of a sponge, which can get grody very fast, consider switching to a long handle wooden dish brush! Not only will it make cleaning easier, it helps reduce plastic waste.

And, you only have to change out the top part of it periodically – which can be composted. I like to use it in tandem with a dish soap block, but refillable liquid soap is a great option too. 

10. rechargeable candle lighter 

Instead of single-use matches, try switching to a reusable candle lighter. You can recharge it, so it can be reused indefinitely! Saves you money in the long run. Pair it with some sustainable, non-toxic candles! 

11. cloth napkins 

I’m never purchasing single-use napkins again. Reusable cloth napkins save SO much money, and when you’re done, just chuck them in the washing machine! There are so many cute ones you can invest in with a multitude of patterns to fit any vibe.

cleaning 

There’s a lot of waste that comes with cleaning (paper towels, wipes, harsh chemicals etc.). But there doesn’t have to be!  

12. reusable cloth towels 

Instead of paper towels, try using reusable cloth towels to clean messes. This can be rags (from old t-shirts or sheets) or microfiber cloths.

Just chuck them into the laundry bin when you’re done. And yes – you can use these to clean toilets too! Make sure to keep a color coded system going. 

13. swedish dish cloths 

Swedish dish cloths are great for cleaning countertops – and they’re reusable for a long time. Think of them like a reusable paper towel. Just add water, some soap, and you can use them to clean surfaces. Or soak up spills.

They can even be washed (just air dry them). When they reach the end of their life, just cut them up and add them to your compost! 

14. reusable swiffer pads 

If you still have a swiffer pad, don’t toss it. Just get reusable swiffer pads! When yours starts to look grimy, toss it in the wash. No waste needed! If you’re good at sewing, you can probably even make your own. 

15. washable duster 

I have a plastic-free feather duster I purchased secondhand made from ostrich feathers and a wooden handle. It gets the job done and I don’t need to waste any disposable wipes or paper towels.  

16. refillable cleaning products 

Instead of buying a new bottle of cleaner every month, why not reuse the same container and just refill it? Many sustainable cleaning companies offer refills that reduce so much plastic waste.

Blueland is a good example of this – nab their spray bottles once, then refill it using their condensed, water-activated refills. Here are some more sustainable cleaning options. And I also love DIY cleaning products too – as long as it’s not laundry detergent! 

bathroom and personal care 

The bathroom is an area where a lot of waste gets generated. It’s probably the second most wasteful room in the home after the kitchen.

Makeup, skincare, and haircare products can also be extremely wasteful. Especially if you like to keep up with trends, or get those ‘restock’ videos on your feed.

FYI – those videos aren’t normal and are usually beauty influencers who receive tons of PR (no average person could go through THAT much product, even in one year’s time). 

17. reusable cotton rounds 

Instead of disposable cotton rounds, I made my own reusable cotton rounds from scrap fabric! I had a flannel shirt that shrunk and didn’t want to toss it – so I upcycled it instead. I can reuse these cotton rounds over and over, which I love. I use them to remove makeup or apply toner to my skin.  

18. bidet attachment 

I don’t use toilet paper wrapped in plastic (I’ve switched to Who Gives a Crap), but I barely even need TP because of my bidet! It’s easy to install a bidet on your toilet (yes, they even have ones for renters).

Tushy is one option, but there are many bidet brands out there worth checking out. Bidets can be used to clean more than just number two – they’re great for post-sex and workouts, and that time of the month (ladies, just lean forward a little bit). They’ll keep you clean in so many ways! 

19. refillable soap 

Instead of using hand soap you dispose of after it empties, consider switching to a container you can refill. Head to a local refillery (if you have one), or buy from a brand that offers refillable hand soap options. 

The same applies to shampoo, conditioner, and body wash soap too! There are several brands that make refillable products you can use in the bathroom. Plaine Products, Public Goods, and Blueland are just a few options to consider. You can also use bar soap. 

