As individuals, one of the most significant differences we can make to the environment is by choosing eco-friendly products.
When we read about governments flouting environmental laws and big corporations polluting the oceans, it is easy to feel powerless to affect positive change. In reality, this is far from the truth. How we shop can go a long way to protect the environment and inspire change in others.
Recent years have mainly seen a shift towards more environmentally responsible consumption. In just six months, from October 2020 to March 2021, PwC reported that 50% of consumers have become more eco-friendly.
Most people who do not shop for sustainable products contend that they are too expensive. But in many cases, sustainable products cost the same or even less than their competitors.
There are plenty of ways to make your shopping more eco-friendly — and sometimes save some money along the way. Here are the top five:
1. Use renewable products
Renewable technology has exploded in recent decades. Consumers can now shop from an ever-growing market of everyday products powered by sustainable sources rather than pollutants, spanning household appliances, entertainment systems, and vehicles. These innovative products are fuelled by renewables — usually solar power — rather than traditional energy to reduce the user’s carbon footprint.
As the market grows, costs fall, meaning sustainable products once reserved for wealthy consumers are now widely accessible.
One advantage for owners of these products is their low upkeep. A speaker powered by solar energy will shave money off your energy bills. A Tesla’s running costs are far less than that of an internal combustion engine car.
2. Shop locally
Many products lining the shelves of your local grocery store are shipped in from abroad from other countries and, often, other continents.
The journey they take to reach you can be damaging to the environment. Trucks, cargo ships, and aeroplanes transporting goods across borders burn natural resources and emit harmful gases into the atmosphere. Actively seeking out local produce, which is as simple as scanning a product’s label, can keep your basket’s carbon footprint to a minimum.
3. Reduce non-recyclable packaging
Packaging is a crucial factor when determining a product’s environmental impact. Non-recyclable packaging ends up in landfill sites or, worse, in natural habitats.
Fortunately, consumer pressure has forced most manufacturers to implement recyclable materials in their product packaging. A 2020 McKinsey survey found that 38% of American consumers say sustainable packaging is essential to them.
Where possible, opt for products with sustainable packaging and always recycle.
4. Boycott unethical brands
Your purchasing power goes a long way regarding what you put in your basket and what you leave on the shelf.
Researching the environmental policies of brands you buy from is an excellent way to make more informed and conscientious consumer choices. Many brands we shop with unconditionally are burning fossil fuels excessively, polluting plastic, and destroying wildlife.
There is a wealth of information available on the internet naming and shaming the top polluters. Maybe think twice when you’re next buying a bottle of Coca-Cola.
5. Buy only what you need
The UN estimates that 8-10% of global greenhouse emissions are associated with food that is not consumed. Millions of tonnes of produce are wasted every year, leaving in their wake polluting gases and harmful plastics which damage the environment.
As shoppers, we can all do our bit by visiting the grocery store less and only buying what we need. If the environmental arguments don’t sway you, consider that you’ll be saving money to enjoy elsewhere.
With a wealth of information now available to consumers and more brands being mindful of their environmental impact, it has never been easier to shop sustainably.
None of the solutions requires an environmental science degree to understand, and by implementing a few into our shopping habits, we can all play a part in safeguarding the planet’s future.
