How to have a sustainable mindset

Let’s cut the foreplay and talk about real issues. We’re all familiar with the triangular recycling symbol: The arrows in a Mobius loop, chasing each other in a clockwise direction. Often times we find these symbols in packaged products such as to go cups at the coffee shop, straws or even containers for carrying leftovers food. But did you know that despite all the efforts made in recycling since the 1950’s, only 9% of all plastic has actually been recycled? This means 91% either ends up in landfills, oceans or gets burnt.  This also means, the production of single use plastics is without a doubt, detrimental to the environment. So how do we change this narrative? In order to achieve sustainability, it is vital to revisit our consumption habits. How do we become more environmentally aware despite all the mumbo jumbo surrounding green living? Here’s simple actions we can all take at home to end this menace.

1.                  Change your mindset: First, being environmentally aware demands acknowledging the impacts of your lifestyle choices to the environment. Have you calculated your carbon footprint? Do you know what, where and how much of your consumption actually impacts the environment? There are plenty of tools available online that help to calculate your individual impact, thus helping you mitigate the negative impacts to the environment. Such tools include WWF Ecological Footprint Calculator and carbonfootprint.com. These tools help you understand your impact to the environment, thus change your disposable mindset to living a more environmentally conscious life. (It only takes a few minutes to do this J)

2.                  Practice the principle of 4R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Refuse and Recycle. Ideally, the goal of this concept is to minimize waste volumes, reduce reliance on landfills and improve human wellbeing. Reducing production of waste can be achieved through minimizing consumption patterns such as meat intake. Production and packaging of meat is not only costly, but also harmful to the environment. Rather than throwing away an item, reusing is much more beneficial to the environment. Switch to reusable product such as bamboo straws, Reusable cotton make up removers, reusable mesh grocery shopping bags etc (Available on our website). This practice will not only save the environment, but also save your money.

3.                  Carry your own flask to work: I admit, its less hustle just getting a cup of coffee on the go every morning from a restaurant, given our busy work schedules. However, if you think about it, the coffee doesn’t stay hot for long and you might not enjoy the coffee as hot as you wish. How about simply purchasing a reusable flask once and for all? That way, you reduce the number of single use plastics ending up in landfills and get to enjoy your hot cup of coffee all day!

4.                  Tag along your family: Living sustainably is a collective responsibility requiring teamwork from every member of the family. The most preferred way to onboard your family into being earth friendly is by being a good role model, yourself. Create habits at home such as purchasing reusable sandwich and snack bag sets for your children to carry to school every day. Travel light when vacating by buying bamboo toothbrushes and foldable cutlery. This imparts them to pick up the habit and grow with it, thus becoming more environmentally conscious. Who knows? Maybe other kids from school can learn from them.

5.                  Think and do sustainability: Before purchasing anything, think about their short and long term effects to you, and your environment. For instance, is it more economical to buy a single use bag or silicon zip lock bag? Which is more durable and less harmful to the environment? Gauge the cost benefits analysis before making a purchase, do your research and be the change. Live with intention. It will go a long way in saving our environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science advances, 3(7), e1700782.