When you think of “holistic” what typically comes to mind? Holistic health, probably, am I right? The term holistic has been widely used for some time (since 1926 to be exact), but can you define what it actually means?
The term holistic comes from the word “holism”. Holism is an idea concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with its parts. The theory suggests that the parts of a whole are so intimately connected that one cannot exist without the other and that the whole is considered greater than the sum of its parts. In holistic medicine doctors attempt to treat both the mind and the body, not just physical symptoms. And holistic ecology views humans and the environment as a single system. We at PLC believe that everything in the Universe is connected to everything else. But enough about the nitty gritty, let's talk about how this all applies to YOU!
Holistic doesn’t always have to refer to health. We can live holistically in all areas of our lives, even in our homes, and I’m here to show you how. The idea of living holistically is easy. All it takes is a little mindful awareness and small efforts every day. The goal is simply to realize that every choice we make, every action we take, every product we buy, is part of a larger chain reaction that affects ourselves, others, and the planet. Consider this example:
You see photos all over social media with beautifully styled living rooms that feature a cognac leather sofa and would love to recreate that look in your new place. I don’t blame you, I love it too! If making that happen is your desire than by all means go for it. But it's the way you go about it that can either be mindful about the idea of holism or not. So let's say you go the “normal route” and purchase that beautiful leather sofa from a furniture store. Consider the entire chain of events that had to take place.
Cows were raised for either their meat, their hide, or both
Raising cattle is the largest producer of methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is attributed to climate change.
The hide is removed from the cow and sent to a tannery
Common tanning practices utilize harsh chemicals that can pose a threat to workers as well as consumers.
Huge amounts of water are used during the tanning process. Following the process the water is laced with chemicals, and can create pollution if not disposed of properly.
Once tanned, the hides are shipped to furniture manufacturers
Transportation is needed- think fuel exhaust
The furniture is built
Wood must be harvested by people, from trees, to create the frame.
Chemicals like flame retardants and stain guards may be added, posing a health risk to users.
Once the piece is complete it is packaged
Typically, furniture is packaged with lots of plastics and styrofoams to protect it during long trips across oceans and countries.
The finished piece is shipped to a warehouse or a store
Depending on where the furniture was manufactured, it can travel very long distances. Again, think of fuel exhaust.
You purchase the sofa and it is then shipped again to you
Any chemicals that may have been used during tanning or added later are now openly exposed to you and your home.
***By all means this is not a complete, comprehensive list, it is only meant to provide an example and spark some thought.***
If we refer back to holism, we can say that the sofa would not exist if one of these steps was removed. All of the “parts” have to happen to successfully create the “whole”, the end product. So you may be saying “okay, I get it but what's the alternative?” And my answer will always be “shop second hand”. Now, being the second hand geek that I am this is music to my ears, but I understand everyone is not there yet. But here’s what you can do. Next time you are looking to purchase any item for your home, look to online resale sites first. My current favorite is Facebook Marketplace. I have purchased and sold so many items here with very good experiences. There are many other sites and apps out there that are very similar to Marketplace that I won’t get into now. If you prefer seeing items in person while shopping, try your local thrift stores, habitat for humanity, consignment shops, garage sales, estate sales, and antique stores. I have had some amazing luck at all of these!
Cool, so you’re on board with second hand, but you still might be asking “why, what's the difference?” Well, purchasing that same beautiful leather sofa from a pre-owned source prevents every single one of those steps listed above from happening again just for you. You are helping to prevent more greenhouse gasses being emitted, more toxins being used, more packaging being thrown away, ect. Plus, most of the time buying second hand you are getting a great deal, saving yourself lots of money and providing some cash to someone in your local community. It's a win win.
This was a very big example, but there are so many little things we can do everyday.
Bring a reusable water bottle- saving plastic bottles from the landfill
Bring a travel coffee mug- use one less paper cup
Use reusable shopping bags- eliminate several plastic bags per trip
Research the products you use on your body- toxins can be found in many beauty products
Shop second hand for clothing too
Consider how the state of your home makes you feel- does clutter stress you out?
How are your words affecting others?- good or bad, words are magic
Consider the food you eat, how it was grown, how it makes you feel
On a final note, please know that I do not intend to instill any form of guilt here, only to raise mindful awareness of our everyday actions that have become so ingrained in human cultures that it is very easy not to think twice. Thinking holistically is thinking with love. Love for yourself, for others, for the planet.
<3
Lauren
As always please leave you thoughts or questions below, we'd love to chat!
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