Longevity: 3 Steps towards Responsible Living
More than just reusable bottles and bags, an eco-facing lifestyle merits small, simple day-to-day decisions that keep our planet and its people in mind.
Nearly 2 of 3 individuals want a more equitable and sustainable post-pandemic world. But their actions often fail to walk the talk – a phenomenon known as the “value-action gap.”[1] Here are three practical tips to shift and sustain greener habits.
Digging a little deeper
In the past, sustainability once meant riding your bike to work over driving, and bringing your reusable water bottle instead of buying a plastic one. Although such alternatives are important, today’s definition takes a more holistic understanding. “While historically sustainability has focused on environmental impact,” explains Damian Soong, CEO and co-founder of certified B-Corp Form Nutrition, “sustainability is now a broader church, encompassing not just the environment but social and economic issues,” he shares.[2] This includes investing our money in brands that promote environmental conservation, social equity and ethical values. Here are 5 B Corp brands that are making a difference today.
Finding your fit
A common perspective is that conservation efforts should be led only by big companies and national governments.[3] But individual actions matter, noting that the average US citizen emits 19 tons of emissions per year – the equivalent of filling up the Statue of Liberty three times. The goal is to be aware of our personal footprint on the planet and do our best to lessen that impact. Not sure where to start? Here are 40 eco-friendly tips from the best experts in the business.
Fighting the urge
Today’s throwaway and fast fashion culture is wreaking havoc on the environment, jeopardizing a habitable place for future generations. In 2019, regular household trash became the third-largest source of human-caused methane emissions;[4] by 2050, this figure is expected to increase by 70%.[5] The good news is there is a way to combat this waste. Natalie Glaze, co-founder of sustainable swimwear Stay Wild Swim, explains that “doubling the life of your clothing from just one to two years and opting for more sustainable fashion can help reduce emissions from clothing production and disposal by as much as 24%.”[6] To learn more about the dangers of textile waste, check out our latest blog on “Behind Closed Doors: What Lies Behind Cheap Apparel” here.
If you need more practical tips to shift to greener habits, download our e-book “Sustainable Tips for Your Daily Routine” here.
References
[1] “Responsible Living: Concepts, Education and Future Perspectives” | Environment & Urbanization. Available at: https://www.environmentandurbanization.org/responsible-living-concepts-education-and-future-perspectives
[2] “Sustainable Living: 40 Eco-Friendly Tips From the Best Experts in the Business” | Marie Claire. Available at: https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/sustainability/sustainable-living-731921
[3] “The Role of Individual Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals” | Developing Our World. Available at: https://www.developingourworld.org/news-events/newsroom.html/article/2020/03/31/the-role-of-individual-advancing-the-sustainable-development-goals
[4] “7 Genuinely Shocking Facts About Our Global Waste Problem” | Global Citizen. Available at: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/global-waste-facts-plastic-fashion-food/
[5] “Global Waste Generation – Statistics & Facts” | Statista. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/4983/waste-generation-worldwide/#dossierKeyfigures
[6] “Sustainable Living: 40 Eco-Friendly Tips from the Best Experts in the Business” | Marie Claire. Available at: https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/sustainability/sustainable-living-731921
Author: Naomy Gmyrek
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