Healing and Cleansing for Earth Day: Sustainable Practices in Crystal Healing and Smoke Cleansing

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Earth Day is a time to reflect on our relationship with the planet and take steps to ensure its health and vitality for future generations. One way to do this is by incorporating sustainable practices into our daily lives, even in spiritual activities such as crystal healing and smoke cleansing.

Sustainable Practices in Crystal Healing

1. Ethical Sourcing: When acquiring healing crystals, choosing suppliers that prioritise ethical mining practices is essential. Many crystals are sourced from regions where mining has caused environmental and social issues. Seek out sellers who support responsible mining, fair wages for miners, and minimal environmental impact.
2. Recycled or Upcycled Crystals: Another sustainable option is to choose recycled or upcycled crystals. Some businesses offer crystals that have been reclaimed from old jewellery or discarded items, reducing the demand for new mining.
3. Local and Indigenous Sources: Supporting local artisans or indigenous communities can be an excellent way to ensure sustainable sourcing. Many indigenous cultures have a deep connection to crystals and can provide ethically sourced options.
4. Buy Preloved: Purchasing preloved crystals can significantly impact sustainability. Not only does it stop crystals from entering the refuse cycle, but there are also no extra mining or shipping costs for something that already exists.

Top Sustainable Crystals for Earth Day

1. Amethyst: This beautiful purple crystal is associated with peace and tranquillity. Sustainable amethyst can be found in Brazil, where responsible mining practices are gaining popularity.
2. Citrine: Known as the ‘merchant’s stone,’ citrine is associated with abundance and prosperity. Look for citrine sourced from countries like the United States and Spain, which have stringent environmental regulations.
3. Rose Quartz: The stone of love and compassion, rose quartz is often sourced from Madagascar, where efforts are being made to ensure ethical mining practices and support local communities.
4. Clear Quartz: Known as the ‘master healer,’ clear quartz is widely available and can be sourced responsibly from various locations. Look for crystals that are hand-mined with minimal environmental impact.

Sustainable Practices in Smoke Cleansing

1. Wildcrafted Herbs: Consider wildcrafting or growing your own instead of buying commercially harvested herbs; this helps protect native plant populations and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
2. Reuse and Recycle: When using tools like smoke cleansing sticks, opt for sustainably harvested or even homegrown herbs. After use, ensure proper disposal or composting to minimise waste.
3. Responsible Palo Santo: If using Palo Santo wood for smoke cleansing, ensure it comes from sustainable sources. Some companies now offer alternatives made from reclaimed or fallen branches.
4. Local Incense: Support local artisans who make incense from sustainable ingredients. Look for natural, handcrafted options that are free from harmful chemicals.

As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s essential to remember that even our spiritual practices can impact the planet. We can align our spirituality with our commitment to environmental stewardship by adopting sustainable practices in crystal healing and smoke cleansing. Choosing ethically sourced crystals and using herbs mindfully can make a positive difference in the world while promoting our own well-being and the well-being of the Earth.

For information on toxic crystals, click here and click here for how to store your crystals. Please remember to share your crystals with us, @surrender_to_happiness; we love to see how our readers are getting on.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Smoke cleansing is closely tied to the spiritual practice of smudging by Native American / Indigenous Nations. White sage, palo santo, sweetgrass, and many other plants used for burning are considered sacred medicine by the Native American / Indigenous Nations. It is, therefore, essential that to avoid cultural appropriation and exploitation you understand the cultural history of these items. As well as the history of suppression forced upon these native populations, where they were forbidden to practice their culture, language, and traditions, including smudging, until 1978 and the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Even with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native American / Indigenous Nations still find themselves continually persecuted for various reasons. When purchasing sage and other plants used for burning, it is essential to ensure that they are ethically sourced and that there is no over-harvesting of these sacred medicines. And where possible, always support the Native American and Indigenous Nations.

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