Being eco-responsible, what does that mean?
First of all, it is a contraction of two words: ecology and responsibility. The idea is to integrate environmental protection measures into your actions and habits. It is being aware that we are responsible for the world around us which needs to be preserved.
An eco-responsible consumer is one who practices actions to limit his ecological footprint and his impact on the environment. Becoming eco-responsible is an approach whose objective is to preserve the environment. A multitude of small daily gestures such as the use of eco-responsible boxes and a real conviction will make the difference, especially if we get together.
Being eco-responsible, why?
Currently, ecology has become a matter of concern for many consumers. We suffer the effects of environmental degradation on a daily basis. Without knowing what to do, it is difficult to take action to remedy it. On the other hand, everyone can take action to make a difference and make a contribution to the edifice of reasoned consumption.
Being eco-responsible, how?
One of the first things to do to become eco-responsible is to break all of your prejudices. Starting with the most common: impotence. "What can I do, me, a simple citizen?". But, a small gesture multiplied by 7.5 billion, that counts! So there is no "little" that holds. An eco-friendly gesture is beneficial for the environment and for everyone.
Heater : becoming eco-responsible starts at home and is first of all not to overuse the heating. This then consists of equipping yourself with a thermometer to verify that the temperature inside the house is at a reasonable and healthy level. The bedrooms should not exceed 18 ° C to sleep well and the other rooms are already very comfortable with a temperature of 19 ° C.
Light : turn off the light when you leave a room and only switch on where you need light. The same reflex is also to switch off electronic devices that consume an additional 10% of energy while on standby.
Water : take care to close the robinet between two tooth brushes or while washing your hands. This will save you a lot of water every year by doing something that doesn't require a lot of effort.
Buy eco-responsible : favor local purchase from producers, without intermediaries in order to consume better and reduce the quantity of plastic packaging used.
Waste sorting : an eco-responsible consumer is not limited to monitoring his consumption. It is also about knowing how to manage your waste. Now, most people sort through making sure that their waste is recycled.
Reuse : always carry a tote bag with you to avoid buying plastic bags that end up in the trash. Buy aluminuim water bottle, reusable lunch boxes etc etc...
Less plastic : It takes 500 (or more) years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill. Unfortunately the bags don't break down completely but instead photo-degrade, becoming microplastics that absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment. Plastic bottles, for instance, are estimated to require approximately 450 years to decompose.
Recycle : privilege items with a recyclable packaging.
Public transport : opt for the train when you travel long distances when it is possible. For short journeys, prefer walking or cycling which is meant to be beneficial for the planet, but also for your health!
Avoid overconsumption : it means stopping buying things you don't need. Be satisfied with what is necessary. Because overconsumption inevitably leads to the overexploitation of natural resources. The question to ask yourself before any purchase is therefore the following: do I really need it? This does not mean to stop indulging yourself, but to make more thoughtful purchases.
Use natural product : white vinegar and lemon juice will allow you to fight against limescale and disinfect the bathroom and the kitchen. To retrieve an old glass jar from a flea market and clouded over the years, use potato starch. Revive textiles or silverware with baking soda, and use black soap to degrease old floors.
Be internet eco-friendly : using the internet is a habit that everyone has acquired. But we tend to forget and not pay attention to the ecological footprint of this practice! Internet generates more astronomical pollution than we think! But we all know that its use is certainly essential in our daily life.
- Delete old emails : you can start by deleting old unnecessary emails, emptying your trash and spam emails. Thus, you participate in energy saving and free up data storage.
- Use ecological search engines : yes, ecological search engine has emerged! Ecosia is one of the example: this company reserves 80% of its profits for a reforestation program, which it plants in different areas such as Peru and Tanzania.
Consume better even at work : if you are in charge of purchasing supplies in your department, don't hesitate to be eco-responsible. Recycled paper, ink cartridges and other supplies, energy-saving light bulbs, there are plenty of ways to take care of the planet. Also say to you colleagues to bring there own mug to avoid plastic glasses.
A small step for humans but a big step for the environment - these are habits that are easy to adopt. It's time to gradually leave plastics and corrosive products behind and see a greener future. If we all get started now, we will be the first to benefit from the results. Let's become eco-responsible for a healthy future.
Lots of Love, Valerie & Alex
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