Sustainable choices need to be made in our everyday life to preserve the earth and life for future generations. I looked through my purchases, impact on the environment and support for companies. Noticing the ingredients in products harming my skin and cells and the environment, I sought to either stop using the product or seek a healthier alternative.
Shampoo and conditioner without sulphate and silicone, menstrual cups instead of pads and tampons as well as makeup cosmetics without any related alcohol ingredients were essential. I regularly check whether I use brands who do not condone animal cruelty and had since only had vegan drinks and ate vegetarian meals when ordering take-out or eating out. This was appreciated by a surprising few friends around me who shared their experiences of themselves or a family member who had food preferences. It allowed an appreciation for different types of foods and recognition of the food people could not eat due to allergies or dietary requirements. My friends shared tips of which plant-based foods to buy and encouraged me on this environmentally conscious venture. I was satisfied by the foods I had tried and was never overly full compared to when I ate meals with sauce and meat. I had also saved money from not spending a high amount on my meals and drinks and tended not to eat out as often as I used to.
I really enjoy the options available at various restaurants, cafés and bubble tea stores for dietary preferences and requirements. Some are to further evaluate their selection and involve themselves with customers eating their food creations. As are the creators of the makeup and hair products to understand the needs of their customers and the impact of their products. Buying products which are safer for your skin and body can seem pricey at first however there is many more stores and products in the market with more natural and fewer ingredients to their products. This simple alternative is shareable with friends and family members and made available at your home where you can plant and source these natural remedies and ingredients.
Collectively, activism, cleaning up environments and educated and attentive decisions can contribute to building a sustainable future.
The cure is in our hands. I will continue to make sustainable choices in the year to come. I will be going plastic-free in the next year and only buying outerwear clothes from op-shops. For summer I purchased clothing from my local op-shops operated by churches and community service organisations. Before purchasing an item we must think if we really need the product, know ourselves and if it allows room for growth. My aim is to buy less, need less and use less. Our resources are scarce and limited on Earth and we are to educate ourselves on environmental changes occurring around us and the ongoing effects it has on humans, nature’s landscape and all lifeforms. A docuseries I gained a lot of knowledge from was Down to Earth with Daren Olien and Zac Efron. Sustainable strategies to live has already been formed by people around the world and we are to engage with these people and listen to their advice as we contribute to a circular economy.
By purchasing less items whether it be snacks or plastic-made products I am discarding of less into wastage. It is a good approach to pass down clothing you have to a friend or family member who will get usage out of it. Donating clothes, items and appliances give them a second life. As for my shopping trips, I opt to bring a reusable bag or a larger handbag I own to fit my items in. It is also an option to re-use brown paper bags for smaller products and fresh produce. There are issues regarding mass landfill, rubbish and pollution in the oceans that I am yet to engage with. Considerations we have made during Covid-19 lockdowns included driving less whether it be to work, outings or meet ups. This led to using less petrol and vehicle pollution. We are to seek energy efficient cars and add-ons to our house such as, solar and water tank installations. Collectively, activism, cleaning up environments and educated and attentive decisions can contribute to building a sustainable future.
Written By Juliette Pierre
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