My 2018 Ethical Living Challenge

Happy new year everyone! 2017 was a wild one, full of huge ups and its fair share of downs, so I am beyond excited about the year ahead for myself and my little blog! When it comes to resolutions, the biggie for me in 2018 is to continue my journey towards being more ethical in all walks of life, from food to fashion. Read on to find out my goals for the next 12 months!

Vegan diet

A post shared by Ruth MacGilp (@urbanity_blog) on Jan 2, 2018 at 7:18am PST

My first goal this year is to transition into full veganism. For the past 6-7 or so years, I've been a t-total vegetarian, but every time I've tried to cut out all the eggs and dairy from my diet, I've failed miserably after a few days or weeks, and that's because I have been taking the wrong approach. As an eating disorder sufferer my diet is clearly linked with mental health issues so it can be incredibly difficult to find a balance. With more knowledge, enthusiasm and peace from ED hell than ever, and much better support and resources, I feel confident that 2018 will be the year I go fully vegan, but I'm taking it slow, and I'm not trying to be perfect from day one (case in point I ate Tunnocks tea cakes today....), because I want to do this in a way that's sustainable for the long-term. Wish me luck!

Find out more:

Introduction to Vegan Textiles 24 Vegan Hours in Edinburgh Vegan December Challenge Tuk Tuk Vegan Treats Charlie Feist: Minimalist Vegan Backpacks

Cruelty-free beauty

A post shared by Ruth MacGilp (@urbanity_blog) on Nov 22, 2017 at 4:11am PST

Another part of my ethical challenge is to completely stop buying any kind of beauty product that has been tested on animals, or created by a brand associated with animal testing. I mostly stick to this rule, but when it comes to things like shower gel I often cheap out and just throw the least gross looking thing on the Lidl shelf into my trolley. For the sake of animal rights, I will be more vigilant checking my labels and doing my research for make up, skincare and beyond from now on!

Find out more:

Vegan Suncare Vegan Beauty Cruelty Free Face Products Arbonne Cruelty-Free Skincare Oil Cleansing Method for Combination Skin with Lucky Cloud

Ethical fashion

A post shared by Ruth MacGilp (@urbanity_blog) on Nov 4, 2017 at 3:04am PDT

As you already know if you're a regular reader (hi mom), ethical fashion became my total and utter obsession in 20176-17 But this year, I want to go beyond the blogging and infect every inch of my wardrobe with the sustainability bug. That means giving a new life to all my past fast fashion failings, investing in and seeking out ethically and locally made goodies for anything new, and educating myself more on all aspects of the industry and spreading the word of Fashion Revolution (keep your eyes peeled!).

Find out more:

Brand New Ethical Fashion Resource Now Open The Power Behind Urbanity's Ethical Fashion Obsession What Does Ethical Fashion Even Mean?

Zero Waste (and zero plastic)

A post shared by Ruth MacGilp (@urbanity_blog) on Aug 26, 2017 at 10:11am PDT

The main goals here are taking small steps towards embracing a zero-waste lifestyle, such as reducing and eventually cutting out completely all single-use plastic (this includes drinking straws, carrier bags, cling film, drinks bottles and most food packaging), recycling everything I can to avoid sending anything to landfill, and repairing things more- especially clothes and electronics- instead of getting rid of or replacing them.

Find out more:

Introduction to Recycling and Upcycling
Public Perceptions of Sustainable Fashion
The Inconvenient Truth Behind Fashion and Beauty Products

What are your new years resolutions? Let me know in the comments!