Today, environmental protection is increasingly becoming a real part of everyday life. We have finally stopped talking in empty words and are increasingly taking action to reduce our ecological footprint. More recycling? Less meat in our diet? Public transport instead of cars? Yes, these are all good ideas, but we are focusing on shopping. Here are some ideas to help you save not only the environment but also your wallet.
Make a list
As you've probably experienced, there is no such thing as "running into the supermarket for one thing". Once you're in, you look around, everything is colourful and attractive, you think you might need something else... and then you're standing at the checkout with a well-stocked basket.
Instead, make a list of things you need to buy, so you only buy what you really need and save money.
Sleep on it
Before you buy something of greater value, think carefully! Do you really need it or are you just buying it on a whim? Nowadays, we can buy things online with just a few clicks, which encourages impulse buying - and our homes are increasingly cluttered with useless things that we thought at the time of purchase would be great buys.
Choose quality
Cheaper things can often turn out to be more expensive in the long run. Forget fast fashion clothes! The textile industry is one of the biggest polluters on the planet - and people buy cheap clothes that fall apart in a few months without thinking. And they end up in the trash quickly, and of course they can't be recycled! The same can be true for a household appliance, do you want to buy it for 1 year or 4-6-10 years? Buy durable, reliable products!
Forget disposables
A disposable razor for shaving? A plastic bag for shopping? All of them have durable, reusable and therefore environmentally friendly alternatives. Use a canteen, you can refill it with whatever you want for up to 100 years! Buy a plain razor blade and you've saved the earth a lot of plastic in disposable blades and their packaging. Carry durable, reusable bags or pouches. See? A little preparation and you're good to go.
Avoid packaging
Look for products with less packaging, or no packaging at all. There are more and more packaging-free shops where you can pack your goods in your own boxes. If you do buy something with packaging, look for products with recycled and/or recyclable packaging. Our glass, aluminium or plastic article gives you some guidance on this.
Look for natural ingredients
And those that come from sustainable sources! Of course, sometimes you have to check what you buy, but it's worth the effort. For example, CYCLE products are made from biomass, which everyone treats as waste, but we use it to make completely eco-friendly cleaning products. But there are also additive-free foods and clothes made from natural materials. They are less allergenic and less harmful to the environment.
Buy used
Why buy a new one when you can get a second-hand one that's just as good? Forget pride, because no one can tell you've worn a dress a few times and bought it second-hand. But what if they do? Be proud of it! You've stopped polluting the environment unnecessarily. But you can also buy furniture and appliances cheaper - again, killing two birds with one stone!
This is the CYCLE way, we believe in it. If everyone does their bit, together we can do great things. The circular economy is also based on this, and we are sure that the future will only be healthier and happier if we take care of our planet!
And of course to ourselves!
