One of the Most Common Mistakes Made on the Journey Towards Sustainability
And how to avoid it while saving money
SUSTAINABILITY IS A CHOICE
Many people (especially the younger generations) have consciously chosen to make their lifestyles more sustainable and live a zero waste lifestyle. This decision has become a growing effort in order to curb the effects humans have on climate change. According to a study done by Southern Cross University 77% of Americans and Australians want to learn how to live more sustainably while 93% showed a general concern for the environment.
Luckily many companies have taken notice of the popular consumer choice to purchase more sustainable products. Companies have made business decisions to join this trend in order to appease the consumers and keep their business. I think its important to understand that we as consumers have a big say in what companies do and our dollars are our vote towards these types of products and company morals.
ONCE YOU MAKE THIS CHOICE
Sustainability is a lifestyle that each individual has to consciously choose however many people think that it requires a complete overhaul of your house. It absolutely means making changes but by no means does it mean throwing away items you already have and buying all new sustainable options. With this assumption people think they also have to have a large budget to dedicate towards being sustainable. Understandably many sustainable options come with a price tag but again the most sustainable option is use what you have at first. This will save money and allow you to purchase better alternative items during a spread out timeframe rather than in one expensive purchase.
THIS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES I SEE MANY PEOPLE MAKE!
They think this choice now means they have to throw all their current “non sustainable” products away and start over. But in reality the most sustainable choice is first using what you have.
Why? Because that resource has already been created and produced. So rather than wasting it or filling the landfills with it, I always encourage people to use what they have. Weather that means paper napkins, plastic toothpaste tubes, plastic shampoo bottles, or clothes. If you have already purchased it, use it. We never want to waste anything. Not using an item means filling up the landfills or creating emissions from transportation for nothing.
LEARNING TO BE SUSTAINABLE MEANS NOT WASTING RESOURCES
So use up your shampoo bottles before purchasing shampoo bars.
Use up your napkins and then use towels in their place.
Wear all your clothes instead of going out and purchasing new items from sustainable brands.
And as you use these current items in your household, take the time to research new items so you are prepared when you need to purchase alternatives. Learn why different options are better. For example about 91% of plastic shampoo bottles get thrown out meaning they are most likely filling up a landfill or polluting our oceans. Therefor shampoo bars which use no plastic, have a lower carbon footprint because they are lighter to ship and produce no space in the landfill.
STAY EDUCATED ON THE SUBJECT
Education is one of the biggest ways to stay sustainable. Once someone is aware of the effects their actions can make they are more likely to change them. So let’s change our actions! Let’s learn which company’s are putting the earth alongside profit. Let’s learn who is leading their industry in sustainability and once we need a new item ( yes I said need not want) we can then make the best choice available.
Are you new to the eco lifestyle and want to learn more about actionable steps you can take? Read a past post here where you will learn actionable steps to take beyond using what you already have. These 5 simple steps will help you get started on your zero waste journey and save you money in the long run.