20. handkerchiefs 

I’ve stopped using tissues and switched over to handkerchiefs instead, which can be washed after use. I fold them in an accordion pattern so when you pull one, it’ll automatically pull the next one out.

I store them in an old porcelain cover box. Many of them are from my grandmother and great grandmother, which is a lovely way of keeping them with me.  

21. reusable period products

In the U.S. alone, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown out every year. Switching to reusable period underwear is a great way to reduce period waste. 

I co-founded a period underwear company (Kayaness) with my best friend, Shelby, so I’m a little biased! 

But period underwear are wonderful for those irritated by period pads and tampons and want to feel like they’re wearing nothing. Use the discount code kay10 for $10 off your first order!  

But reusable pads and menstrual cups are also options for those who prefer extra coverage. Menstrual cups may take some trial and error to find the right fit – but once you do, it will keep for hours! 

22. safety razor 

Disposable razors don’t work well and rack up in cash. But when you buy a safety razor, it’s not something you’ll have to replace for years (if ever).

All you’ll need to do is replace the razor blades – but those can be recycled. And honestly, I bought a pack of refills back in 2017 that I’m still using – it will probably last me for several more years, seeing as they don’t have to be replaced frequently. 

23. glass nail file 

Most nail files are flimsy and break after a few uses. However, I absolutely love my reusable glass nail file because I can just wash it clean when I’m done and reuse it without worrying it will break!  

24. refillable makeup products  

There are so many amazing eco makeup brands making a conscious effort to package their products thoughtfully. I am a huge fan of Kjaer Weis and Zao because they are refillable and made using natural ingredients. 

parties and events 

Parties can create a large amount of waste, from the food to the decor. But with a little planning, you can prevent this (and still have fun!). 

25. reusable plates and cups

Having a stash of plates you keep just for parties is a great idea. Hitting up a thrift shop will deliver affordable results. At the end of the night, ask your friends for help to load up the dishwasher! 

For drinks, obviously you can just use glass cups if it’s a dinner party. But if you know guests will be wandering around and may be drinking alcohol, investing in stainless steel pint cups might be for the best. Another option is asking friends to bring their own reusable tumblers! 

26. reusable silicone baking cups 

If you’re planning on baking for a gathering, especially muffins or cupcakes, consider investing in reusable silicone baking cups! They will save you money, plus you can just wash them for next time (they’re freezer and dishwasher safe too – a plus!). 

27. fabric gift wrap 

I love wrapping gifts with furoshiki wrap (aka cloth/fabric). You can thrift pretty scarves, sheets and handkerchiefs you use as wraps but make a second gift!  

But you can also upcycle gift bags and tissue paper, reusing them over and over again. Reusing packaging paper to wrap your gifts is also charming (keep it plastic-free by tying it together using twine). 

office and stationary 

28. refillable fountain pen 

If you work an office job, you probably go through a lot of pens. But switching to a refillable fountain pen will save you money in the long run! I draw the ink from an ink well.

And if you’re worried you might lose it – when you know an item is valuable, you’re going to treat it a lot better. Plus there are lots of carrying cases you can nab for it on the go.  

29. wooden highlighters 

Are you constantly highlighting things in college textbooks or in books? Consider switching to wooden highlighters. They don’t bleed through the paper and are completely plastic-free. And yes, reusable, to the last point! They won’t dry out on you either. 

30. rechargeable batteries 

Switching to rechargeable batteries is such a great way to reduce e-waste, but also saves money in the long run. You won’t constantly be tossing out batteries and can just put them on a charging dock when their juice runs low.  

What do you think of these reusable products? Which is your favorite, or what would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments! 

Closed-loop systems are a sustainability goal in many areas, and gardening is no different. Gardeners should consider consumption when planning their plots. Buying lots of things for a garden can negate the positive effects of your garden.

What is Closed-Loop Gardening?

