How To Be A Sustainable Shopper
In recent years, the importance of living a more eco-friendly lifestyle has become clearer and clearer. After all, many scientists predict that we are nearing the point of no return in regards to climate change – meaning that drastic action must be taken sooner rather than later.
Thankfully, there are plenty of steps we can all take to make the planet a little greener. While we should be putting pressure on big companies to alter their practices and become eco-friendly businesses – we can also make sure we’re playing our part too.
One way in which you can achieve this goal is by shopping sustainably – and here are some top tips to get you started.
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Research the brands you support
One way you can ensure your shopping practices are sustainable is by researching brands and shops before making a purchase. For example, if you cannot find out any information about the steps they are taking to protect the environment online, it’s likely they aren’t making an effort, and you should take your money elsewhere.
Learn how your food gets to your table
This research should extend into all of your shopping habits – including your groceries. For example, you should check how the food you eat ends up on your table and look out for companies that are investing in regenerative agriculture.
You can hear more about this (and how regenerative agriculture is the future) from agricultural expert Jonathan Dax Cooke here.
How to be a sustainable shopper: Say no to fast fashion
Fast fashion providers give consumers easy access to the latest styles – and there’s no denying it’s convenient to be able to have clothes delivered to your home the very next day.
However, there are various ethical and environmental dangers associated with fast fashion. For example, clothes that are returned to these stores are often sent to landfill sites instead of being recycled.
As a result, it’s better to take your money elsewhere. The second-hand clothing market is growing, giving you plenty of chances to find new wardrobe staples without harming the planet.
Plan your travel accordingly
Our travel impacts can also impact the environment, meaning that you should try to find as many ways as possible to be sustainable when traveling. Thankfully, eco-friendly tourism is also on the rise. For example, you should look out for accommodation options that advertise their commitment to sustainability.
Say no to plastic packaging
One of the best ways in which you can become more sustainable is by cutting down on your plastic consumption – especially in regards to packaging, which is one of the biggest waste streams in the US. For example, you should always make sure to carry reusable carrier bags with you whenever you go shopping, leaving some in your car for the days you forget.
This means that you can say no to plastic bags offered in stores – which are near impossible to recycle and can take hundreds of years to decompose. If you do have these bags, try to reuse them around the house instead of throwing them away.
