Eco Path
STARTLINE, BUT WHERE?
Social innovations, which transform resource intensive routines and practices into low resource ones, combined with socio-technically designed transition paths, which are created around sustainability and environmental criteria, are milestones for implementation and diffusion of SCP (Sustainable Consumption and Production).
Those transition-strategies, defined by their complexity in a multilevel governance system, are materialised via low resource and sustainable Product-Service-Systems (PSS), as well as infrastructures – referring to all products, services and infrastructures surrounding us. These can support and promote (but currently also inhibit) the development of more sustainable lifestyles and business models through their design.
Efficiency, consistency and sufficiency-strategies are taken as basis for sustainable design of PSS and its needed infrastructures, in order to inhibit negative rebound effects. If anything, sustainable design is able to produce positive rebound effects through materialised social innovations in the broad field of PSS (e.g. integrated Car Sharing in businesses, enterprises and at home; within the group of commuters living less than 10 km away from work, who take the bicycle instead of the car; within enterprises of the textile- and chemical-leasing industry, compare also. The variety and creativity to be found within options for solutions and innovations is used as incremental basis for a societal and economical sustainable development and change.
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| - The Powerup People |
SMALL THINGS GO A LONG WAY
- Replace your disposables as soon as they run out
However quick your transition will be- please don’t forget that getting rid of perfectly fine stuff, just because it contains plastic or is simply not the best eco option out there, will contribute to a lot of unnecessary waste. Replace the previously purchased disposables with reusable essentials as you go. No rush. Do your research and be more conscious what brands you support and what materials they use. Try to avoid plastic and other synthetic materials where possible. Wood, glass and stainless steel are your new best friends. |
| - Eco Warrior Princess |
Reuse what you already have, but it is also okay to buy new products
This might sound rather controversial but the truth is that there are many products out there, created to help you on this journey. Make use of it! I am not suggesting to jump into some crazy haul of what ever you find being advertised as ‘eco-friendly’. Be reasonable. Think it through. If it is going to help you to stick to the sustainable lifestyle and respectively reduce your waste, then do it! Research brands and go for it. We are all different, come from different backgrounds and certain things as the iconic zero waste mason jar might be a big deal for some of us. Not everyone would want to carry their lunch in a glass jar. If this new reusable product makes it more convenient- you will more likely stick to your journey and it is a win.
One important step to implementing a low-waste lifestyle is reducing the amount of disposable items you use. By cutting back or eliminating single-use items, you can save the energy and materials that went into them AND prevent waste. It’s important to keep in mind that reusable items take energy and resources to produce as well, so the general rule with reusable is to use them repeatedly and consistently to offset their environmental impact.
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| - Chicago Tribune |
Not sure what disposables you should get rid of?
Paper and plastic drink cups:
Paper coffee cups have a plastic coating that makes them unacceptable for recycling and composting, meaning they have to go in the trash. And although plastic cups are recyclable, the plastic cannot be recycled indefinitely and eventually becomes trash. Remember to bring a reusable coffee mug or cup when you get takeout (some places even give you a discount!), or take some extra time and sit down at a café that uses reusable cups. Also, get in the habit of carrying a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go.
Plastic grocery and Produce bags:
Plastic grocery and produce bags cause problems at facilities that sort your recycling, so they should never be put in your recycling cart at home. They can be brought to retailers or other drop-off locations for recycling. Instead of throwaway bags, keep a few reusable bags near the door or in your car to ensure you always have them when you go shopping. Remember to not only use reusable bags at checkout; you can use your own reusable bags for produce, too. Additionally, don’t limit your reusable bag use to the grocery store – remember reusable bags when you go shopping for clothing, shoes, gifts and everything!
Paper towels:
Trade in paper towels for an old-fashioned cloth rag or sponge. These are more durable, and you can wash them rather than throwing them out.
Plastic utensils:
Start by bringing reusable utensils for your lunch so you can avoid taking plastic utensils from dispensers. Then, start refusing them when they are offered. It’s easy to find a few inexpensive pieces at a thrift store if you don’t want to risk losing pieces of your regular set.
Single-use coffee pods:
Single-serve coffee makers such as Keurigs create a lot of waste with no recycling option. You can pull apart the cup and compost the coffee grounds, but no recyclers accept the plastic cup or foil lid. If you already have a machine, try reusable pods, which are now widely available in stores and online.
Napkins:
Napkins may seem harmless, but they add up! Think about all those times you have received napkins and never even used them. Start by using a cloth napkin at home or for lunches at work. You can easily toss them into your laundry without having to do an extra load. Once you’re used to that, think about carrying one with you so you’re ready for any situation!
Straws:
Straws aren’t recyclable, and they last forever! Cut back your use or eliminate straws by simply choosing to go without (or make a reusable straw part of your zero waste kit). Want to do more? Start thinking ahead and mention to your waiter or barista that you would like your drink without a straw before they even prepare it.
Plastic Baggies:
Plenty of alternatives for plastic zip bags exist. Use reusable containers in plastic, glass, or metal, or choose reusable snack bags.
Liquid-soap Dispensers:
The pump for soap dispensers and related products are not recyclable. Choose to buy your soap in bulk and refill your existing container instead.
Cleaning Wipes:
An easy way to cut back on disposable cleaning wipes like disinfecting wipes, mop cloths and dusters is to choose an alternative when they run out. A green cleaner and reusable cloth will work in place of disposables for any of these applications.
It is not all just about plastic
We try to reduce our car use, limit the amount of water we waste, become more ‘energy-efficient’, however not many of us stop and think on what we eat and what impact this has on our planet.
An Oxford University study in 2018 – which is the most comprehensive analysis to date of the damage farming does to the planet – animal farming provides just 18% of calories but takes up 83% of our farmland. It has been stated to be one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (more than all transport combined). How shocking is that? The study concluded that adapting the plant-based diet reduces food’s emissions by up to 73% (depending where you live)!
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2018-06-01-new-estimates-environmental-cost-food#
Wow! This is simply amazing! Really well done and so proud!❤❤❤
ReplyDeleteAmazing dudeee!!!
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