Encouraging responsible consumption involves several practical strategies aimed at reducing ecological footprints and promoting sustainability. One key approach is to prioritize buying local products, which minimizes transportation emissions and supports nearby economies.
This is what is called proximity trade. Every product that we purchase, be it food or any other type of object, has an ecological footprint that can be calculated according to parameters such as its production process, its transport and distribution, or the waste it generates after use.
Avoid using plastic bags
Take your own reusable ones from home. Realize that they take about 55 years to decompose. In addition, eight million tons of plastics end up in the seas and oceans annually, including grocery bags, according to Greenpeace.
Rediscover traditional markets
Go to the neighborhood stores. They usually buy from producers in the same province or community in which they are established so their items are fresher and more sustainable and you will not have to travel much either.
Look at the labels
This is really important in the case of electrical and electronic items. Look at the energy label that manufacturers and sellers are required to display. If it's bulbs, buy LEDs.
Reuse and recycle
It is better that you buy products that are not packaged so as not to generate waste but if it is not possible, try to make them containers that you can use again - such as glass jars - or at least that are easily recyclable.
Learn about sustainable products
Stamps such as the MSC ecolabel for fish or the FSC certificate for forest products assure us of a sustainable purchase. Find out in your usual places of purchase if they have guaranteed products available.
Join a Consumer Group
They are consumers who agree to buy directly from a producer. Thus, they get better prices and more natural foods while supporting the ethical production of food, explains the Vivo Sano Foundation,
Support fair trade
It is important that when buying we try to go to companies that respect the environment and human rights. One way to ensure that this is the case is to go to fair trade stores. It is also called ethical or solidarity trade.
Plan your purchases
If you make a list of what you are going to need before you go shopping, you will not only save money but also avoid buying too many products that may eventually expire at the bottom of the fridge or pantry.