As the future unfolds and we witness the devastation and turmoil that results from global warming, it may feel like there’s little we, as only one human, can do to help. Battling climate change is tumultuous journey, leading to uncertainty and confusion. It’s easy to fall into a mindset of despair and feel hopeless toward the impending state of the planet while the world’s leading corporations continue to profit.
But no matter how enormous the barrier, we must remember there is power in the people; these corporations would have no influence or dominance without our time and money.
Mindful Marketing
When we shop locally, receive news from humble, reliable outlets, or buy secondhand clothing, we’re shifting the scale of control and slowly rebalancing the disbursement of wealth and power. There’s other small changes you can make daily that will save you money and support the environment’s aspirations.
By reducing consumption in all aspects of our lives, we lessen demand and decrease pressure on the businesses and the environment to sustain our needs. Examples of reduction can be as simple as taking a shorter shower or utilizing rainwater. Some adjustments you may find more difficult, like minimizing your use of plastic due to the material being so deeply embedded in our societies. But building habits like meal prepping and cooking at home or carrying reusable bags in anticipation of purchases can decrease your carbon footprint by limiting food waste and garbage. You may also consider taking public transportation or commuting on foot or by bicycle. Private transportation is often expensive so avoiding it will save you money while decreasing the demand for natural gas.
Regardless of lifestyle, battling climate change should be a top priority for all concerned citizens of the planet. There are small steps that we can take on a daily basis that bring us closer to the defeat of global warming.
Climate Changers-Shop for a Cause
Our Impakter Eco Marketplace has some products that can make some of these transitions easier for you.
By bringing your own bags to the grocery store, you’ll reduce your use of paper or plastic and save yourself money by not having to purchase the store’s bags. These vegan totes by 3 Quarters are available in seven different colors and are made in Athens, Greece. All bags are handmade from upcycled balcony awning fabrics composed of sustainable hemp webbing. They’re also waterproof with long shoulder straps and short handles to ease carrying while commuting home. And after you’ve unloaded your groceries, you can clean your tote with the rest of your laundry because these bags are machine washable.
The purpose of meal prepping is to have leftovers you can eat throughout the week. Instead of wrapping stored food in saran wrap or tinfoil that’s wasteful and disposable, try Beesweet’s Bee’s Wrap Organic Food Fabric. Each set comes with four pieces of reusable organic food wrap that keeps food fresh naturally. The sets are available in large and medium sizes and made from beeswax, organic cotton, tree resin, and organic jojoba oil. The raw materials results in a malleable fabric with antibacterial qualities that is perfect for wrapping vegetables, bread, fruit, or cheese. After use, easily wash with cold water and a bit of soap to begin the cycle again.
While battling climate change, it is important to evaluate the major sources of waste in your own home. Disposable napkins are a leading waste product for any household. Consider using a cloth napkin to be washed and reused again and again. Hutch & Putch offers six colors of muslin napkins that are made from 100% organic cotton and sewn in Germany. The set of four can add a pop of color to any dinner table or are perfect to pack in a bagged lunch.
Like paper napkins, the consistent use of paper towels is wasteful and expensive. Banbu Store has developed a roll of reusable and sustainable vegetable clothes made from bamboo fibers that can replace conventional paper towels. Each roll contains 20 pre-cut organic clothes that can be used to clean surfaces, wipe up messes, or dry your hands.
The last thing we should do to fight climate change is give up. Making the smallest change can send a ripple of positive effects on our environment and psyche. For your own peace of mind and preservation of our home, make decisions that protect our planet.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com. — In the Featured Photo: Earth Art. Featured Photo Credit: 800 × 800.
