Did you know that responsible consumption is selecting products and services based on their quality and price, but also on their environmental and social impact?
We are all responsible for our consumption and for the social and environmental impacts of production. The good news is that every day more companies and businesses in our country are working towards responsible production and consumption.
However, beyond the Socially Responsible Companies (ESR), the consumer is the most important actor and with the greatest potential in promoting responsible consumption. Therefore, it is appropriate to share these 7 consumption tips so that our day to day is a little more responsible.
Consume what you need
If the population in our country continues to grow as it does today, and maintains its lifestyle, in a couple of decades it would take the equivalent of almost three similar countries to provide the natural resources to support us. So is it really necessary? It's hard to tell the difference between need and want, largely thanks to advertising. Therefore, before buying, you have to think about whether this product is really necessary.
Consume local
Consuming local products not only helps to boost the economy of the region, but also, in the case of some goods such as agricultural ones, it allows you to stock up on fresh products with more nutrients. In addition, it contributes to maintaining local biodiversity, you will reduce the emission of polluting gases, since transport from a more distant place is avoided.
Stay informed
When you buy, find out how it is made, what raw materials are used, if its production process impacts the environment. And if it does, what those who sell do to reverse that impact. For this it is very important to read the labeling of the products, and also do a little research on your own.
Keep workers in mind
Responsible consumption must also take into account the situation of the workers who have produced the product, or who provide the service. In this sense, the supplier must guarantee decent working conditions, salary equity among its employees, equal opportunities in access to work and stable and sustainable jobs, among other aspects.
Reuse
A good practice is to reuse and repair a product before generating a new purchase. There is also the option of taking it to a second-hand store or giving it to social organizations such as hostels or charities.
Recycle
Did you know that recycling a ton of paper saves 17 trees? And that recovering two tons of plastic is equivalent to saving a ton of oil? Taking advantage of materials or their components at the end of their useful life reduces the amount of waste and allows obtaining raw materials for new materials cheaper than if they were manufactured for the first time.
Shop at ESR
Buying products with the Socially Responsible Company seal promotes sustainable development and ensures the rights of the producers and workers involved.
In addition to opting for socially responsible products and services, as consumers we have many more opportunities to actively participate in social responsibility.
For example, getting actively involved in society could be joining reforestation campaigns in your city or adopting a tree. These are practices that go beyond consumption and improve the environment.
With information of FundacionSeres.org