The Paradox of Sustainable Choices

In a world dominated by words like "sustainability" and "eco-friendly," it's easy to get caught up in the green frenzy. With the rising climate concerns, products are being marketed on the back of sustainability, and environmental claims. But are they truly as sustainable as they claim to be? Let’s delve deeper and separate fact from perception, unlocking a deeper understanding of sustainability and empowering informed decision-making.

Cracking the recycling conundrum
Cracking the recycling puzzle is another challenge we face. With only a small percentage of plastic waste being recycled today, it is evident that our current recycling system requires improvement. As consumers, how can we make better choices when purchasing products? Most of us recognize the universal recycling symbol, but the number inside that symbol actually determines the recyclability of the plastic. For instance, a plastic package labeled with the number 7 indicates non-recyclable plastic, whereas numbers 1-6 signify recyclable plastic. Additionally, for paper-based packages like milk or juice cartons, the code 84 inside the recycling symbol indicates that the package is not only recyclable but also predominantly made from paper rather than plastic. So, when assessing the recyclability of a package, it is crucial to consider both the recycling symbol and the code inside it.

Underestimating the power of ‘back to basics’
Remember when you went to the market with your own cloth bag and steel dabbas to buy groceries. Using your own cloth bags and reusable containers when shopping for groceries is a responsible and eco-friendly decision. Influencers like Abhi & Niyu are advocating for this practice, encouraging consumers to carry their own containers for items like dahi from local dairies or grocery items such as pulses and rice. Remember when we used to bring our own cloth bags and reusable containers to the market for groceries? This environmentally responsible choice is advocated by influencers like Abhi & Niyu, who encourage consumers to carry their own containers for items like dairy products and groceries. We should feel proud and unashamed to make this choice, as it benefits the planet and helps reduce waste.

Is paper really better than plastic?
While paper products are often touted as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic, one might question whether their production contributes to deforestation. However, this is not always the case. For example, when an airline serves a meal in a cardboard box with an FSC® logo, it signifies that the paper used has been responsibly sourced and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring that no deforestation occurred as a result. This small detail addresses a significant issue. Hence, when purchasing paper-based products or packages, it is important to look for the FSC symbol.

To navigate the complexities of sustainability, it is crucial to go beyond surface-level information. As consumers, we bear the responsibility of being critical thinkers and informed decision-makers. Educating ourselves about sustainability, asking questions, and supporting companies that genuinely prioritize sustainable practices are vital steps. The path to sustainability is challenging, but what remains essential is understanding the impact of our actions and maintaining the determination to progress. Lastly, it is wise to follow a simple piece of advice: Choose better, use better.