How Small Changes in Consumption Can Make a Big Difference: Earth vs. Plastic
By: Tina Solak, Trustee Board Member of Cedar Run & Own of The Refill Market
“As consumers we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.” – Emma Watson
There are so many staggering statistics about the waste produced by humans every year, from plastic to textiles to electronics. So many people over-consume with little regard to the subsequent devastating environmental impacts. So, on this Earth Day, I encourage you to remember that “All You Need is Less!” Any time you feel like buying stuff please consider the following:
- Do you really need it? Walk away for a couple days or a week and see if you’re still thinking about it. Can you use or repair what you already own?
- If you really need it, can you:
- make it?
- borrow it?
- rent it?
- If you need to buy it, can you get it second hand?
- If you can’t get it second hand, can you
- buy it from a sustainable businesses?
- buy it from a local small business (small businesses have a smaller carbon footprint than large corporations)?
- If you can’t get it anywhere besides a large corporation, “choose well, make it last.” Look to buy the most durable version made of the most natural materials available – read reviews to avoid products that are known to break quickly and choose glass and metal over plastic!
Every small action matters and together we can make a difference! Happy Earth Day!