In closed-loop gardening, you create systems that can cycle endlessly without any external inputs other than those that nature provides, such as sunlight and rain, and some of our own time and effort.

Closed-loop gardens do not require materials, seeds, or other items to maintain the system. Rather, the garden works with nature and relies on internal resources for its own perpetuation. It is a self-sustaining system.

Some mechanisms and features established up front in a garden design can help gardeners create closed-loop systems. Choosing the right methods for a particular site will be important, as will choosing the right plants for the right places and the right purposes.

Establishing a closed-loop garden system will typically involve:

• Seed saving and other methods of plant propagation to obtain new plants from existing ones.
• Embracing plants that can spread or self-seed naturally on their own—perhaps even wild plants considered “weeds” by some gardeners.
• Growing specific plants to provide mulches, liquid feeds, and more over time.
• Recycling nutrients within the garden by composting, mulching, etc.
• Using nitrogen-fixing plants and “dynamic accumulators” to replenish nutrients in the growing areas.
• Making use of natural materials from the garden itself for garden components such as pathways, bed edging, fences, trellises, sheds, and so on.
• Establishing sustainable water systems—catching, storing, and using rainwater wisely and thinking about effective water management and water conservation in the garden.
• Finding synergy between different garden projects to eliminate the need to buy new items or materials.

It is important to look holistically at the garden and to think about how natural cycles work to make sure we can work with those natural cycles and create a system in which we need to put in as little as possible.

Why Closed-Loop Gardening Should Be a Goal

There are several different reasons why closed-loop gardening is something for which we should all aim.

First of all, it allows us to reduce consumption, which is one of the pillars of a more sustainable way of life. Everything that must be sourced and purchased for our gardens comes with a cost—not only a financial one but also a cost to our planet and people.

Potting mixes, composts, topsoils … even peat-free options and organic ones typically have an associated carbon cost if only from the packaging and distribution/delivery. Even something as small and simple as seeds has a cost.

By meeting garden needs from the garden itself, we can significantly reduce any negative impact on the environment that arises from a particular purchasing decision.

Environmental issues aside, creating closed-loop gardening systems also benefits gardeners. Of course, when a garden can largely meet its own needs, there are financial savings.

When we think about how gardens can perpetuate themselves over time, we often also manage our gardens in such a way that less intervention from us is required.

This can also make for a lower-maintenance garden that requires somewhat less care and attention from the gardener over time. Working with nature and nature’s cycles makes things easier for us as gardeners.

While some of the cycling in a closed-loop garden will need our intervention, the ultimate goal is to make sure that, overall, as much as possible happens without the gardener.

This episode is the latest in our monthly series, PM Talks, where I’m joined by my friend and fellow thinker, Patrick Rhone. This time around, we dig into something that often gets overshadowed by its louder cousin: sustainability. From routines and rhythms to systems and seasons, we talk about what it really means to sustain—across time, attention, and action.

Patrick and I explore the real difference between consistency and sustainability, and how too many people mistake momentum for something lasting. We share stories about summer, parenting, gardening, and even the war against weeds—all as metaphors for figuring out what’s actually worth sustaining.

Six Discussion Points

• Why consistency often gets more attention than sustainability—and why that might be a generational bias
• The subtle but critical difference between momentum and long-term viability
• How unsustainable systems mask themselves through short-term results
• The role of short-term maintenance in supporting long-term sustainability
• Gardening as a metaphor for attention, patience, and the reality of diminishing returns
• Why paper systems and analog tools often outlast their digital counterparts

Three Connection Points

This episode reminded me—again—that sustainability is about more than staying the course. It’s about choosing what’s worth continuing. Whether you’re managing time, energy, or a tomato plant, the wisdom is in knowing your limits and working with them, not against them. I hope this episode helps you rethink not just what you’re doing, but whether you can—and should—keep doing it.

Want to support the podcast? You can subscribe to the show and leave quick rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts.