New Year Resolution: Sustainable Shopping

Be it compostable bowls or biodegradable dinnerware, they got to be your preference over plastic. But that’s not the only way to be sustainable.

Using biodegradable dinnerware is one of the many ways to go green.

Either you get asked or it is a question for yourself. What’s the new year resolution? Well, there are no right or wrong answers but it generally revolves around the betterment of ourselves, our family and society. Why not the environment be part of the concern too?

It is hard not to notice plastic pollution endangering the land, sea and air – and the occupants. On a daily basis, we are gradually witnessing the effects of global warming too. We are using energy and creating waste at a jaw-dropping rate, being less sustainable. Thankfully, going green isn’t a tough call and it could well be your goal for the year.

Sustainable swaps and practices go a long way. Therefore, we have narrowed down simple ways to be extra eco-conscious.

1. Get Used to Eco Habits

By now, we are pretty habituated with reusable bags over plastics at supermarkets. Next, create a purchase list to prevent overbuying. Buy whole foods in bulk and even better, bring our own containers to pack them. Before you buy anything, think a few times if you really need it. If yes, get ones with minimal packaging and shipping. Because everything involves an environmental footprint. Brownie points, as these tips are wallet-friendly too!

2. Repurpose or Upcycle Items

Get your creative juices flowing. Turn leftover wine bottles into lamps or flower vases, prefer brown paper bags or newspapers instead of buying wrapping paper and use old clothes as cleaning rags. Repair or refinish old furniture with the family. Allow your kids to be in charge and watch them come up with brilliant ideas.

3. Donate or Purchase at the Right Places

Did you know that the old pair of jeans and t-shirt you wanted to throw away, could end up in landfills if not recycled? Textile waste may not sound that scary but it actually releases methane (a greenhouse gas) that contributes to global warming. Kloth Cares, a Malaysian social entrepreneurship movement, has installed over 280 Kloth Cares Bins in numerous states for you to donate pre-loved garments, clothes and bags. Until today, they have collected up to 435,268kg of fabrics!

If you need the inspiration to kick start point no.2, say hello to Beyond Bins by Biji-biji. The team are proving that sustainability and creativity can coexist in harmony with products made from 100% recycled products. Think of coasters, notebooks, flower pots and keychains. Your purchase will also offer an additional income to the underserved community.

Anyone here a fan of natural, bohemian style clothing? Actually, maybe a better question would be who isn’t a fan of apparel made from natural dyes of tropical plants? MUNI has it down-pat. Get clothes, bags and scarfs made from raw colours of fruit skins, leaves and tree barks. Move away fast fashion, we have our local sustainable selection!

4. Use Compostable and Biodegradable Dinnerware

Whether you are a fan of biodegradable plates or prefer packaging your food with compostable packaging, you are in safe hands with Green Eco Paradise. Host a party with an eco friendly theme and spread the go green message to all walks of life. As you may have noticed, our compostable lunch box is having its moment right now.

It takes the slightest budget to push plastic usage to the slightest. Click here to find out the preference of Malaysians for disposable food packaging. The recent Hari Raya Open House in Langkawi, Kedah saw the booming use of eco plates. Not forgetting a religious festival in Penang that reduced plastic with eco food boxes.

5. Buy Locally Sourced Food

This year, buy more local produce! Not only do you widen the smiles of farmers, but you also shorten the food chain. Therefore, it lowers the carbon footprint from shipments. Not forgetting the utmost nutritional value of the fruits and vegetables. Why not grow your own vegetables at home too? Being pesticide-free will not contribute to water and air pollutions.

Bagging a new product or habit is all well and good, but it gets even better when there is a sustainable purpose too. Even the simplest of changes can make an impact. Shall we expect you to use biodegradable dinnerware for your upcoming party?