The sustainability movement is all about getting more people to switch to a lifestyle that helps to save the environment.
While we are still far away from completely eliminating plastics and mindless consumption, a substantial number of individuals are making admirable changes in their buying habits and this is beginning to influence other people.
Are you one of them? If not, here are some reasons that might convince you to begin using sustainable products.
1. Sustainable products help to save the environment
Sustainable products are made with the environment in mind. They are produced using materials that are durable and recyclable.
The way these products are made are also well-supported, meaning there is little harmful impact in their living conditions and the workers are paid a fair wage.
2. Sustainable products last longer
In the past, most products in the market would last us for decades, sometimes whole lifetimes.
But the trend of online shopping along with poor manufacturing practices has caused us to be satisfied with low quality products that only last a few months.
Sustainable living has brought back high quality products again. Because sustainable products are made with durable materials, they often last longer than alternatives.
This reduces the need to throw the product away just to replace it with another one that will break down later on.
3. Sustainable products change the way manufacturers view production
You are voting with your wallet. By choosing to support only sustainable products, you are sending a message to product makers that there is a growing need for sustainability.
Even if saving the environment is not part of their original mission, they’ll be more likely to change their ways if they know there is money to be made from it.
It has been proven that consumers are willing to pay more for a product if they know it’s sustainable.
How to Begin Your Switch to Sustainable Products
If you’re struggling to make the switch, here are some tips to help you transition into using more sustainable products:
1. Start with the items you use most often
Evaluate the most used items in your home and start from there.
For example, are you always consuming ziploc bags for your freezer meals? Maybe consider switching to silicon ziploc bags which can be washed and reused again.
Or if you’re into changing your phone case every now and then, why not support a sustainable brand like Pela Case? Start with the small things first before going for the big ones.
2. Take an inventory before buying new
You don’t have to throw everything out in your home and replace it with sustainable products.
The first thing you want to do is take an inventory of your items and see which ones you want to keep and which ones you don’t.
Keep the items that you want for as long as possible and then, once it's broken, find a sustainable replacement.
As for your other items, you can sell or give them away. This way, they don’t end up in landfills; instead they get a second life in someone else’ home.
3. Do your research
Be careful of companies that claim to be sustainable. Sustainability is popular these days which means some businesses will greenwash their branding to get more sales.
Sustainable products are usually not cheap to produce and you only want to support companies that truly care about the environment. If you’re making a big purchase, like say, new bedding, you want to choose a mattresses that have eco-friendly materials.
But how do you know if it truly is sustainable? By doing research. Taking the time to do so will pay off in the long run as you’ll be more confident in your choice.
