In case you've been hiding under a rock these last few months, everyone who is anyone is discussing the environment. Sustainability is the buzzword of the hour. People are switching to steel straws, cloth bags, and talking about recycling. Even the British Parliament had a go at BooHoo for daring to make dresses that cost five quid. (Approximately Rs 500, if you want to know the cost in Indian currency.) The MP's claimed that it encouraged the 'throwaway' culture.
Environmental concern is not a new thing. If you're an ancient comer to these shores, you'll remember the early nineties when 'Reuse, Reduce, Recycle' was the phrase being peddled about. People were banging on about PET bottles, talking about how aerosol sprays depleted the ozone layer, and offering numerous tips on how to be more friendly to Mother Nature. Anyone recall Captain Planet and the Planeteers? And what did that all come to? Who bothers about the ozone layer any more? Do you remember to switch off the main power to your telly and computer when they're not in use? And just how many cars are owned by each household these days?
The problem with environmentalism, is that businesses and people see this as a way to make money. It's no coincidence that 'organic' foodstuffs cost three times the price of normal ones. The clothes from the so-called 'sustainable' labels are either designer, or have a similar price tag. The advertisers of these claim that they cost less when you break it down to how often you use them. But the problem is that most people don't have that kind of money to shell out in the first instance.
This is the reason why these futile attempts to save the planet never work. They are far too expensive for the average person. It's the reason why plastic bags are back in full force after the brief ban. And why plastic cups, plates and straws are once again in use. Sadly, if you want to really benefit the environment it's better not to look to governments or advertisers or influencers for advise. They are all promoting things based on the large bottom line for themselves.
So, what can you do to halt environmental destruction in its path? Well, apply some very (un) common sense. Never mind if you can't afford the 'sustainable' labels. A dress from H&M that you wear several times over the course of two years is helping the earth. It doesn't matter the label it comes from, if you're throwing it out after one season. So buy clothes that you know you'll wear for at least one year - if not more. And then, if they're still in good condition, donate them to charity. That way you're helping not just the planet, but the people who populate it too.
Consider walking, or using public transport. Isn't it funny how the people who talk the biggest when it comes to the environment are the ones who pollute it - through their massive cars, their constant flights, and their multi-car households - the most? If you genuinely want to help the environment, get on board with commuting to work with colleagues, or taking a train, a bus or a rick to work instead of using your own car. And to all those who claim that ricks pollute the environment, they're on the road whether or not you take your car. But if you drive your car, that's one more vehicle on the road. If you take the rick, that's one less. And the planet will only be helped if there's one less vehicle.
Throw it back to the 90's. Reusing stuff is actually a great thing for the environment Whether or not the item in question is sustainable, reusing it automatically makes it better. It's far better to reuse a plastic bag, than to get a fresh paper bag from the grocery store every time you shop. Paper may disintegrate easier, but you still have to cut down trees to make it. Refilling old pens is better than buying new ones. Turning old curtains or duvets into cushion covers or rugs makes more sense than buying new.
The real truth about environmentalism, is that in order to save the planet, you simply need to buy less. Unfortunately, this does not sit very well with businesses, governments or advertisers. Therefore whenever topics like the environment or sustainability crop up, they like to convince us that what we really need to do is just to buy this alternative product that they're suggesting, and we can save the planet.
But consumerism is what causes this problem in the first place. Our need to buy, buy, buy in order to keep up with those Joneses. So take a break from shopping - unless you genuinely need something - and you'll be on the path to sustainability in one easy move.
That's something that I've been toying with this season. As I realised, when I talked about my jumper collection, I already have plenty. They're all in style. So I'm going to try not to shop (Christmas gift shopping aside) for any new clothes from November to March. I'll keep you updated as to how that one goes.
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl.
IG: @maryannecp
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