6 Creative Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

1. Swap out plastic food wraps and containers for more sustainable options.

Plastic wraps and containers are another big environmental “don’t,” Kellogg says. Instead, opt for reusable beeswax wraps to preserve your food and invest in reusable, plastic-free containers and silicone bags instead of plastic ones to store food.

This especially comes into play during meal prep when you’re packing lunches, Kellogg adds, which is often the most wasteful meal of the day when it comes to using disposables.

2. Be a beauty product minimalist.

Kellogg is a proponent of keeping a “capsule collection” of versatile staple beauty products, and she employs a “one in, one out” rule with all of her makeup and other products, so everything gets used to capacity before she buys something new. If she decides she isn’t a fan of a certain shade or type of product, she gifts it to a friend to try out rather than pitching it.

3. Reduce the number of items used in your beauty routine.

It’s important to keep down the number of disposables you’re using in your skincare and beauty routine. “Put toner in a spray jar, and spray it on your face that way instead of using a cotton pad,” suggests Kellogg as one example. “It doubles the life of your toner, too.”

There are also easy opportunities for upcycling used beauty products, such as cleaning off and donating old mascara wands to help care for wildlife. Another great hack for reducing beauty disposables is opting for bars of soap rather than bottled products. Brands like Lush, Kitsch, and Brixycarry shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and body wash bars that omit plastic containers for eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

4. Make your toilet into a bidet.

“The number one thing I can recommend in your bathroom is getting a bidet attachment for your toilet," Kellogg says. "They help cut down on how much toilet paper you’re wasting, which for the average American is about three rolls a week.”

Getting the attachment is a financial and environmental investment, but it can even be more sanitary than toilet paper. If you do want to supplement with toilet paper, make sure you buy rolls made from recycled content or cardboard-less rolls.

5. Rethink your menstrual products.

You can’t stop your period from coming, but you can make more eco-friendly choices in dealing with it. Some people choose a menstrual cup, reusable cloth pads, or period underwear, but another solid option is a reusable tampon applicator and organic cotton tampons (not the standard kind, which contains other materials like rayon), which can actually be composted!

6. Always buy lonely bananas.

Did you know that many grocery stores and markets throw away single bananas detached from a bunch at the end of each night? This is a huge environmental bummer, and it massively contributes to food waste and food insecurity.

“Bananas have a high carbon footprint, because many of them aren’t grown in the US,” Kellogg explains. There’s nothing at all wrong with a single banana, so you should buy them instead of letting them go to waste, she says. And when you do pick up produce, bring your own mesh produce bags or canvas totes to eliminate the need for single-use plastic grocery bags.

7. Brew your own tea.

Tea bags are one of those surprising items that actually contain microplastics, which then gets in our tea, and then in our bodies, Kellogg says. Brewing your own loose-leaf tea with reusable infusers is healthier for you and for the planet — and with the option to perfectly customize the blend, it can be even tastier, too.

8. Find creative ways to cook with food scraps.

Ideally, we should waste no part of the ingredients that we’re cooking with, especially if they’re plants (many leaves, stems, and greens of fruits and vegetables are edible and can be incorporated into recipes — though there are a few notable exceptions, so be sure to Google first). To make a flavorful vegetable stock in your slow cooker, Kellogg recommends using the skins of onion and garlic.

9. Enforce a 30-day clothing buy delay on yourself.

“Put a 30-day hold on anything you’re eyeing and feel like you want to buy — separate yourself from the feeling of wanting the item,” advises Kellogg. Marketers can really trap us and get us to spend money in stores or on their sites, but fast fashion and its processes, in particular, are hugely detrimental to the environment.

“If you feel like the piece is an investment for your closet, that you’ll get many wears out of, then purchase it,” Kellogg says. If not, shop secondhand at the thrift store, make use of clothing rental sites like, or swap clothes with friends!

10. Rethink your trash.

If you aren't in a great position to compost, but still want to do more than just throw your food scraps away, check out Mill. Every member receives a Mill kitchen bin that dries and grinds kitchen scraps overnight to turn your banana peels, pizza crusts, and egg shells into food grounds, which can be sent back to farms instead of going into the landfill. The best part is that it can take the meat and dairy your compost bin can't, you only have to empty it every couple of weeks, and you don't have to deal with stinky trash anymore!

11. Donate your clothes and household items to charities.

Once you’ve decided what does and doesn’t spark joy in your home, think twice before dumping bags off at a large donation center or thrift shop – where you don’t exactly know what will be done with the items, Kellogg says.

Be especially wary of curbside collection boxes, which often belong to for-profit organizations that ship the clothes overseas, where they flood the market, reducing demand for local craftspeople. These shipped textiles often end up in the ocean, too, harming the environment.

Reselling your clothes is a smart option, plus Kellogg suggests that you “try to find a specific charity for the specific pieces you have,” such as an organization that collects gently used prom dresses or interview-appropriate clothing for those in need.

