Auditing your lifestyle by segmenting it into different categories – such as transport, clothing and groceries – makes it easier to identify where you can begin making eco-inspired improvements by tweaking personal habits and routines.
The problems caused by fast fashion
Textile production requires large amounts of water and energy. The UN estimates that 3,781 litres of water are required to produce one pair of jeans: from growing the cotton to delivering the product to the shop.
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and acrylic are also types of plastics, requiring chemical processing which produces pollutants. They also shed microplastics when worn or washed.
As the fast fashion industry relies on repeat purchases, there is no incentive to improve quality. Unfortunately, this type of clothing is rarely fit to donate or sell second-hand, and is near impossible to recycle.
Natural, durable materials
While the water footprint for a pair of jeans is high, a well-made pair will last years if cared for properly. Quality clothing in this vein can be donated, re-sold, or worn many times over, which reduces the need to use more resources when making new items.
Better manufacturing techniques and materials also reduce the likelihood of damage, meaning they need replacing less often.
In terms of personal choices, it makes sense to combine quality natural staples when forming your wardrobe, instead of resorting to cheap ‘throwaway’ purchases.
The Slow Food movement
The so-called ‘Slow Food movement’ highlights local culinary cultures and traditions by shifting eating habits and encouraging people to consider the origin and environmental impact of their food .
Topsoil erosion, harsh pesticides and fertilisers, and loss of biodiversity threaten species of fruits, vegetables, and animals that are a part of many traditional cuisines. The emphasis on quality ingredients and other Slow Food principles is helping to inspire responsible agriculture.
Slow Food in daily life
Modern life and its time pressures lead many to rely on mass-produced convenience food sold in excessive disposable packaging. This generates large volumes of packaging and food waste.
Taking time to plan, shop for, and cook meals with fresh, local ingredients contributes to local economies and reduces reliance on ready meals or fast food.
Make eating a conscious process: batch cook or prepare meals in reusable lunchboxes, with a refillable drinks bottle for days out, or schedule time for meals in eateries.
Alternatives to driving
Petrol and diesel cars are a leading cause of poor air quality and environmental pollution. Electric cars are a better alternative, but still require mined minerals such as lithium in their production. There is also no guarantee the electricity to charge them will come from renewable sources.
The biggest issue surrounding personal vehicles is that they directly contribute to congestion on our roads. Walking, cycling, or taking public transport helps reduce congestion which, in turn, improves air quality.
The consequences of consumerism
The most important change an individual can make is to evaluate the environmental impact of products they buy and use.
Individual action can transfer into industrial change. If people stop buying products due to overpackaging or unethical practices, companies will be forced to adapt to continue making a profit.
Thinking about the impact each purchase has on the environment can include:
- considering packaging materials
- being aware of resources used in production
- mindfulness of the miles travelled to get a product on store shelves
‘Considerate consumerism’ can range in complexity and impact. It could be a small action like buying seasonal fruit and vegetables or choosing hygiene products based on packaging material, or a more concerted effort to avoid buying from companies known to utilise unethical practices.
Eco-friendly products designed for busy lives
When it comes to making ethical and responsible changes in our lifestyles, it’s important to make sure even the smallest action will have a meaningful impact.
At FOOGO green, we understand that convenience is necessary to modern life. However, we also want to help drive the change towards a low-waste future.
Our compostable catering supplies are an effort to address this balance. Designed to replace plastic disposables, they provide a high-quality serving solution that minimises your footprint without sacrificing convenience.
Made from natural, renewable materials, our palm leaf and bagasse ranges are 100% biodegradable while still being robust enough to be washed, reused or heated in a microwave.
Still unsure? We also offer risk-free trial packs for you to experience the difference first, without making an upfront commitment.