From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are consuming. Are we doing it responsibly and being aware of the impact on the planet? Based on the advice that Greenpeace determines as necessary for responsible consumption, we have prepared a guide with some basic ideas to take action on this matter.
WOOD
The choice of wood affects forests because behind the purchase there may be poor forest management in threatened areas, illegal logging, deforestation, violation of human rights and the invasion of indigenous territories. For all these reasons, responsible consumption is both necessary and urgent.
Recycled and local: Before buying wood, look for those that are produced in your region or near you. You will be avoiding the effects that transport has on the climate and benefiting the rural development of local producers. In addition, reclaimed and FSC wood can be easily recycled again.
Take care of the wood: To make this material last longer, there are different products on the market to treat fungi, insects, atmospheric factors and different needs. Before throwing away a piece of furniture because you think it has no qualms, ask professionals so they can advise you on how to treat them.
Recycle and rebuild: Take a look at the second-hand stores, they are options that give a very particular style to our houses with a vintage style. There are stores that restore furniture and put it on sale with a look that seems new with the addition of being unique. And if you dare, you can remodel and stain your own furniture to give your home a new look.
CLOTHES AND SHOES
Have you ever wondered why the seasons no longer exist in fashion? Why have the prices and quality of clothing fallen? Fast-fashion and compulsive consumption is about this: Consume more and more, without thinking about it. Breaking with this is possible.
Take care of your clothes: Taking care of your garments at the time of washing and drying is a way to preserve them for more years and, therefore, reduce CO2 emissions by 24%. You will save not only money, but water and raw materials, avoiding damaging rivers and land with chemicals and pesticides.
Customize, exchange or donate: If the piece of clothing is well cared for but you no longer like it, customize it to give it a new look more to your liking. Exchanging it with someone is a way to extend the life of the clothes, since another person may like them or donate to someone who can serve them.
Buy locally produced or second-hand clothing: Stop buying in large stores and bet on businesses with sustainable values. You will give your money to clothing free of toxic components, which helps to care for the environment and respect the human rights of workers. Another option is to buy your clothes in second-hand stores.
FISH
The conservation of aquatic fauna and flora is being conditioned by external factors caused by humans. The global increase in water temperature, the acidification of the oceans and the overexploitation of species for food consumption.
Seasonal, sustainable and close to you: The most effective action is to reduce consumption. When you go to buy it, make a responsible consumption and choose that fish and seafood that is in season because it influences the well-being of the oceans, to the improvement of the current overexploitation, and you will also consume it with a greater nutritional contribution and flavor, compared to fish from fish farms.
Look at the label, take action: The labeling must give information about the fishing method and the catch area. Choose the most sustainable ones such as skewer fishing, traps, rod, trammel, etc. About the capture areas: the closer it has been captured, the better. If the labeling isn’t clear or the fishmonger doesn’t have this information, don’t buy it. Eating fish without knowing where it comes from is the greatest damage we can do to the ocean.
Tuna, the most affected: The UN celebrates World Tuna Day every May 2, to highlight the importance of sustainable management of this fish populations. It is one of the most consumed fish in the world and it is important to manage it in a sustainable way. Learn about the journey of tuna from the sea to your plate and buy the closest possible.
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
The United Nations Environment Program indicates that in 1 year about 50 million tons of electronic waste are generated. These contain highly polluting materials and endanger our health and that of the planet.
Conscious consumption: Prioritize being responsible to follow fashion, enduring as much as possible with your electronic devices. It happens that we always want the newest products, but ask yourself before buying another, if it really is necessary and if you need it.
Repair: If a device stops working, before buying another, find out if it can be fixed. If so, see if you can repair it to continue using it. It is a savings for your pocket and a benefit for the planet.
Respectful products: If you need to buy a new electronic product, support those companies that make respectful products with the environment and with their workers. These companies prioritize responsible consumption in all manufacturing phases, until their final disposal, to minimize the negative impact on the planet and ensure that the consumer.