It is Earth Day tomorrow. One of this year’s powerful Earth Day themes is ending plastic pollution. Many grocery stores have transitioned to paper bags, and more of us are forming the habit of bringing our own reusable totes. I am amazed by the oversized plastic containers vendors still use for fruits and vegetables but there’s no doubt a shift is happening. Slowly. People are cutting back, reusing, and recycling with more intention than ever.

At Alembika, we’re deeply aware of our industry’s carbon footprint and have made it a priority to discuss—often and openly—how we can make a difference, even if small. As a company, we’ve taken a big step forward by switching to upcycled and recycled packaging materials for our shipments. We also work with small batch production: focusing on less waste.

I know my contributions as an individual and a company are small, but I do want to feel I act according to my values even if I cannot change the world. I do not want the world to change me.