8/ Rent objects rather than buying them
No matter how ecologically produced an item is, buying it new still requires a minimum of energy and resources for production: raw materials to be extracted from nature, machines which consume electricity, packaging for storage, petrol for deliveries, etc. New goods still have a negative effect on the environment. Try to rent your equipment when you can, rather than buying it new. Alternatively, borrow goods, tools or materials that you are only likely to use once a year, instead of buying one that will lie idle in the garage for the rest of the time.
9/ Refuse business cards and freebies
How many plastic pens are scattered around your hall table? By accepting marketing goods, you are sending the message to manufacturers that these are things people want, which makes them continue producing them, and eats needlessly into more of the world’s resources. Just say no.
10/ Avoid buying mail order goods or buying online
If the object you want to buy is available in a shop in your town, but you have found it for two pounds cheaper online, we advise that you pay that little extra and shop locally: you won’t be burdened with extra packaging (or at least you can refuse it) and you won’t have to pay shipping or delivery fees, which would probably bring the price up to the same cost, if not make it even more expensive in the end. Only buy online when you really need to.
11/ Wrap gifts in a scarf
Which you take back afterwards, of course. Both prettier and more eco-friendly!
12/ Drink tap water
Along with the plastic around individually wrapped packets of tissues and cigarette butts, plastic bottles are one of the most harmful objects for our aquatic fauna: they are one of the items most regularly swallowed by marine mammals, and they can can choke them.
13/ When you buy something, choose durable materials
Avoid plastic like the plague: it’s usage value is highly reduced compared to the time it takes to decompose. Go for glass, metal and wood.
14/ Buy second hand
Do you need a new chair, a new scarf or a new smartphone? Look at what’s available second hand to try and re-use what can be re-used, thus making the most of the world’s precious resources. Charity shops are goldmines!
