Making Sustainability Simple

Image of dunes on beach with sunrise
Photo by Nathan Cowley

It doesn’t take much to make an impact

The Earth is pretty important. And by pretty we mean very. If the Earth isn’t healthy, then neither are we. Goes hand in hand. We’re talking to you, plastic manufacturers. But the good news is, there are people out there that do care and try to make a difference.

Boxed Water and their friends work hard to make their footprints small. More than just putting water in a renewable package—the brand is on a mission to make the world a healthier planet. Doing what they can to prevent plastic bottles from sitting on the ocean floor for the rest of eternity. Through social media and partnerships, Boxed Water teams up with folks who help spread the word, promote the mission and encourage their communities to work together towards a #BetterPlanet. Literally. Post a carton on social media with that hashtag and Boxed Water will plant two trees. That’s nice. 

We asked a couple of Boxed Water sustainability advocates for some tips on how to start living a more sustainable lifestyle. An actually achievable lifestyle. Living off the land is ideal, but also probably a pretty big leap from your current way of life. But if you’re interested, here’s some more information on how you might get started. In the mean time you can take small steps to make a pretty big difference. Ladies, take it away.


Joy Dalguntas

Actor, Writer, Director 

Black and white image of Actor, Writer, Director Joy Dalguntas on a boat

Whalebone: Favorite environmentally focused documentary right now and why? 

Joy:  I love movies so much. I have too many favorites that I can‘t pick one and that goes for any genre of film. I think Food, Inc. (2008), The True Cost (2015) and Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014) are all really great films. I noticed the more that I watch documentaries and learn about these issues, the more it‘s all intertwined. Fast fashion, industrial agriculture, the meat industry, overfishing, marine and plastic pollution, and public health issues like clean drinking water. The list is endless and many of these go hand in hand and contribute to the never-ending cycle. 

WB: What sustainable products do you use in your day-to-day life?

JD:  Well shout out to Boxed Water! It makes me happy to know that whenever I post a picture and use #BetterPlanet, they plant two trees in a national forest. I also have a few reusable water bottles, reusable straws, hand and dish towels instead of paper towels, reusable face masks, and MANY reusable tote bags that I can‘t even count how many I have.

Image of actor, writer, director Joy Dallguntas holding up Boxed Water

WB: One easy habit anyone can practice to be a little more sustainable and avoid using plastic?

JD: Skip the plastic bag when shopping and use a reusable tote! Remember to take one with you whenever you run errands. So many stores are doing their part by encouraging people to skip the plastic by charging around ten cents or so. I think that is a great place to start, and then from there, it’ll be a little easier to begin a journey of using less plastic and being more mindful of ways to be as sustainable as possible.

WB: If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? 

JD: I think I‘d have to go with my staple—a Hawaiian Bowl from Sunlife Organics. It’s açai sorbet topped with granola, banana, strawberry and coconut shreds. It’s simple, and some might say plain, but I would go there every day if I could. 

WB: The main reason you switched to a more sustainable, less plastic-filled life?

JD:  I started getting overwhelmed with just how much of everything is everywhere. You walk into a grocery store and see aisle after aisle of products packaged in plastic, clothing stores have rack after rack of items hanging on plastic hangers and when you finally purchase something, some stores give you a plastic bag with the brand‘s name printed on it. If we added all the stores in the world and put all the plastic products in one place, people would see just how problematic this is. On the other hand, I do think a lot of sustainable companies are doing a great job at minimizing their waste and spreading awareness. They are making a difference and so is everyone who is committing to a more sustainable lifestyle.


Olivia Bourque

Fashion Influencer

Image of fashion influencer Olivia Bourque on the beach

Whalebone: You have a beach clean up at noon, and an event at two, what are you wearing? 

Olivia Bourque: I am wearing my favorite seashell set from mumu. It’s perfect for a beach cleanup then add boots and a hat for the event and you’re good to go. 

Image of spicy margaritas taken by fashion influencer Olivia Bourque

WB: How did you feel when you learned that only 9% of plastic ends up recycled? 

OB: That makes me feel extremely sad—I feel like the majority of our population takes Earth for granted because we won’t necessarily have to deal with the consequences of what happens in 100 years from now. But the generations after us will. 

WB: One easy habit anyone can practice to be a little more sustainable and avoid using plastic? 

OB: I just made the switch to bamboo toothbrushes in 2021. Think about how many plastic toothbrushes you go through a year and now you can easily make the switch to cute, biodegradable, bamboo toothbrushes. Simple as that!

WB: If you had to explain your personality as a cocktail, what would it be? 

OB: 100% spicy watermelon margarita. I have a sweet southern charm but can be spicy at times. 

WB: How does it make you feel knowing that the sustainability movement is gaining momentum? 

OB: This makes me feel happy and like there’s hope for the environment. 


Whether it be sustainably packaged water, a bamboo toothbrush, or even just saying no to plastic shopping bags. The littlest act can make a pretty big difference. Check out more information on Boxed Water’s efforts. The planet will thank you.