Sustainable September: A Month for Green Living and Positive Change

September is upon us already and as the days grow shorter and we soak up the last of the summer rays it can also be a time of renewal. It’s a time when we naturally start to reflect on the year so far and think about how we can make the remaining months count. It makes September the perfect month to focus on sustainability and making a positive change to contribute to a healthier planet.

Sustainable September is more than just a catchy name; it’s a movement. It’s a month-long initiative that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to take actionable steps towards a more sustainable future. Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting eco-friendly products, Sustainable September is about making conscious choices that collectively lead to significant environmental benefits. We kick off this month long sustainability drive with Zero Waste Week (2^nd – 6^th September), founded by Rachelle Strauss in 2008.

Her mission “is to empower you to rethink ‘rubbish’ as a valuable resource… make small changes that lead to more sustainable consumption patterns [and] educate so that you can easily and effectively reduce landfill, save money and participate in the circular economy.”

This is a message we whole heartedly support at KELSEY, upcycling our raspberries into efficacious skincare and thinking carefully about commitments to sustainability. We’ve put together a few simple yet effective ways to make September a month of positive environmental action.

1. Start by cutting down on single-use plastics. Remember to take your own bag to the supermarket and carry a reusable water bottle.
   
   
2. Bring your own coffee cup with you when you get your morning latte, many coffee shops will also give you a discount when you remember your reusable cup so it’s win/win! We’re partnering with Circular&Co this month, the first company to make a fully recyclable reusable cup made from recycled materials.
   
   
3. Eat Seasonally and Locally. September is harvest season in many places, making it a great time to eat fresh, local produce. By choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables from local farmers' markets, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances.
   
   
4. As the weather cools, it’s tempting to crank up the heat. Instead, try popping on a jumper before switching on the heating and make it a habit to turn off lights when not in use and unplug devices that aren’t needed.
   
   
5. Find a community clean-up event to help keep your local parks, beaches, or neighbourhoods litter-free and if there isn’t one, why not organise one yourself.

The goal of Sustainable September is to create a ripple effect—small actions taken by many people can lead to significant environmental benefits. By making conscious choices and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively drive change towards a more sustainable future.