Climate change, now this is a biggie and although talked about often is something that can get very confusing. To shop or not to shop is the question!
Now we know that shopping habits can have a significant impact on climate change, but what we should always remember is that as consumers, we have the power to make a difference by being mindful of the products we purchase and the companies we support and give our money to.
So, what is the easiest change we can make to make a big difference? Well, how about we start to think about the production and transportation of goods? The manufacturing and transportation of products requires energy, and the burning of fossil fuels to power these processes is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. So, by choosing to purchase products that are made locally or with sustainable materials, we can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and production.
Now packaging is another way consumerism impacts climate change. Many products are packaged in materials that are not biodegradable, such as plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, and they often end up in landfills or as litter in the environment. This is a slightly tougher issue, as this is somewhat out of your control, it’s really up to the brands and governments to make the big changes. But, whilst we demand this change we can try to make mindful choices like choosing products with minimal packaging or packaging made from biodegradable materials, in turn reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the environment.
Also, we should try where we can to support companies that have sustainable practices in place. Some companies have made commitments to reduce their carbon footprint, use renewable energy, and minimize waste. By choosing to purchase from these companies, we can encourage more businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
It is sadly a fact that our shopping habits can have a significant impact on climate change. But by just being more mindful of the products we purchase and the companies we support, we can make a difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing waste, and promoting sustainable practices.
