You may have heard that the oceans are in trouble, and that our plastic use is contributing to the destruction of marine life around the world. So, if you care about the oceans, what can you do? The answer is simple—shopping ecofriendly and earth minded products can help protect our oceans! However, if you’re not careful, it can be difficult to make sure your purchases are ecofriendly and protecting our oceans. This guide will help you understand the best ways to shop ecofriendly without sacrificing the conveniences of modern society!
What are the Challenges?
There are many challenges when it comes to shopping eco-friendly, especially because many people aren’t really sure what they’re supposed to be looking for. They might see a product labelled eco-friendly or earth-minded, but have no idea if that label means it was responsibly made and that it won’t damage their health or environment.
How can We change this Habit?
First, we need to start slow. Reduce your use of plastic in every way possible—you can do it! Recycling is a great first step for anyone who wants to cut down on their personal use of plastic; however, there are many other ways you can avoid using single-use plastics. To start, try saying no (politely) when an item wrapped in plastic is passed your way.
Shopping Online When It comes to Buying Plastic-Free Products?
Shopping online is an eco-conscious consumer’s best friend. Sure, it’s easy to get sucked into a big-box store when you’re picking up a few plastic-free products, but these stores can be overwhelming when trying to locate earth-friendly products. A major bonus about shopping online for environmentally friendly products is that if your purchase exceeds a certain price (like $50), then some of these companies will deliver right to your doorstep—no need for that extra plastic!
Buy Goods On a Need-to-Have Basis
When possible, buy goods based on your real needs rather than for show. For example, don’t buy clothes just because they’re on sale. Buy them because you need them, not because they’re cheap. That way, you aren’t contributing to unnecessary demand for goods that are being shipped from overseas.
Choose Only Reusable Packaging?
Many products are packaged in packaging that can’t be recycled or reused. If you want to shop eco-friendly, it’s best to stick with items that have recyclable materials or can be bought in bulk—so you can reuse containers at home for storing food.
Share with Friends and Family
The plastic you’re using is polluting our oceans. If we want our children and their children to have healthy oceans, it’s up to us. We need a global effort to reduce plastic waste, but you can take action in your everyday life by buying products that don’t contain plastic packaging. Making a few small changes each day will help you reduce your impact on our environment!
Support Local Shops and Companies that Know the Importance of reducing Their Plastic Footprint
Shopping local allows you to have a more personal relationship with businesses. It’s easier for small businesses and shops to cut down on their plastic footprint because it’s not something they don’t necessarily see as a problem. Those who make an effort to shop locally are great supporters of these types of small-scale business decisions.
Educate Yourself About Plastic Free Shops near you
If you want to be a conscientious shopper, it’s best to understand how exactly your choices impact the planet. Plastic is absolutely destroying our oceans, which many of us know, but here’s a little refresher: In less than 30 years we have produced more plastic than in all of human history prior—and more than 90 percent of that plastic isn’t recycled.
Have a Reusable Water Bottle Ready for Refills
Water is an essential resource for human life, but most people don’t realize just how little we actually need. According to Healthline , if your body is healthy, you can survive without water for at least a month. If you’re committed to living more eco-consciously, here are some ways you can reduce your consumption of disposable plastic: Take your own reusable water bottle with you when you go out – not only in hotels but also in restaurants!
A travel mug is an eco-friendly way to reduce your use of disposable items, especially if you like drinking coffee on-the-go. Travel mugs are designed with a double or triple wall that keeps hot drinks hot for several hours, as well as some insulation for cold drinks. This means that you can fill up your travel mug in one location, then drink it without worrying about it getting warm or diluted along the way.