30 Sustainability Challenges For April

• Use stainless steel straws: Instead of throwing away plastic straws, invest in a set of stainless steel straws. That way, you can use, wash, and repeat!
• Shop with a reusable bag: Bring your own tote bag to the grocery store instead of taking home a paper or plastic bag.
• Text yourself receipts: At coffee shops and boutiques, pick the "text me" option to prevent yourself from throwing away a paper receipt.
• Read a sustainability book by a WOC: Learn about sustainability from an expert or someone who lives a zero-waste lifestyle.
• Wash on the cold water cycle: Cold water in the washing machine uses up less energy, and it's actually better for delicates and dark colors than hot water.
• Shop second-hand: Grabbing something another person has already used prevents those items from ending up in a landfill *and* cuts down on fast fashion production. Check out our Beginner's Guide To Thrift Stores for more inspo!

• Choose sustainable fashion: If you do want to grab something new, instead of shopping from fast fashion retailers, purchase any items you may need from a sustainable fashion brand like Sézane, Reformation, MATE the Label, Marine Layer, Girlfriend Collective, or others.
• Buy seasonal produce: Buying produce in season means you're cutting down on the energy costs of long-distance shipping. There's a good chance it'll be cheaper *and* you'll be supporting local farmers.
• Get a reusable water bottle: Ditch the single-use plastic bottles in favor of a reusable bottle that will last you at least a few years.
• DIY oat milk in a glass bottle: Oat milk is surprisingly simple to make. DIY it yourself and store it in a glass bottle to cut down on your trash.
• Follow a sustainability activist: If you're active on social media, find a sustainability activist that will offer some inspo and tips + tricks every time you get on your phone.
• Buy a menstrual cup/reusable period products: There are tons of reusable period products to pick from, from menstrual cups to period underwear. In addition to being kinder to your body, they're more sustainable and way cheaper in the long run.

• DIY beauty products: Make DIY face mask or sprinkle a mix of cocoa powder and corn starch on your roots in lieu of dry shampoo.
• Shop in store: While online shopping from the comfort of your couch is easy, head to the store to save yourself from dealing with the paper, tape, and cardboard boxes your shipments will come in.
• Upcycle out-of-style clothing: Cut the ankles of your skinny jeans and add printed fabric for one-of-a-kind upcycled wide-leg pants. Embroider a top to make it feel more you, or make a quilt out of all the old camp shirts you don't wear but can't part with.
• Go on an experience date: Instead of getting takeout or grabbing coffee, go on a walk or browse a museum with one of our Affordable Date Ideas.
• Grocery shop in bulk: Products like nuts, frozen foods, and canned goods can be bought in bulk, which is both cheaper in the long run and less wasteful than a bunch of pre-packaged bags.
• Turn off the A/C and cool your home passively: Cut down on your electric bill by using passive methods to cool a room. All you have to is close your curtains during hours of bright sunlight to avoid heating the air inside your space. Then open up your windows at night to let the cool air in!

You'll Love These Sustainability Hacks For 2024

• Use empty candle jars as decor: Candles these days are so cute — turn the jars into decor to store your makeup brushes or even Hershey kisses!
• Turn the lights off: When you leave a room, turn the lights off to prevent unnecessary waste. You can also try and keep the lights off until the sun sets. Your wallet will thank you!
• Carpool: Hop in the car with a friend or family member to save gas money, take up less room in a parking lot, and cut down on gas emissions.
• Use reusable utensils: Besides the fact that reusable utensils cut down on waste, you can also get them in super cute colors. That's a win-win in our book.
• Bike or walk around town: If you're able, ditch your car entirely and bike or walk all over town instead! Work out and run errands at the same time.
• Compost food scraps: Everyone can compost, even if you live in a tiny apartment! Compost egg shells, banana peels, and coffee grounds. They'll breakdown naturally instead of sitting in landfill and they make for a great addition to garden soil. If you live in a big city, chances are there's a composting service you can sign up for to take away your scraps at the end of each week.

• Use Tupperware/silicone baggies: With alternatives like glass storage containers and silicone bags, you'll never need to throw away a plastic bag again.
• Sew worn-out clothes: Just because your toe is peeking through your sock or you have a hole in your shirt doesn't mean you have to get rid of it! Check out our online sewing class or Google a few beginner's tips to fix them yourself.
• Get a library card: Instead of ordering books from Amazon, get a library card! Plus, you won't have to find a place to keep all your books.
• Go vegetarian/vegan: A vegan or vegetarian diet uses up a lot less water than a meat-eating diet. Even making two vegan recipes a week can help the environment, and might just have a positive effect on your health too!
• Save all your errands for one drive: Instead of driving out multiple times in a few days, figure out all of the places you need to go, figure out the best route, and do it in one go.
• Get shampoo bars:Shampoo bars are a way to cut down on shampoo plastic bottles while still keeping your hair clean.

