As a consumer, you probably try to help the environment as much as possible. You’ll be looking for all kinds of ways to ensure that you are doing the right thing. Sometimes this isn’t easy, especially if you need something specific and the only way to get it seems to be to add to your carbon footprint. This is why it’s important to know your options; the more you know about how you can help the environment, the more positive choices you can make. This will help you – and the planet – in all aspects of life. Read on to find out more.
Choose Environmentally Friendly Companies
Assuming you have a choice in where you buy your goods, it’s a good idea to spend some time researching the various companies you might be able to use. There are some that are much more eco-friendly than others, and using the ones that prove they recycle, cut down on their emissions as much as possible, and do all they can to protect the planet is a good way to ensure you are just as conscientious as a consumer.
Sometimes you won’t have a choice. We know that single use plastics should be avoided, but single use plastics in the dental industry are standard because they are so hygienic and safe, for example. If you find that you need to use a company like this, make sure that there are other measures in place that make them environmentally friendly, and you’ll still be playing your part.
Don’t Use Plastic Bags
We mentioned single use plastic above because it really is an issue when it comes to the environment. Plastic shopping bags are one of the worst examples of this; they are used once, then go to landfill or, even worse, they litter the streets and green spaces. They can be fatal to wildlife, and they take many hundreds of years to decompose.
Avoiding plastic bags where you can is the best thing to do. This is much easier today than it has ever been because there are so many options available. Many stores offer tote bags or bags that, although made of plastic, are meant to be used multiple times. You can bring your own reusable bags to the store and use that too, which saves you money and ensure you don’t have to use one-time use plastic bags.
Use Reusable Water Bottles
Everyone has to drink each day. If you’re at home, that’s not an issue – fill up a glass or a mug, drink from it, clean it, and use it again when you next need a drink. When you’re out shopping or at work, it’s a different story – you’ll still need to drink, but in many cases, unless you choose to sit in a restaurant, you’ll have to use disposal beverage containers. They might be plastic, which we know is bad, but even if they are cardboard and can be recycled, it would be better not to have to throw them away at all.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have a reusable water bottle with you at all times. You can top this up when you need to and never have to throw anything away. If you prefer hot drinks like coffee, you can get coffee cups that can be reused too, and the baristas will use those rather than their own.