8 tips to make your purchases ''zero waste''

Posted on 4 julio 2018

In the world, over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions come from cities. For this reason, a large part of the environmental issue has originated from the demands and habits of the population.

In the world, over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions come from cities. For this reason, a large part of the environmental challenges come from the demands and habits of the population.

The good news is that while the world is moving towards policies that mitigate climate change, industries are beginning to take advantage of the demand for environmentally friendly products. If you often find yourself asking, “how can I contribute and reduce my impact on the environment?” Follow these 8 simple tips and lead the way towards a friendly future with the planet:

1. Think about what you eat The expansion of agriculture and food production are having a significant impact on the planet by contributing to land degradation and water pollution, generating the loss of biodiversity. Think about what you eat and verify where the products come from. When eating fish and seafood, always choose species that are not on closed season and respect the minimum sizes.

2. Buy local products
When you buy food, make sure it is from a source close to your location. If it comes from remote places, you might consider the transportation required for the product before it reaches your hands, and therefore the more fuel you use, the larger the ecological footprint you leave on the planet. Also, choose season vegetables and fruits.

3. Always bring your backpack with you
Use your backpack or purse to avoid paper and plastic bags, and help to reduce waste. Currently, more and more stores offer their customers reusable bags that are compact and easy to carry around. Remember to also say NO to disposable plastic as utensils, straws, cups and single-use plates.

4. Be an informed buyer
When you go shopping, read the labels before purchasing a product, make sure it is prepared in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

5. Fewer packaging is better
Packaged products are a waste. What you really want is what is inside: you will throw away the packaging, generating more garbage, which will take a long time to biodegrade.

6. Try to consume water from your home
Buying bottled water is unnecessary if you have it at home. Transporting this from its source to the supermarket causes an expensive expenditure of energy, and even worse if it comes from a mountain spring into a plastic bottle. If you buy water, make sure it is from your location.

7. Select non-plastic material cleaning products
The disposable razors and toothbrushes are usually made with plastic. You should look for reusable alternatives of other materials that have no negative impact on the soil and the sea.

8. Demand a change
Supermarkets, shops and restaurants often listen to their customers. We have the power to change what is not beneficial for our planet.

WWF