Aside from the few outliers who still believe that climate change isn’t real and reminisce about plastic straws, most of the current population is firmly in the camp that would like to do whatever is within their ability to reduce the impact that humans are having on our planet. But even if the sentiment is there, far too many are still scared to make the sorts of changes that can make a real difference, partly due to being unsure where to begin, and partly because they are still bombarded with advertisements from companies that would rather you spend money on products that will bump up their quarterly reports rather than on sustainable items.
The good news is that opting for eco-conscious products doesn’t have to mean that you’re settling for an inferior article of clothing or fashion just so you can tell everyone how great you are. The fact is that there are now hundreds of amazing brands that develop and market fabulous things, from clothing to packaging that avoids harming the delicate ecosystems we live in, while being robust and fashionable enough for everyday use.
The Rise Of Mindful Carrying: Why It Matters
As we alluded to in the introduction, more and more people are becoming conscious of their environmental footprints. This is a great thing, but the reality is that far too many of us actually underestimate the sheer scale of destruction that conventionally made products can have on the world. Although many of us now eschew the ubiquitous plastic bag whenever possible, they still exist and are used by millions each year. The waste produced by these kinds of bags is truly mind-boggling, and when you think that there are other ways to carry your belongings or shopping, it makes it even more maddening that they’re still in use. Opting for something like an eco friendly tote bag can take hundreds of plastic bags out of the landfill over a lifetime of usage, and while this may sound like a splash in the ocean, the more that people choose to take this route, the more significant the effect will be.
Plastic bags, or those designed without sustainability in mind, can have a plethora of adverse effects:
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Environmental pollution: Perhaps the most obvious effect of choosing to remain on the unsustainability path is that the already terrible pollution issue will only become worse. Plastic bags and those manufactured using materials that aren’t biodegradable clog up ecosystems and only contribute even more to our landfills, which are currently bursting at the seams. Moreover, while these materials might break into smaller components over the years, the source materials and plastics remain floating around for years, and we have even found evidence of microplastics inside the guts of numerous sea animals, many of which we also consume.
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Resource depletion: Sustainably made products are designed and created using materials that are easy to cultivate, harvest, and work with, reducing the need to deplete the kinds of resources that are difficult to replenish or consume large quantities of energy to mine.
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Human suffering: Not all, but many conventional products have been made at a cost, and manufacturers have deemed it cost-effective to use labor in countries that tend not to take human dignity seriously. Sure, you might pay a little more for something made usstiaoably, but that additional cost means that you are contributing towards a more just society and avoiding the manufacturers that turn a blind eye to sweat shop labor.
How To Choose Your Carry Solution
Deciding to take a more eco-friendly path is just the beginning of this journey, but how do you choose what bags and materials are right for your needs? Well, like any fashion decision, there are multiple steps you can walk through to help you choose most wisely:
Assess your needs
- How much do you need to carry?
- Does it need to have any weatherproofing for the climate you live in?
- Is it compatible with other outfits in your wardrobe (just because you want to, your eco-credentials don’t mean you have to leave your fashion sense at the door)?
Assess the company's ethical standards
- Different countries will have differing certifications regarding sustainability, but a quick web search will pull up those that you ought to look out for.
- Double-check their mission statement and look online to see if they actually practice what they preach, or if they are greenwashing to make themselves appear more eco-friendly than they are in reality.
Prioritize specific materials
- Check for certified sustainable fabrics.
- Select plant-based alternatives when possible.
- Opt for recycled materials where it makes sense (just because plastic isn’t ideal, it might be fine if it’s been recycled from something else, and if you factor in the time period you’re going to use it).
Choosing sustainable carrying solutions is a great way to reduce our reliance on energy-intensive and highly polluting materials. This post has provided you with some reasons why you might consider the change and how to go about making an informed decision.
