Reducing means making sustainable purchases. If you make good, eco-friendly choices when you buy things, then you’ll be reducing the amount that you will have to throw out. Today, people are consuming much more than they need. People often buy things that they end up not using or that are bad quality and don’t last very long. Then, we have lots of stuff to throw out along with the extra packaging it comes in. Before you buy a product, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really need this thing and do I really want it?
- How long will I use this?
- Will it break easily and can it be repaired?
- Will I be able to give it away if I do not want it anymore?
- Could I get one of these second-hand?
- Do I have something at home that I can use instead?
- What is it made of and did it cause pollution to be made?
- Is it biodegradable and can the materials be recycled or reused?
- How is it packaged and does it have extra wrappers that are not needed?
- Can I get a bigger bag or box of one that I can use for longer?
- Is it good quality and will it last long?
To learn more about our consumption and its impact, watch the Story of Stuff. This short documentary illustrates our consumption from the production of products to their disposal. Click hear to watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/storyofstuffproject#p/u/22/9GorqroigqM
As well, food has a massive impact on the Earth and we need to make sure that we practice sustainable agriculture. If you go to the grocery store and buy a piece of fruit, it’s most likely not organic, has lots of packaging, was transported from somewhere far away and isn’t even in season where you live. All these things do lots of damage to the environment. A way to find the best type of food is by using the five N’s:
- Nutritional: It’s healthy and good for your body!
- Natural: It’s organic, meaning no pesticides, insecticides or herbicides!
- Naked: There’s no wasteful packaging!
- Near: It’s grown locally!
- Now: It’s in season where you live!
Now, if you grow your own food, what do you realize? It’s all of these things! This means that it has practically no impact on the environment. When you go to the grocery store, try to look for food that has as many of these characteristics as possible. Better yet, grow your own food and reduce the amount of food you need to get from the grocery store!
Below are some ways that you can make better purchases in your daily life!
1. Food:
- Buy organic foods.
- Buy locally made and grown foods.
- Buy food with minimal packaging.
- Buy food with recyclable, recycled or biodegradable packaging.
- Buy non-processed food.
- Become a vegetarian or eat less meet.
- Grow food in a garden at home.
- Buy food in larger quantities.
2. Clothing and accessories:
- Donate to second hand stores.
- Buy clothing and accessories from second hand stores.
- Buy recycled or organic clothing that will last a long time.
- Buy from environmentally conscious companies.
3. Other products:
- Buy biodegradable soap, shampoo, etc.
- Buy post-consumer, recycled or biodegradable school and office supplies, toilet paper, napkins and paper towels.
- Buy products that will last for a long time instead of disposable products.
