Creating a More Sustainable Future: How to be more Eco-Friendly

When was the last time you remembered to bring your reusable water bottle instead of having to buy one? How about the last time you decided not to buy those new trendy clothes from Zara, H&M and Shein? Or what about the time you thought twice about leaving your tap on for too long?

One of my 2024 New Year’s Resolutions was to start making more sustainably-minded decisions and to be more conscious of how my choices impact the environment. As I have been learning more about the environment and how humans impact it, it’s made me consider my impact on the environment and what I can do to create a more sustainable future. Whether you are looking to make permanent changes to your life or just are trying to learn about some more sustainably minded decisions that you can make, I hope this article can make a difference for you.

1. Minimise your use of plastic products

Image courtesy of Sustainability Magazine.

14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean per year. That is 80% of all pollution in the ocean. Thousands of marine wildlife species like turtles, fish, seals, and seabirds die yearly from getting tangled in or ingesting plastic products. There are still some easy substitutions that you can make: instead of using plastic water bottles, use reusable ones, stop buying plastic sandwich bags and start using reusable containers. Avoid buying produce wrapped in plastic wrappers, and try buying unwrapped fruit and vegetables.

2. Switch to buying organic foods

In the United States alone, more than 2 billion pounds of pesticides are sold yearly. Pesticides can spread across many wildlife and animal habitats through food chains. This can hurt a lot of wildlife. Additionally, pesticides can contaminate the air, water, and soil, further polluting any food that we might eat. Choosing only to eat organic products can lessen your impact on wildlife and the rest of the planet.

3. Try thrifting!

Over the past 20 years, the global consumption of fashion products has increased by 400%. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of carbon emissions per year. The creation of animal textiles causes a large amount of pollution. For example, wool and animal fur create a huge threat to aquatic ecosystems. Reducing the consumption of animal textiles and purchasing secondhand clothes can reduce your environmental impact. Thrift stores are great places to buy secondhand clothes.

4. Be more conscious of your water usage

As the demand for water resources rises, it is important to be conscious of your water usage. It is important for households to conserve the amount of water that we have. At home, try to take shorter showers, don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, and don’t put water down the drain when it could be used for something else, like watering your plants.

5. Reduce your consumption of meat

The meat industry is one of the largest consumers of water while also producing carbon emissions, and contributing to habitat destruction. Additionally, 40% of edible food goes into the compost in the United States. All of the resources that it took to make each of the food products went to waste. Eating more plant-based foods or considering a vegetarian or vegan diet will reduce the impact you have on the environment.

6. Stop buying beauty products that endanger animals

Many cosmetic brands test their products on animals. Innocent rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, and rats are forced to have chemical substances put down their throats, dropped into their eyes, or smudged on their skin. A large amount of animals die or get severely injured due to the high amount of chemicals in the products. Using products labelled “cruelty-free” indicates that the products aren’t being tested on animals.

7. Turn off electronics when you travel

Even if your electronics are shut off, they still use a lot of energy when plugged in. In the average Canadian home, at least 5 percent of electricity is wasted when the device is left in standby mode or not being used. When you go on vacation, unplug your devices from wall sockets to eliminate the amount of wasted energy.

8. Make more sustainable decisions when commuting to school

The average car produces 4,600 kg of carbon emissions per year. Walking to school, and taking the TTC bus or subway will help limit the amount of carbon emissions that go into the environment from driving cars.