Sustainable Detox: Things
Detox Introduction
Hi! I’m Molly, a businesswoman and new mom that wanted to feel less helpless about climate change. I created this detox to help define what individuals have the power to do and explain why it's important to do so. If you’re new to the detox, you can view the full intro post here. This post specifically focuses on our things!
Your actions and abilities may seem small, but they're mighty and can create beautiful change for ourselves and our posterity!
The Impact Our Things Have on the Environment
Our “things” are made to be thrown out. Since the Industrial Revolution, we’ve been living in a linear economy; making, taking, and disposing (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). Every year we use more than 100 billion resources to make our products and only 8.6% get recycled or used again (World Resources Institute). By living this way, unnecessary greenhouse gasses are emitted and natural resources like water and metals are wasted (World Resources Institute).
I didn’t realize the impact of this linear economy until I spent a summer in the Andes Mountains in Peru. When I was there, I tried to purchase paper towels to clean my kitchen, but I could not find any for sale because families there used cloth towels to clean their homes. At first, I was confused and thought… “how am I supposed to clean?!” And then I realized… “Wow. I’m wasting so many resources by using countless paper towels in my daily life back home. How many trees have been cut down from my lifetime use of paper towels alone?” But it is not just paper towels, it is everything: our cell phones, computers, clothing, washing machines, and more are not made to last. Companies are constantly pushing the newest, next best thing, so we naturally want the latest and greatest items, but we are only hurting ourselves and the environment by giving in.
Actions for Improvement
The ultimate goal is to live a low-waste life. We can do this by supporting the circular economy: use what we have first, repair things when broken, buy consciously when we need something new, and recycle or compost what is left.
The purpose of the circular economy is to keep using the things that we have. It is based on three principles: 1) Eliminating Waste, 2) Circulating Materials, and 3) Regenerating Nature (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). It may seem like this is a job for businesses to fix, but individuals are a huge part of this process.
I used to think that what I bought did not matter, but personal experience showed me I was so wrong. While getting my MBA, I started working for a company that sold goods to Walmart and found out that there was an entire team of people staffed to study “consumer insights.” And not only this, there were data, research, and consulting companies that my company used for additional consumer insights. Companies are out there studying what we buy so that they can make more of what we want! How creepy, but also great is that? We have the power to DEMAND what we want and the market will supply it! If we buy things that are more aligned with our values, companies will make more items like those. Sustainable purchase habits are already happening and you can contribute too (see this research for proof!)
If we act and buy products in line with the circular economy, then we can accelerate the transition of our world from a linear to a circular economy, so let’s start doing it! Again, you should…
#1 - Use What You Have
Many sustainable influencers push people to buy new “sustainable” products, but the most sustainable thing is to use what you have first until it can no longer be repaired.
#2 - Repair When Broken
Something is wrong in our economy when I can buy a new printer cheaper than I can pay to have my current printer fixed. We need to normalize repairing our items instead of buying something new every time there is a problem. Next time you buy a replacement item, whether it is shoes, clothing, jewelry, or an appliance, see if the item can be repaired first.
#3 - Buy Consciously When Needed
This is a loaded action because it is extremely hard and time-consuming to separate eco-friendly items from not-so-eco-friendly items. Especially with all the greenwashing out there, but here are some guidelines (that I’ll dig into later with other blog posts).
Where to Buy:
Don’t Buy. Trade items with friends or use Facebook groups like the "Buy Nothing Project” for your area!
Thrift Stores. Go to your local Goodwill or thrift online with businesses like thredUP or Poshmark.
Sustainable Companies. It can often be challenging to figure out which company is better than another, but one thing to search for is a “B Corporation” logo. If a company is B Certified, then an outside party has to verify that the company has a high social and environmental performance, is transparent with their practices, and makes a legal commitment to being accountable to all stakeholders throughout their supply chain - instead of just its shareholders (B Corporation).
What to Buy
Quality > Quantity. Stop buying things that you will only use once. Buy things that you will love that are built to last!
Items that Could be Reused or Composted. Try to purchase things that can be used again by you or someone else.
Do not buy - Rent! There are companies like Loop, for baby gear, where you can rent items instead of purchasing them. This can save you money and space.
Certified Products. Certifications are always great to look for because that means a company has gotten approved by a third party to say something about its product. Anyone can say that their product is “eco-friendly,” but it might not be. Certifications show thoroughness and help verify claims. In a later blog post I’ll dive into specific certifications to look for in each sector.
For Specific Sectors.
Fashion: Natural fibers are better than synthetic fibers (more on this later - there is a lot that can be done to make fashion more sustainable).
Food. As mentioned in this blog post, buy items that support regenerative agriculture, which can often be done by buying locally and organically.
Appliances: As mentioned in this blog post, always buy Energy Star Appliances because these products have been verified to save you money and help the environment by being more energy efficient.
#4 Recycle Things at the End of their Life
When you are finally finished with an item (that you have hopefully kept for a long period of time), then give it to someone else in need, repair it, sell it, or recycle the item or its parts. Recycling is often confusing, so make sure to look up what you can recycle in your area or reach out to the company that you purchased your product from to see if they have a recycling program.
Money You Can Save
When you buy less, you’re able to save more for things that matter like long term goals, experiences, or better quality products. Buying less can also make you happier (CNBC). When you’re able to save more, you’re less worried about money and have more time to focus on the things that truly matter.
What I’ve Done & Saved
Living in NYC has helped me be a somewhat-minimalist. I do my best to follow the circular model by using what I have, repairing when possible, and buying things with care only when absolutely necessary. I try to only bring things into my life that I absolutely love, which makes me happier because I’m surrounded by items that bring me joy!
How to Start
You’ve got this! You don’t need to conquer all these at once! Start with one task a week or even a month and then go from there. Whatever you need to do to be sustainably sustainable. Any little bit counts!
