Sustainable Consumer In The Making

We all, as consumers often discuss about consumer rights but we neglect our duties as a consumer as well as citizens. We must not forget that rights are always accompanied with duties. As a citizen and as a consumer it is our duty to buy and consume responsibly. One of the the major concern for us should be sustainability. We all are so busy in this competitive world that seldom do we pay attention to the harm we are making to this environment. We make changes only when it starts impacting our own health and life.

I am sure we all are reading in news regarding ban of plastic since ages but are still using plastic products each single day. Single-use plastic is hazardous for our environment as well as for us. Main reason is that plastic is non-biodegradable and some types will remain forever on this earth! I am frightened to think the future of our kids, will they be living under the plastic and e-waste dump? What kind of future are we going to give to our kids? Are we mindful consumers? Are we sustainable consumers? This is indeed one question we should ask ourselves everyday.

As I learn more about sustainable living, I realize the blunders we make on daily basis. Hence, the first point is to learn and unlearn! Education is necessary to open the minds of people as to what they should use and what they should avoid.

Second important thing is for people to realize that their actions are important. We all have a tendency and belief- "Humare karne se kya hoga?" We need to understand that every step in the direction of sustainability can make a huge difference! And it's never late to start. So, start today!

Go 1 step a time. I got so overwhelmed that I started to change everything. It will be very difficult if we start to change everything in one go. So here are few tips you can start with for a sustainable living and to do you bit for the environment (and for your own self).

1. Use whatever you have to the maximum. Don't throw clothes, toys, accessories, books or whatever you have before it's expiry. Maximum utilization of resources, minimization of wastage. This is best habit one can develop.

2. In case you need declutter, make best use of old- recycle, donation, upcycling. Choose the best alternative. Make sure you don't throw anything which can be used or reused. I am doing all of these. It's not that difficult- donate to needy or thrift stores. Several upcycling businesses are there, you can get your old items covered to new things.

3. Dispose responsibly. Start with composting which utilizes the kitchen waste in the best manner. E-waste can be disposed of with authorized recyclers. Plastic waste, minimize its purchase, maximize the use and dispose of with organisations which recycle/reuse them.

4. Carry your kit- A handkerchief, a steel spoon, fork, straw and tumbler should be in your bag always so you can ditch those disposables.

Here is a small example- keep a cutlery set in your bag. A steel spoon, fork, straw, cloth handkercheif, a collapsable tumbler is what I carry while travelling with my baby. Not only it reduces the amount of tisses, disposable spoons, cups and eventually you will feel proud of yourself!

5. Don't buy anything new till you need it. This is one difficult thing I am trying to practice. My trick was to delete all unnecessary apps and not to see the deep discounts which we all love as consumers. Impulse buying is not good for the environment.

6. Sustainable switches whenever you buy anything from now, check whether it's good for the environment. So bamboo toothbrushes, reusable cloth bag, a bamboo comb, reusable jars, reusable make-up wipes, cloth diapers for kids, eco-friendly stationery and toys, steel bottles, shampoo and soap bars are some easy switches we all can make and easily reduce plastic consumption. (Pls see what all you have at home made of plastic and switch it next time)

7. DIY- There are so many amazing videos on the internet that can teach you how to reuse old times. Engage in DIY and Reuse things lying at your home instead of disposing them and buying new ones.

8. Sustainable celebrations- Ditch the plastic decor with better eco-friendly options. (More ideas available at- https://www.sororedit.com/blog/the-sustaible-celebrations/272)

Toran made of scrap clothes can replace disposable ones in your celebrations and rituals.

Check out Sustainable Living highlight for source of eco-friendly good and more information- https://www.instagram.com/verma_sakshi88/

The more reusable items we use, the more disposable we avoid, the better it is. Education has no meaning till we apply it in our lives. Let us take pledge to make the first eco-friendly switch this festive season. Do good, I am sure you will feel good for doing your duty as a consumer.

Stay Smart, Stay Satark, Stay Mindful and Stay Sustainable.

Blog By ~ Sakshi Verma