Consume sustainable products and resources

Living the #saltysideoflife

In our #saltysideoflife series, we explore the four pillars of change you can start making for yourself that can set off the ripples that can grow to become a wave of change for the world and contribute towards keeping our oceans sustainable. 

Consumption habits can make a difference in starting change for ourselves and the environment. How much stuff we buy, how often we use it, and where we dispose of it all play a role in our impact on the environment. Here are three things you can do to make sure that your lifestyle is more eco-friendly through conscious consumption.

Cut back on chemical packaging.

Many of the products we buy are packaged in plastic or other materials that contain chemicals like phthalates and BPA. A majority of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels. These chemicals can leach into the environment and cause harm to both human and animal health through burning and dumping. 

One way of limiting your exposure to chemical packaging is to choose products that are packaged in biodegradable materials such as paper, cardboard, and glass, or use recycled plastic packaging if you can’t avoid it.

Switch to eco-friendly  EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) for your shoes, or walk barefoot.

EVA is a type of material used in shoes and other apparel. Eco-friendly EVA is often made from natural rubber and is free of toxic chemicals, making it a great alternative to traditional materials. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also more comfortable and breathable than traditional materials, making it ideal for those who like to go walking or running.

Even better, walk barefoot! Walking barefoot has a number of health benefits, including restoring your natural ‘walking pattern’, improving balance, and even pain relief! Not to mention the cost savings from not having to buy new shoes!

Buy clothing that doesn’t add to climate change

Your favourite T-shirt may be contributing to climate change. Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics, but it can also be a major contributor to climate change, being grown with a lot of fertilizers and pesticides, which can release harmful chemicals into the environment. 35% of microplastics also come from synthetic materials like polyester, which breaks down into toxic substances in marine ecosystems.

Not only that, but the dyeing process for clothing can be incredibly harmful to the climate, with 20% of wastewater coming from the textile dying process using toxic chemicals that make their way to the ocean. To reduce your impact, opt for organic and sustainably made clothing instead. Organic cotton is grown without the use of any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, so you can still look good without having to worry about contributing to climate change!

Consuming sustainably and reducing your environmental impact may be easier than you think, and can be better for you (and your wallet).

How else do you consume sustainably? Share your tips for living the #saltysideoflife!