How to live a more sustainable and regenerative lifestyle

Where do we start? What does a more regenerative life actually mean? It’s a huge topic, and can feel overwhelming, but Lisa says there are plenty of accessible resources that can help introduce these big ideas. “Educate yourself by watching documentaries, such as Kiss the Ground,” she says, which is a documentary currently on Netflix that brings together scientists and celebrity activists to explore how the earth's soil may be the key to fighting the climate crisis. The makers of the film, a non-profit of the same name, also offer online courses around regenerative gardening and advocacy training. Other great documentaries include The Biggest Little Farm and Going Circular. Alternatively, try dipping into books including Healing Grounds by Liz Carlisle, Cows Save the Planet by Judith Schwartz, and The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson; or podcasts such as The Joy Report’s Regenerative Agriculture and Decolonizing Food Systems.

“Remember, every purchase you make has an impact on the environment,” Lisa says, reminding us that the first step is to, “shop mindfully and be conscious of the impact your purchase decisions make. Seek out brands that, while not perfect, are at least trying to do better by the planet.” In this respect, try to be conscious of what brands are actually doing in terms of sustainability rather than just what they are saying. .When it comes to clothing, overall, industry experts agree we should aim to, shop slower and more consciously, and buy items that are built to last.

Lisa suggests avoiding synthetic fabrics when given the choice between synthetic and natural fiber options while shopping. One of the many reasons for doing so is that synthetics shed microplastics — 35% of all ocean plastic comes from washing textiles. Instead, look out for sustainably-sourced natural fabrics, such as recycled cotton; linen; hemp; and regeneratively sourced wool and leather. “Opt for natural materials wherever possible, like wool and leather. Apparel made from natural materials is more likely to last and is more likely to live a second life when passed on to someone else or donated.” she says. Another innovative natural fiber to have a look out for is Sugarsole, crafted from sugarcane.

“If you have to buy food or clothing, try to purchase products that are Land to Market verified, which means they come from farmland that is verified to be regenerative,” Lisa says. “Monitors go out to the farms in our program every year to ensure they are scientifically proven to be regenerative, not just guessing at it.” The Land to Market seal gives you confidence that your purchase decisions are helping heal the planet.

“Support NGOs, like Savory Institute, which teaches farmers and ranchers around the world how to improve land health for the benefit of us all. Savory Institute specifically addresses the regeneration of the planet's grasslands and seeks to impact one billion acres by 2025,” Lisa says. Another non-profit to explore is The White Buffalo Land Trust, which carries out research and education around regeneration. On a smaller scale, try reaching out to local charities and community gardens in your area, to find out if you can provide practical support beyond donation.

Show me, don’t tell me, as the adage goes — and physically experiencing the regenerative farms that are aiming to give back to the planet rather than just take from it, can be eye-opening. “Get out on the land to see regeneration for yourself. Many of the Savory Institute farm hubs we work with around the world have field days open to the public,” Lisa says. From ranch tours among bison and elk, to workshops on soil health, horse care, felting and herbalism, and even farm stays and summer camps, there are opportunities for hands-on education and experiences across the country.

“Essentially look at having your backyard, front yard, or whatever you've got ‘teaming with life’,” Lisa says. “Try making your own [outside space] healthier. Plant plants that are native species to your local area and ones that encourage pollinators. If you see bare ground, plant vegetation.” Whether you have an acre of wildlands or a sunny windowsill, there are opportunities to regenerate closer to home — even with simple food scraps which you can easily regrow into new foods, such as pumpkins, tomatoes, spring onions, celery, lettuce, sweet potato, carrots and garlic. Free resources on regenerative gardening at home can be found on Super Simple, EcoAge, Small Footprint Family and Kiss the Ground, among others.

Knowing “the who”', “the what” and “the where on earth” can make shopping sustainably pretty daunting. “Learn more about the nearly 100 brands leading the charge on regenerative farming and regenerative sourcing on Land to Market,” Lisa says — the website lists all the verified brands when it comes to shopping for meat, dairy, leather and wool. They've also recently put together a handy shopping guide, highlighting items from their verified brands, many of which would make wonderful gifts; and similarly, another in-depth buying guide can be found on the Savory Institute website.

When it all feels too much, too late, too big or too hard, take a moment, and get some perspective. “Take encouragement from the fact that improving land health and thus making the planet healthier is something everyone can agree on,” Lisa says. “Remember that our ecosystem is all connected and we humans are a part of it. In order for you to be happy and healthy, we need the entire ecosystem and everyone in it to also be thriving. Let's make our common ground, our home, planet Earth, healthier and continuously improving.” We’re all in this together, so try connecting with some of the charities above to find out if they have local groups or forums, or reach out via social media.

“No person, no company, no industry, no country is perfect. We are all still just learning,” Lisa says. And that’s certainly not an excuse anyone should fall back on — it’s a statement we can all uphold, of ambition and action. “Let's celebrate the improvements we all can make, no matter how small,” she adds. “So many companies are at least trying to do better for the planet. Change is hard and it takes time. The more encouragement we offer for those becoming better, the more others will want to join us on our regenerative journey.

At UGG, we are committed to our journey toward a more regenerative world. We’re also proud to be taking steps to utilize more regenerative raw materials in our products. Learn more about the regenerative options UGG has to offer here.