When your goal is sustainable living, you need to think twice before making a purchase. Is it eco-friendly, local or fairtrade? These are just some of the things we need to consider. BentallGreenOak Residential Services has a few tips on how you can become a more conscious consumer and decrease your carbon footprint.
Avoid Fast Fashion
To avoid fast fashion, emphasize quality over quantity. Buy fewer items and invest in quality pieces that you absolutely love instead of purchasing something just because it was on sale. Cheap clothes come with a hidden price! The people making them in third-world countries are the ones sacrificing their health and safety, having to work in unsafe and high-risk conditions. Do some research and discover brands that make ethical and sustainable clothes. In the end, it will benefit everyone and you'll feel much better about your purchase. And yes, there are many out there! Some of our favourite brands include Kotn, Outland, Everlane and Alternative.
Buy Local
Buying local products is a great way to support local businesses and communities. It connects people together and has a positive impact on those involved. When it comes to buying food, not only is local produce healthier for you, but you also have a better sense of where your food is coming from, how it's handled and there is less risk of contamination.
Buy Fairtrade
When you choose fairtrade products, you are supporting brands that value safe working conditions and sustainable wages for employees. Supporting fairtrade helps keep many people out of poverty! Additionally, with fairtrade products, child and slave labour is forbidden. Just look for the fairtrade symbol on packaging or check out products by Camino, Kicking Horse Coffee and Kotn.
Purchase Eco-friendly Products
If the price tag of eco-friendly products is keeping you away, think again. Even though they might be more expensive to purchase, you actually save money in the end because they last longer. When it comes to eco-friendly clothes, look for items made from recycled fabrics with sustainable manufacturing methods. Also, think about getting reusable coffee cups, water bottles, straws and recycled toilet paper! For cleaning products, you can choose from numerous brands that avoid using harsh chemicals, which are not good for you or the environment.
Go Vegetarian or Vegan Once a Week
The amount of land, water and animal byproducts that are involved in feeding and growing animals for consumption is astonishing. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, introduce 'Meatless Monday' into your weekly routine. You will indirectly help reduce greenhouse emissions, deforestation and animal cruelty. Plus, it's been shown that cutting down on meat consumption, especially red meat, is beneficial for your health. Replace meat with beans, lentils, soy and healthy fats.
With a few small changes and additions to your regular routine, you can become a conscious consumer and significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
BentallGreenOak hopes you found these tips helpful! For information on BentallGreenOak properties across Canada, please visit our website.