Sustainability is a word that is heard a lot in commercial and personal conversations. But what exactly does sustainable mean? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, sustainable, when referring to the environment is defined as, “causing, or made in a way that causes, little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time”.

Therefore, we can consciously be more sustainable as individuals by understanding how the products we are buying have been made. By supporting businesses that strive to be sustainable and protect the environment, we are actively limiting sales from businesses that aren’t.

Researching Companies

It’s easy to see a product in a store or online and purchase it without knowing anything about the product’s journey. Where was the item made? Is it handcrafted or mass-produced? What is it made from? Researching the company you are buying products from and making sure their values match yours is the perfect starting point.

Interior company Nkuku have sustainability and ethics at the forefront of their business model. They choose artisans from around the world to develop products with traditional methods and natural materials, from handwoven baskets to glass pendant lighting.

It’s not only the smaller companies that are choosing to put the environment first. Major retailers are also adopting a greener business model. Patagonia clothing pledges 1% of all sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment and aims to only use organic cotton and recycled materials in its clothing by 2025.

With many companies focusing on the environment, some have been accused of greenwashing i.e. presenting something as good for eco-friendly when it actually isn’t. This highlights the importance of customer research.

Material Choices

Plastic is a major issue that continues to be highlighted by environmentalists around the world. Most plastic isn’t biodegradable; unable to decompose, it lasts for hundreds of years. Shockingly from the 400 million tonnes of plastic produced each year, 40% is for single use.

As individuals, we can help reduce the amount of plastic that goes to landfill by making conscious decisions when shopping. Buying loose fruit and vegetables, purchasing items that are made from organic, natural or recycled materials and buying second hand are all examples of how we can help tackle the growing plastic problem.

Another way is to look at the partnerships companies have with charities that support the environment. Through buying from these companies, you are helping the charities they support. Nkuku is a prime example. Not only do they use natural materials for their products, but they have partnered with Till the Coast is Clear, a community interest company whose goal is to clear the coastline of plastic.

Shop Local

There are many benefits to shopping locally, one of which is reducing the carbon footprint. Local products have a far shorter journey to reach the end consumer. They won’t have had to travel across the globe, vastly reducing the emissions they have accounted for.

Shopping at local retailers will also enable you to understand the history of the product you are buying and the materials it’s made from, all while helping support the community.

By being more conscious of the products we purchase, we can do our bit to tackle the plastic crisis and, in turn, help the environment.