We all have heard the eco-mantra “Recycle, reduce, reuse, refuse, re-purpose,” Easy right?
Well, the bad news is that the U.S. is the top producer of solid waste in the world. The good news, is that you can do something about it. We produce about 251 millions of tons of garbage every day; this is about 4.5 pounds per person per day. Multiply this by 365 days for ten years.
This vast amount of trash will ends up in landfills and our oceans. Unfortunately, the trash doesn’t magically disappear after you put it in your garbage bin.
As we created the problem, we can also solve it. Recycling plastic bottles, plastic containers, cardboard, metal cans, cartons is not enough to save our planet and our oceans from plastic pollution. This are some of the things you can do instead.
Demand Products that are Good for You
We as consumers are more powerful than we think. Successful companies are those who understand their clients’ needs and provide the best products to them. A business without clients will do not exist, is that simple. If we all understand this powerful marketing concept, we all would become more aware of our purchasing decisions.
Every time you purchase something you are voting with your dollar. You are deciding what brand to choose over another; you have the power to decide. I prefer eco-friendly brands, if a company is damaging or polluting the planet, I won’t spend a dollar with them. Period.
Demand Products Good for the Planet
The solution is not to continue recycling but to reduce or stop buying plastic in first place. Become a conscious consumer and demand more sustainable products with Eco-friendly packages that will naturally disintegrate and reduce harm to our environment. Demand materials that don’t cause harm to animals or our planet. The solution is in our hands and is our responsibility, don’t wait for the industry or the government to change climate policies.
Focus on Quality, not Quantity
Have you heard the term Fast Fashion? This term is used for inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends. Fast fashion has a negative environmental impact because of water pollution, the use of toxic chemicals and increasing levels of textile waste in the oceans. E.g. instead of buying five cheap t-shirts for $10 that will last a wash, purchase one high-quality t-shirt for $50+ and keep it longer.
Reduce your Waste
Most of the waste that we generate is due to the convenience of single-use disposable items. The “throw away” lifestyle, whereby many products are used once and then thrown away forever, like water bottles, coffee cups, plastic straws, plastic bags, disposable plates, and cutlery.
Look for alternatives, use a mug instead of a take away coffee cup, carry always your reusable water bottle, take your reusable bags to the grocery store. Follow #zerowaste hashtag on Instagram for more ideas!
Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need
You can lower our carbon footprint by reducing the amount of waste you produce each day. You can reduce your environmental impact by practicing the 5 R’s “Recycle, reduce, reuse, refuse, re-purpose,” everyday at your home and work. Every time you plan of buying something ask yourself, do I really need this?
Share this Message
Earth Day is coming up on April 22, 2019. This is an annual event, on which day events worldwide are held to bring awareness and demonstrate support for environmental protection. Become a more conscious consumer, become a climate leader, support eco-friendly brands, contact your representative, and share your love for the planet!
Everything you do big or small, matters and makes a difference in the world. If you like this post share it with your friends and family. Happy Earth Day!
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