1. Tailored Denim

Ann Taylor The Denim Trouser

Denim is a timeless classic that's been around for as long as any of us can remember. It also comes in a variety of styles, making it easy to style no matter your age. What makes tailored denim so special — like this pair of Ann Taylor trousers — is it's ability to be appropriate for business casual work settings. The classic rinse wash is more ideal for cooler winter days while the flared hemlines give ankle books a nice peek-a-boo feature.

GAP Classic Button-Down Jean Shirt

A classic button-down shirt with non-stretch denim is another easy style to wear because it can go with almost anything you own. Bootcut jeans? Yep! A suede midi skirt? We love a western moment! However, the most important thing we appreciate about this shirt is that it's made of 95% cotton.

Banana Republic Pia Denim Midi Skirt

Denim skirtshave been been on the style scene for a while and we're sure they're here to stay. To avoid baring too much skin during winter, opt for a midi option like this piece from Banana Republic. It has a similar flared hemline like the Ann Taylor Denim Trousers, making it appropriate for 9 to 5 days, brunch with friends on Saturday, or church on Sundays!

2. Playful Textures

Mango Suede Leather Loafers

Loafers are an absolute staple during fall and winter, hence why we keep talking about them so much! They're a chic way to elevate even the most basic t-shirt and jeans outfit combinations, plus they work for everyone. Get a suede pair to add subtle texture to your outfit for a fun chic moment.

Old Navy High-Waisted Corduroy Wide-Leg Pants

Corduroy pants are another winter staple that continue to be recycled throughout the years. No matter how hard we try, we keep coming back to them which is why we think they're a great style option for women over 50. Because of their texture, these pants can also add subtle texture to your overall look without creating a huge statement.

Joe's Jeans by Dani Michelle Mia Crop Leather Pants

If you want to wear something a little bolder, you can't go wrong with black leather pants. They're a must-have during colder months, especially if they're lined!

This pair gives you the option to wear them with calf or knee-high boots so that they elongate your frame. Ankle boots are always cute, but they'd slightly throw off the dimensions of these pants! Once you have your chosen footwear, add a cute cardigan or sweater to it for a cozy look that'll receive compliments!

3. Animal Print

Tecovas Sierra Tote Bag

Leopard print is always trending, but that doesn't mean that's the only animal pattern you have to wear. Cow print is another fun way to add a pop of texture to your outfit if you're wearing something monochromatic. Or, you can easily copy the outfit above and look equally as stylish.

P.S. Don't be surprised if you see someone from B+C's editorial team wearing this look!

Banana Republic Oversized Snake Print Midi Dress

It's okay if wearing cow print feels weird to you because that's not your only option! Snake print is another pattern you can wear, especially if it looks like this Banana Republic midi dress. Instead of the typical depiction of snakes, this dress looks like someone zoomed in on scales and created something that feels more refined.

Sam Edelman Linnie Bit Mule

Add a touch of zebra print to your winter outfit with these calf hair mules by Sam Edelman. They still have a bold factor like the Tecovas tote bag or the Banana Republic snake print dress, but they're not as in-your-face.

4. Shades Of Green

J.Crew Daphne Topcoat

Everyone needs a nice topcoat in their life, preferably in the shade green! We're 100% biased about that because green brings out a person's inner glow and helps ground them based on color psychology. Also, the fact you could wear a sweatsuit with this coat and still look put together makes us excited to share it with you.

Target Bucket Crossbody Bag

Add a pop of color to your outfit with this cute crossbody bag found at Target, everyone's favorite place to shop. The minimal gold hardware gives it such a sleek appearance that we're personally fighting the urge to buy it in black too!

Abercrombie & Fitch Easy Funnel Neck Sweater

You can always rely on a sweater to be easy to style! Abercrombie & Fitch's funnel neck version is amazing for anyone who wants to wear a turtleneck without feeling like they're struggling to breathe. We understand they're not always comfortable, but you won't get that with this cute style!

5. Cardigan & Coats

Anthropologie Brushed Cardigan Sweater Coat

Are you ready to give up cardigans? We figured you'd say no so we're giving the best of both worlds — a cardigan coat. Anthropologie always has the cutest winter styles so this brushed texture was too cozy-looking to ignore. You know what's even more exciting about it? Anthropologie is literally giving you an OOTD idea you can easily recreate at home!

NA-KD Wool Scarf Detail Coat

Protect your neck from the brutal winter winds with NA-KD's scarf coat that'll keep you warm and chic. It's slightly oversized so you're able to wrap yourself up and not have to worry about looking like you didn't put any effort into your look.

Quince Double-Faced Merino Wool Scarf Coat

Go for a shorter option for the days where it's not as cold. You'll still get the same effect from a longer scarf coat without feeling like you'll trip over the hemline. Since Quince's design is wool, you'll still be nice and toasty! Just add a pair of gloves so that your hands don't freeze!