TODAY
| It’s reusing talk! |
The concept of reusing and DIYs, came at the same time as vintage shopping. Indeed it came from the intention of using the already existing materials, rather than the search for new materials and the discard of used objects. I use reusing all time, from reusing portable cups, to reusing glass packaging, but deep down there is a huge marketing scheme behind the idea of reusing.
Indeed, as several-used items have become a worldwide movement, mass-producing companies have started to benefit from the trend. The over-produced amount of ‘reusable’ plastic bottles that will last two days or the amount of cheap tote bags produced in developing countries, just to make particular brands seem more ‘green’ has been booming for the past decade. This is the perfect example of the greenwashing effect. Greenwashing is a marketing technique, used by big corporate. It provided misleading information’s to consumers, about their products’ environmental impacts. I will talk about the greenwashing’s effects and beliefs, in a later post, dedicated to it. So when you buy a reusable item; consider how, where and by whom it was produce, as it might have just as bad social and environmental effects, as a single-use item.
BUT once you’ve researched and understood the brands, please do invest in reusable items. If you do not know where to start, here are some ideas:
- Bring a reusable cups, when grabbing a coffee to-go! It will be easier for you to recognise your coffee and you will probably have a discount! Which is a win-win!
Reusable cup brands recommendations:
- KAFFEE FORM (Made from coffee grounds)
- GLASS KEEP CUP (Designed to be repaired, as part can be bought online)
- FRANK GREEN ORIGINAL CUP (BPA free/ recyclable and made in Australia)
- Always have a tote bag; paper bags that have started to replace plastic bags, are not recyclable. They actually have huge impacts, such as enormous water usage, use four times as much energy, and won’t allow as many usage.
- Bring a stainless steel bottle, as this will decrease the consumption of single-use plastic bottles, and be cheaper on the long run.
Recommended reusable stainless steel bottles:
- NOT AT ALL BOTTLE (100% plastic free and made in stainless steel)
- 24 BOTTLES (Hold warm/cold beverage, and can add an infuser for teas)
- ELEPHANT BOX ( Works with fair and ethical manufacturers and love the design)
24 BOTTLES
- Use beeswax, (or vegan wax) food wrap to carry your lunches around, rather than in a plastic wrapper or plastic bags.
-Buy in bulk! This is the best solution to reusing jars, pots and other containers, as well as not using any single-use packaging.
-Buy refurbish/ second-hand phone and computer. I really wanted to mention this topic, as it is rarely spoken off, but buying refurbish phone is crucial, as it can reduce emissions by over 75% compared to a new device. Indeed, once thrown away, they become E-waste and 70% of the landfills toxic waste. Supposedly our electronics are ‘recycled’, but the reality of it is that they are just mostly just collected by companies, to gain money and are shipped to countries, such as Ghana. There, they are dumped in ‘E-graveyards’, where the surrounding eco-systems, but mainly the workers, are exposed to nickel, mercury and toxic fumes, which leak in the drinking water, air and ground. Therefor, leading to life-threating health problems, and the destruction of surrounding eco-systems.
But, by buying a refurbish phone, you can change that process and make a difference, so think about it, before throwing your phone away and buying a brand new one.
This topic, will be discussed further and in depth in a future post.
Thomas Imo - 'Phone graveyard'
Thank you for reading this blog. I hope that it has helped you understand, why and how you should reuse. Best of luck on your conscious lifestyle journey, if there is any question, DM me on my instagram.