We are all doing our bit to save the planet. We are using more sustainable sources of energy and saving energy where we can. However, there are times when we don’t realise that our actions are harming the planet. For example, when we go shopping, there are things we can do to help save the planet. Here are a few of those ways.
Take A Reusable Bag With You
Now that many places are charging for single-use carrier bags, you should always carry a spare reusable bag with you. It can take up to 1000 years for a single-use carrier bag to break down. If you use a reusable bag you are preventing more single-use bags from ending up in a landfill site. Some single-use carrier bags don’t make it to landfills. They end up in the sea and cause damage to the wildlife there.
Similarly, you can buy reusable vegetable bags. Buying loose fruit and vegetable as opposed to prepacked ones as well as taking your own reusable vegetable bags can cut down the amount of single-use plastic bags you use. Which helps save the planet.
Buy Local
Every meal we eat has food miles. This is the distance your food has travelled from where it was grown to your plate. These food miles hurt the planet. To try to combat these food miles try to buy food that is locally sourced.
One way you can do this is to buy from local farmers at farmers markets. That way you know the food has very little food miles. Instead of giving money to larger co-operations, it helps smaller farmers to succeed. Buying from local farmers also puts money back into your local community.
Buying from local farmers can be more expensive. Therefore if you can’t afford to shop local, research your local supermarkets to see where they get their products from. Some products also have stickers on them stating where they are from. Meat products usually have the largest food miles so look for the sticker on them.
Buy Food In Season
If you can, avoid buying food that is not in season. This is because food that is not in season has to be imported in and therefore has more food miles compared to something that is in season and so can be grown locally. Check out what is in season here.
Consider What You Are Buying
When you are shopping try to avoid buying things you don’t need. Food wastage is a big problem. Make a shopping list and try to stick to it. This will ensure you only buy what you need, and you don’t throw food away needlessly.
Similarly, don’t buy household goods or clothes that you don’t need. If there is something you need or something you know you will use, go ahead and buy it for yourself. But try to avoid spare of the moment purchasing.
If you buy something that is not needed and is not going to be used, they add to the plastic we use and harm the planet.
Buy Second Hand
If you are buying clothes or household items, consider getting something second hand. Many second-hand shops only sell good quality second-hand items. You can even find nearly new items. There are also many online services that you buy second-hand products on. For example, eBay and Facebook allow you to buy second-hand goods.
The best thing about these items is not only are you helping the planet by buying second-hand but you are also saving money.
Making Sure Your Shopping Is Eco-Friendly
There are many ways we can help to save the planet when we shop. Although some of them may end up costing you money, some will save you money. Think about it next time you go shopping. What can you do to help the planet?
