As parents, we try our best to make sure our children’s future is safe and comfortable. From giving them the best education to teaching them life skills, we try to see to everything. Safeguarding our Earth for their future should be important to you as well. Here’s how you can do so easily.
1. Do Your Best To Avoid Wastage Of Food
No matter how we deny it, we are all guilty of food waste in one way or the other. From buying ingredients we never manage to cook, to overcooking or serving more than we could possibly eat, we all share a part in wasting our precious resources. To avoid this while grocery shopping, consider first having a meal plan for the whole week (if you buy groceries weekly). This will ensure you use up all the ingredients you buy for the week. Always carry a list with you to the store, and make sure to stick to it. This not only will ensure you don’t waste food by buying unnecessarily, but also that you save money on your trip to the grocery store.
2. Leave Your Car At Home
Your mode of travelling to the grocery store/to go shopping may not necessarily count as “saving the Earth while shopping”, but making sure you conserve fuel and energy on small trips like this actually benefits the Earth more than you’d think. By avoiding driving these short distances, you save fuel for another day and avoid releasing toxic fumes a little less from your vehicle as well. This is apart from the added advantage of exercising; a benefit you will receive while walking to and from the grocery store!
3. Purchase Where You Can Give Back To The Earth
Be mindful of not only what you buy, but also where you buy from. For example, if you are an advocate for animal rights, and saving the animals, then purchase products that have not been tested on animals or uses animal parts for its creation. This same can be applied for clothing as well. You can also buy ethical clothing that is for sale online. Opt for brands or websites that either use organic cotton in their clothes or give part of their earnings nature preserving. You’ll be surprised at how many places as such you can find if you do a little research online.
4. Reduce The Amount Of Plastic Bags And Packaging You Bring Home
Plastic is a huge problem in today’s world. The burning of it has damaged our air, while incorrect disposal of it has our sea creatures fighting for their lives. Almost every day we hear of large sea creatures being washed ashore after ingesting plastic and choking to death. Do your part by trying your best to reduce the amount of plastic you bring home. Carry cloth bags with you while you shop so that you may bring home your purchases without adding to your collection of shopping bags.
5. Avoid One-Time Use Plastic, Opt For Reusable Options
Do your very best to avoid using one-time-use plastics such as to-go coffee cups, straws and food containers. Whenever possible, opt for the reusable plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle with you where ever you go to cut down the purchasing of water bottles. Request that your coffee is served in your own reusable to-go mug, something most cafes are encouraging these days. And last, carry with you your own set of metal mugs, or avoid using them all together!
