How to Shop Sustainably in 2020
It can be hard to know where to start when we think about ways to reduce our environmental impact. Going vegan, not flying, boycotting companies… The list is seemingly endless. Here, we’ve got some useful little tips that will help you springboard into a year of being more environmentally friendly.
Cut Down on Purchases
This is a tough one but you might have already resolved to save money this year and buy less. Our shopping habits don’t just hit our wallets hard, they also don’t do so well for the environment. From paper receipts to unnecessary plastic packaging, the cost of retail to the environment can be high. But it’s you, the consumer, that can change this by making sustainable choices when you shop. Although they aren’t super common just yet, zero-waste grocery stores are starting to pop up in and around big cities. The more we use them, the more there’ll be.
Clothing
The clothing industry is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. In fact, a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the textile industry emits more greenhouse gasses each year than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. That is a huge impact on the environment. When we do shop though, look for sustainable clothing, in particular items that are made from recycled materials. You can also shop for vintage clothing and brands and make sure that you recycle any fabric that’s not reusable rather than sending it to landfill.
Eat Environmentally
There are a few ways you can reduce your environmental impact through the ways we shop for food. We have all been hearing about vegans, vegetarians and how bad eating meat is for the planet. This is factually true, but isn’t necessarily the right choice for you just now. If that’s the case, taking steps to reduce the amount of meat and other animal products you consume is a great first step and you might find that you end up having more meat-free weeks than not!
Something else to consider is how you’re actually buying your food. If you do multiple little trips in your car to get your supermarket shop done, then it might be time to reconsider how you are managing your shopping. If you can avoid multiple trips to pick up one of two items, then so much the better, so try making a meal plan and writing a list before you get to the supermarket. It will also be healthier for your wallet as well as the environment – how many times have we popped out for one thing and come back with six?
It can be difficult to know where to start and to feel as if the little things you do won’t make any difference overall. But the UK has already significantly cut carbon emissions; food waste that went to landfill is down by almost five million tonnes which just shows how the introduction of food waste bins and our society having a bit more awareness can have a huge impact. So start small, and soon you’ll be on your way to a greener lifestyle.