Sustainable Alternatives

Over the past several years, I have become much more environmentally aware, and critical of our destructive society. As a kid, I was taught to reduce, reuse and recycle, yet most of the emphasis was placed on recycling. Protecting the environment meant turning off lights to save electricity, and cleaning up trash on the side of the road – instead of creating less trash. I began to believe that because I lived in the country, where the roads were clean, and the air was fresh, everything was fine. I subscribed to the myth that plastic was a great invention that provided my family with numerous products at great convenience. Society taught me that we could continue to consume and dispose of everything from shampoo bottles, to food packaging and clothing. When this is all you have ever been taught, and no one ever questions it, it can be hard to think otherwise.

I’m not sure if it has just become more visible to me, or it there actually is more attention being paid to the environment, but it has become an issue of debate for governments and organizations around the world. The city of Hamilton has even declared a climate change emergency, with other cities following suit. Recent studies have shown that Canada is warming at twice the rate and calls for action can be heard from organizations and citizens around the globe. It seems like people are finally starting to take this seriously – some still think it’s a fairy tale but that’s not the point right now.

Many of the ‘responses’ to climate change that I see, are orientated towards the individual level, meaning that there are many facebook videos and tips for how an individual can reduce the waste that they create. This is an aspect of our neoliberalist society. It takes complex social problems that need to be addressed by our communities collectively, and instead focuses on individualized responses. In a neoliberalist society, the focus is on capitalism and profit. Having regulations in place that limit a company’s emissions, or that encourage citizens to consume mindfully are not good for business.

There is wide spread criticism of these response models that are focused on the individual level. And I agree that it should not be up to me, as an individual to save the environment by using less plastic, while big corporations continue to mass produce it. However it also pains me to see how many people around me are so blissfully unaware of how much waste they create and how easy it is to reduce it. So let’s continue to fight against climate change, and pressure our government into taking action, but also remember that you have a responsibility to make an effort to reduce the waste that you produce as well.

I have taken accountability for my actions. I know I spent years consuming mindlessly. I am now mindful of my choices and much more aware of the products I consume. I do what I can to reduce the waste that I produce and to re-purpose what I can. I recycle as a last resort and I feel guilty as fuck for the waste I do produce. Every day I learn more about how I can be better. Quit being ignorant and stop making choices that are killing our planet.

Reducing the amount of waste that you create, is not only better for the environment, but in most cases, it’s also good for your wallet. There seems to be this perception that consuming in an environmentally friendly way is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Although some products can cost more up-front, they are usually a onetime buy to replace a disposable product.

• A great example of this is purchasing a safety razor. You buy it once, and it will last a life time. Of course, you need to buy refills, but these are cheap and recyclable – disposable razors are not, and are made of plastic, which as we know, takes forever to decompose and is filling up our landfills and oceans. I bought a safety razor on amazon for less than $20 bucks and I like it way better than I ever liked using disposable razors. I wish I had known about this sooner, but once I did, it was an easy decision to make. Whether you are saving your legs or your face, this one is a no brainer.
• Next, get yourself a travel mug (that isn’t made out of plastic). This is based on the assumption that you consume hot beverages. If not, feel free to proceed to the next paragraph. So many people buy a coffee (or more than one) every single day. That means that each year, you send hundreds of disposable cups to the landfill. You have the power to change that. Some places even give you a discount if you provide your own cup. If you want to save even more money – make your coffee at home. For some reason people think that this takes forever and is super inconvenient, but it’s really not. I got an awesome travel mug at winners for less that 15$ – I really like it because it has the option to insert a straw for cold beverages, or remove it for hot ones. It’s iced coffee season, so this was a bonus.
• One of the easiest god damn things you can do, is take your own reusable bags when you go grocery shopping. If you don’t do this, chances are I give you dirty looks in the checkout line. Again – it saves you money, and it prevents plastic from ending up in a whale’s stomach. It’s a no brainer and I can’t believe how many people still use plastic bags when they shop. Take this one step further and get yourself some reusable produce bags too. I have seen research that says cotton bags produce a large carbon foot print and that it is better to use bags made from recycled plastics – keep this in mind!
• Buy in bulk. The bulk barn is such a magical place. Take your own containers – jars, Tupperware, whatever and eliminate packaging all together. Bulk food stores have many of the products you might buy from a grocery store but minus the plastic (pasta, spices, baking ingredients, candy, cereal). It also enables you to choose the portion you buy which can help keep food fresh and decrease the amount of food we waste.
• If you menstruate, think about the products that you are using. Pads and tampons may be convenient, but are full of plastic and chemicals that leech into our bodies (for more on this, check out my post “blood suckers”). Disposable menstrual products are also expensive as shit and end up in the trash. There are a number of sustainable alternatives such as cloth pads or menstrual cups that can help you save money and reduce the waste you create. For those of you with little ones, consider switching to cloth diapers.
• Switch to alternative cleaning products. Cleaning products, both for personal hygiene and for household cleaning tend to be full of chemicals and plastic (shampoo, laundry detergent, sponges, and dish soap). Use alternatives such as bars of soap that come wrapped in paper, use a dish sponge made from natural products (yes, they exist) and use soap nuts and dryer balls for your laundry. Many of these products can be purchased at the bulk barn, or amazon.
• When planning your meals and going grocery shopping, think critically about what you are putting in your body. The meat, dairy and fish industries are some of the largest polluters on our planet and are not being managed responsibly. Around the world, overfishing is destroying ecosystems and the space needed for factory farms are destroying forests. When you chose foods with less packaging, chances are you are also choosing healthier options, with a smaller carbon foot print. Your body, and the environment will thank you.
• Boycott products that are not produced sustainably. This includes products that contain palm oil (an industry that is destroying rain forests), products that are produced by exploited labourers, and companies that are contributing to the colonial legacy (are exploiting stolen land for profit).
• Be mindful of your carbon footprint. Walk, bike, or ride public transit when you can. Consider where the products you buy come from and how they get to you, and if there are local products available.

These are just a few of the ways in which you can start making a difference. No one expects you to suddenly become self-sustaining. This is a process and I hope that these tips will be helpful in starting you on this journey. Use your power. Make choices that demonstrate your value for the world we live in and think critically about the choices you are making.