Swish, Swish...and Sustainability Matters!
Transforming Fads into Everlasting Decisions: Adopting a Long-Lasting Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Growing up, accumulating stuff like clothes, backpacks, and water bottles was part of the enchanting journey of evolving from a child to a teen. But before we knew it, we were oversaturated with belongings due to the accelerated pace of buying new items and the microtrends initiated by online shopping.
Did you know that for every person in the world, approximately 1.7kg of garments get trashed post-production? According to a 2021 report, eco-efficiency has seen some improvement this century, yet its output has doubled. This rapid consumption pattern that fulfills our short-term desires is causing problems with long-term repercussions - it's hurting our economy, polluting our lovely oceans, and even affecting our emotional well-being.
But don't despair! Regular adjustments in our buying practices can drastically diminish waste and bolster marine ecosystems. That's the beauty of embracing conscious consumption. Let's dive into some nitty-gritty details of our personal belongings, observable trends, and actions that can bring forth change.
My Belongings, My Story
The objects I possess serve as a snapshot of milestones in my life. For example, during my teenage years, I had an enormous pink thermal water bottle that traveled with me to every sporting event – football, basketball, swimming...you name it! It was more than just a bottle; it represented that phase in my life. To this day, I strive to fully utilize my belongings instead of readily replacing them.
However, I've grown increasingly aware of how prevalent it is to toss things aside and buy new ones. This fleeting mentality has substantial environmental implications. Did you know that annually, about 8 million tonnes of plastic trash find its way into our oceans, much of it stemming from single-use items and excessive consumption patterns? Yikes!
Inspiration, Baby!
2019 saw the VSCO girl trend explode, characterized by oversized tees, scrunchies, and hydroflasks. While some deemed it a fleeting fashion statement, the phrase "Save the Turtles" sparked widespread interest in eco-friendly habits among young people. Metal straws and reusable bottles became staples, inspiring a multitude of enthusiasts to befriend Mother Nature.
Since then, I've made it my mission to carry my trusty reusable bottle wherever I go, not just because it's good for the environment, but also because it's evolved into a meaningful habit. I have also educated my family on the benefits of using metal straws, which we adhere to religiously. Plus, many coffee shops offer discounts for those who bring their own cup – a simple yet effective way to nudge eco-conscious decisions. Employing a reusable cup reduces carbon emissions by a whopping three times compared to single-use cups! Wam!
Power to Ya!
While some grow green due to trendy movements or tempting savings, others take heed from profound values. My mom is an ardent adherent of sustainability and demonstrates this through her unconventional practices. By bringing her own containers to the local Bangkok markets and utilizing ordinary items (where they're welcomed without much fuss), she showcases the power of following one's principles and setting an example for others.
As a result, I've adopted a handful of small, everyday measures, such as:
- Reusing parcel packaging for online sales
- Recycling paper and gift wrap
- Bringing a reusable cup to coffee shops (even when no discount is offered)
- Collecting plastic bottles for recycling, especially in areas without dedicated recycling facilities
- Utilizing apps that combat food waste, such as Too Good To Go
- Mending clothes or fixing minor issues (or seeking help if necessary) to prolong my items’ lifespan – research shows that repairing clothes can extend their lifespan by 1.3 years!
Influence can surge from the tiniest spark. My mom's actions have sparked a steadfast mindset towards sustainability in me and shown me that modest steps can make an indelible impact – one reusable bag, recharged water bottle, or packed lunch at a time.
My Own
Ensnared by the web of constant moving, I adopted minimalism as a strategy to focus on owning less but cherishing each item more. My key criterion when purchasing something becomes: "Will this become a reliable resource and remain appealing for years to come?". At university, I joined forces with fellow students in the Climate Action Team and the Sustainable Fashion Society, enabling me to promote sustainable initiatives amongst my peers.
Protecting our Blue Marble, One Step at a Time
We consumers wield power in the choices we make - the products we purchase, the length of time we use them, and the waste we produce all have an impact on our environment, especially concerning marine environments. By adopting mindful habits like reusing items, championing sustainable brands, and contemplating our purchases carefully, we can stem plastic pollution and fortify marine ecosystems. Whether inspired by trends, incentives or trailblazers, every stride towards sustainability counts. As my mom's example has shown me, small decisions can chisel a significant imprint – one refillable bottle, reusable bag, or packed lunch at a time.
Shout out to Ferra!
Cheers to Ferra for uplifting her voice for the sake of the Ocean! Better yet, learn how to submit your own Wavemaker Story here.
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- Rapid consumption patterns that cater to our short-term desires are causing long-term harm to our economy, polluting our oceans, and even affecting our emotional well-being.
- Regular adjustments in our buying practices can drastically reduce waste and bolster marine ecosystems.3.Objects I possess serve as a snapshot of milestones in my life and it's essential to fully utilize them instead of readily replacing them.4.Did you know that annually, about 8 million tonnes of plastic trash find its way into our oceans, primarily from single-use items and excessive consumption patterns?5.By employing a reusable cup, recycling paper and gift wrap, utilizing apps that combat food waste, repairing clothes, and collecting plastic bottles for recycling, we can mitigate plastic pollution and strengthen marine ecosystems.6.Every stride towards sustainability counts. Small decisions like using a refillable bottle, reusable bag, or packed lunch can have a significant impact, as my mom's example has demonstrated.
