Women Artisans in the Peruvian Andes:
Weaving Legacy, Resilience, and Identity

1. Say Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are a huge environmental problem, but small tweaks in your daily habits can make a big difference:

• Bring reusable bags: Make or buy groceries and produce bags to use instead of plastic ones. Keep them by the door or in your car so you never forget them.
• Ditch bottled water: Invest in a reusable water bottle [1]. If tap water isn’t safe, boil or filter it instead.
• Carry a reusable coffee cup: Even “eco-friendly” disposable cups create waste if not disposed of properly.
• Pack a zero-waste kit: Include bamboo or metal cutlery, a reusable straw, and a container for takeout. It might take practice, but soon it’ll feel natural.

2. Use Less Water and Energy 

Every drop counts, and every watt matters. Here are a few small changes to reduce your footprint:

• Shorten your showers: A quick shower saves both water and energy. Bonus: it’s better for your skin too! [2]
• Turn off the lights: Unplug appliances and switch off lights when you’re not using them [3].
• Hang clothes to dry: Whenever possible, skip the dryer and hang your clothes. It’s gentler on fabrics and the planet.
• Flush smarter: If your toilet has an eco-flush option, use it. No eco-flush? Place a filled bottle in the tank to reduce water per flush.

3. Make Eco-Conscious Food Choices 

Food is one of the easiest ways to live more sustainably:

• Buy local and seasonal: This reduces transportation emissions and supports local farmers [4].
• Cook from scratch: Homemade meals usually come with less packaging and waste.
• Be mindful about meat: Choose ethically raised options, like free-range chicken or grass-fed beef, and support sustainable farming practices. Exploring plant-based meals occasionally can also make a difference [5].
• Opt for sustainable groceries: Shop at packaging-free or bulk stores. No access? Buy in bulk at your regular store to minimize waste.

4. Rethink Your Transportation Habits 

How you get around affects your carbon footprint. Start small:

• Walk or bike more: Even once a week can make a difference.
• Use public transport: Replace car trips with bus or train rides when possible [9].
• Carpool: Sharing rides with colleagues or friends reduces emissions.
• Fly less: For shorter trips, consider buses or trains. Offset your carbon emissions for long flights.

5. Choose Sustainable Fashion 

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters, but your wardrobe can make a difference:

• Avoid fast fashion: Look for quality over quantity. Cheaper often means corners were cut in ethics and sustainability.
• Buy second hand: Thrift stores and online resale platforms are great for finding unique, affordable items.
• Support eco-conscious brands: Do your research and choose brands that prioritize sustainability, like Arms of Andes, which uses 100% alpaca wool and natural dyes [6].
• Host clothing swaps: A fun way to give new life to unused items in your closet [7].

6. Upgrade Your Hygiene and Cleaning Habits

Small changes to your personal care and cleaning routines can have a big impact:

• Switch to bamboo* toothbrushes: Look for ones with compostable bristles and packaging.
• Choose steel razors: A durable, waste-free alternative to disposable razors.
• Use natural options: Biodegradable shampoos, soaps, and detergents are better for the planet.
• Use menstrual cups and fabric sanitary towels: They take a little getting used to, but you won’t go back when you do!
• Clean with vinegar and baking soda: These simple ingredients work wonders around the house and are free of harmful chemicals [8].

* When choosing products made from bamboo, try to ensure the bamboo comes from sustainable sources.

7. Embrace Nature and DIY Solutions 

Spending time outdoors and trying DIY solutions are both fun and sustainable:

• Grow your own vegetables: Even a small herb garden on a windowsill can make a difference.
• Start composting: Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. No garden? Check if your city collects food waste.
• Connect with nature: Spending time outside reduces stress and reminds us why protecting the planet matters.
• Join community initiatives: Participate in clean-ups or tree-planting events.

8. Be Mindful About Waste

Rethinking how you handle waste is key to sustainable living:

• Reuse before you recycle: Find new uses for things before throwing them away.
• Donate or swap: Let someone else enjoy what you no longer need.
• Avoid expedited shipping: One-day deliveries often mean more vehicles on the road, increasing emissions.

Sustainable living starts with REDUCING waste, REPAIRING and/or REUSING broken/unused items, before RECYCLING or, when possible, COMPOSTING them.

Why Small Steps Matter

You might think, “Will my tiny changes really help?” The answer is yes. If everyone made just one or two of these adjustments, the collective impact would be enormous. And remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pick a couple of these tips to start with, and add more as you go. Before you know it, living sustainably will feel like second nature.

So, are you ready to make 2024 your most sustainable year yet? Small steps today can lead to a greener tomorrow. Let’s get started—one habit at a time!

At Arms of Andes we make our gear from 100% Royal Alpaca Wool of 18-18.5 microns.

MIDWEIGHT HOODIEWomen's Alpaca Wool Joggers 300 Lightweight

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For snowboarders, skiers, and winter hikers, weight matters. Every gram counts when you're climbing, carrying gear, or navigating the slopes. Alpaca wool’s unique insulation properties allow for lightweight warmth, meaning you stay protected without unnecessary bulk.

Five Reasons to Choose Alpaca Wool for Snow Sports

Alpaca wool is the ultimate base and mid layer material for tackling the demands of skiing and snowboarding. Its unique properties make it an exceptional choice for base and mid layers, ensuring comfort and performance on the slopes.

1. Exceptional Warmth

Alpaca wool fibers feature semi-hollow cores, providing incredible insulation. Combined with their natural crimp (waviness), these fibers trap heat efficiently, making alpaca wool hoodies and jackets perfect mid-layer options for cold conditions.

2. Breathable and Moisture-Wicking

One of alpaca wool’s standout qualities is its ability to wick moisture away from your skin while remaining highly breathable. This means you stay dry and comfortable, even during intense physical activity. Alpaca wool base layers, such as leggings and shirts, excel in keeping you warm and sweat-free.

3. Temperature Regulation

Alpaca wool’s unique ability to balance warmth and breathability helps regulate your body temperature. Whether you're racing downhill or waiting for the ski lift, alpaca wool keeps you warm in the cold and prevents overheating during activity.

4. Lightweight and Flexible

Thanks to its excellent insulating properties, alpaca wool keeps you warm without adding bulk. This lightweight quality ensures freedom of movement—crucial for maintaining balance and agility on the slopes.

At Arms of Andes we make our gear from 100% Royal Alpaca Wool of 18-18.5 microns.

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Bamboo:
A fast-growing plant often used for making sustainable products like toothbrushes and cutlery.

Biodegradable:
Materials that can break down naturally without harming the environment.

Bulk stores:
Shops where you can buy products in large quantities, often with minimal packaging. 

Carbon footprint:
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly or indirectly by human activities. 

Composting:
A process where organic waste decomposes into nutrient-rich material for gardening.

Ethically raised:
Livestock or poultry that is raised in humane and environmentally responsible ways. 

Fast fashion:
Cheap, mass-produced clothing often linked to environmental and ethical issues. 

Natural dyes:
Coloring substances derived from plants, animals, or minerals, used to color fabrics sustainably.