A considerable impact on our sustainable future is made
by the choices we make at the checkout. By showing our desire for sustainable choices to retailers
and manufacturing businesses, we will create a demand for more of those sustainable products.
As a result, when we shop for food
and grocery, electrical appliances or furniture, we’ll have more
environmentally friendly or sustainable options.
We must be mindful that every item you purchase will travel long
distances to get to your local store shelves. The long distances that these items travel has an impact on
the environment and the economy. However, the effect does not end here as you have to eventually
be responsible for the product’s disposal, or at the bare minimum, the disposal
of all the packaging that came with it when you take it home. Therefore,
before loading up your shopping cart, ask yourself the following questions.
·
Is this item shipped from far away, leaving a
big carbon footprint?
·
Is it really worth the time spent earning the
money to buy it?
·
Is it made of renewable or recycled materials?
·
Is it over packaged with materials that just get
thrown away?
·
How long will it last (and does that make it
worth the impact on you and your environment)?
·
Is the item completely recyclable or and
can it be donated when it's no longer needed?
·
What if it breaks; can it be fixed?
·
When it's used up, can it be disposed of in a
sustainable way?
By answering all of the above-mentioned questions, you’ll be
in a better position to make a shopping choice that is sustainable and fulfills
all of your basic needs.
Choosing which products to buy can often be a big decision
but we can help make a positive impact on our environment by selecting products
that are more eco-friendly. Many restaurants are now doing away with straws. This act alone can greatly decrease plastic waste by the tons. Think of what you can do today to be more responsible.
