Best waste is no waste. But, how do you avoid waste? No idea? It's simple! Just pay attention to the previous step in the materials cycle: consumption.
To reduce waste we need to start shopping differently. We have to choose products not only for their price and quality, but also looking at its environmental and social impact.
These are some of the questions you can ask yourself while choosing which products to buy:
To practice a little, choose from the pair of products in each section.
StartIf you don't need to use it on a daily basis, rent or share it. This way, other people will be using the same car and the resources needed to manufacture it will be used much more times. Remember that you can also take public transportation...
If you don't need to use it on a daily basis, rent or share it. This way, other people will be using the same car and the resources needed to manufacture it will be used much more times. Remember that you can also take public transportation...
Before you buy a new product, always think about alternatives: rent a car or an apartment, find books in the local library, visit an exchange market with objects you don't want anymore, repair furniture and appliances, buy second-hand objects...
Do you want further information or updates on related activities? Visit the blog Millor que nou, 100% vell.
NextExactly, reusable batteries, because you'll get to use them for years.
No, reusable batteries, because you'll get to use them for years.
Avoid disposable products, evaluate whether the object seems resistant, if it can be repaired easily or if it'll soon become obsolete. And, of course, use it carefully, so it'll last longer.
¿Do you want to know how to choose lasting products? Consumpedia has lots of interesting information on how to choose and take care of furniture.
NextNo, unpackaged apples, because trays have to be manufactured and recycled, but in fact you'll only use them to carry the apples from the shop to your home.
Of course! Unpackaged apples, because trays have to be manufactured and recycled, but in fact you'll only use them to carry the apples from the shop to your home.
Never buy packed goods, if you can transport them without a pack. Avoid double or triple wrapping. Buy big or family packs. Use your own reusable bag or basket. And pay attention to materials: some of them are more sustainable than others!
Here you have some criteria you can use to choose between materials frequent in packaging. The ones with renewable origin and less energy use for manufacturing and recycling are the better.
Material | Renewable origin | Energy for manufacturing | Energy for recycling |
---|---|---|---|
Aluminum | No | A lot | Few or medium |
Transparent plastic PET | No | A lot | Medium |
Soft plastic LDPE | No | A lot | Medium |
Opaque plastic HDPE | No | A lot | Medium |
Iron | No | Medium | A lot |
Paper and cardboard | Yes | Low | Low |
Glass | No | Low | Low |
Do you want to know more about packaging? Take a look at the waste prevention handbook Fem dissabte?.
No, the ream of recycled paper, because to make it, 85 % less water is used and 50 % less energy. And of course, trees aren't cut down and at the same time paper waste isn't dumped.
Exactly, the ream of recycled paper, because to make it, 85 % less water is used and 50 % less energy. And of course, trees aren't cut down and at the same time paper waste isn't dumped.
Recycled papwr is well known by every one, but there are some more recycled products that you can easily add to your daily shopping. For example: adhesive tape, furniture, waste bags... Take a look at the catalogue of the Xarxa Compra Reciclat. You'll find thousands of ideas.
And when no recyclable product is available, buy products that are easily recycled: made of only one material, assembled with screws and not glued...
NextThat's it! The ones from Maresme, because transport is shorter. And this means less fossil fuel is needed and thus less greenhouse gases are emitted.
No, the ones from Maresme, because transport is shorter. And this means less fossil fuel is needed and thus less greenhouse gases are emitted.
Try to buy products made the nearest possible, locally if available. In the case of food, this is easier if you eat seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Apart from transportation, it is also important to consider whether production can be polluting or unfair. For this reason, whenever possible, choose food from organic agriculture, wood from sustainably managed forests or products from fair trade.
NextNo, because you'll use a lot more paper and electricity.
Yes, because you'll save a lot of paper and electricity.
Search for products that use less energy. There're lots of labels that will help you in identifying them. For example:
¿Do you want to know the consumption of a computer, a screen or a printer? Check the
Energy Star calculator. Are you thinking on changing the light bulbs at home? Visit the file at Consumpedia.
As you've just seen for yourself, responsible consumption helps you reduce waste, but it also fosters a more sustainable world in many other sides through little daily actions.
Let's do it!