We heard the news about brands failing to keep up with their sustainable claims. Despite their efforts in embracing their corporate social responsibility to the environment, some got the wrong idea. Some brands switched to sustainable materials but turned out to be problematic choices. Others scraped their plastic packaging but failed to find a sustainable solution that could ensure the security of their deliveries. But out of the sustainability mistakes businesses are committing, greenwashing is the worst of them all.
The problem is, businesses are not the only ones guilty of making mistakes when adopting sustainable practices. Most eco-conscious consumers are still practicing sustainable habits the wrong way. Are you also guilty of making the following mistakes when trying to live a sustainable life?
Choosing a Cheap Renewable Energy System
Many homeowners are proud of their renewable energy system. They managed to have solar panels installed in their homes. They think that by doing so, they already reduced their overhead costs while giving the environment a favor.
Know that simply investing in a renewable energy system does not automatically mean you are already making the right decision. If you choose the wrong system from the start, you will only end up wasting your hard-earned cash and fail to optimize your eco-friendly efforts.
There are renewable energy systems that are both cheap and reliable. Thinking that the cheapest system will already suffice is simply a false belief. Remember that in every investment you make, you will be getting what you will pay for.
The same goes if you choose a supplier that promises a one-size-fits-all approach. You need to find a renewable energy solution that can accommodate your needs. Find one that understands your goals and expectations.
Falling for All Green and Sustainable Claims
Many brands managed to trick their customers into thinking their offers were the best choice for the environment. They use unproven claims to get more clients to pay for their offers. They use words like sustainable, eco-friendly, great for the environment, organic, and all-natural to lure eco-conscious consumers into trusting their brand.
In reality, all these are but marketing strategies. As the eco-conscious market grows, businesses use this opportunity to gain more customers and boost their sales. They are basically trying to trick their audience into thinking their brand is the best sustainable choice.
Blindly following the crowd and not doing your own research can make you fall victim to greenwashing scams. Just because a company claims to be sustainable and eco-friendly does not automatically make them one. Learn to read the labels, be cautious before trusting a business, and check for proofs showing their claims are true.
Overconsumption of Sustainable Options
Some people are guilty of spending too much on sustainable alternatives. Some consumers ditch their old but still totally usable appliances in exchange for energy-efficient ones. Some bid ;farewell to their less efficient home systems to make way for energy-efficient solutions.
While it is a good investment to invest in eco-friendly solutions, how you dispose of your old items and simply choosing green-labeled options won’t cut. Remember that one cause of pollution is incorrect recycling.
Failure to recycle old items only adds to the pollution issue. The same goes if you are replacing these systems when your systems are still in great condition. Getting rid of still usable items and your inability to recycle them effectively adds to the great pollution challenge.
Remember that overdoing attempts by just throwing things away, especially when these are still usable, is not doing the environment any good. If you already invested, find ways to reuse or recycle your old items. For one, selling, donating, or giving them away is always a good start.
Flying and Carpooling as a Sustainable Transportation Solution
In an attempt to reduce their carbon emissions, some people turned to carpooling. Some share rides with their friends when traveling. Others would rather carpool because basically, this is greener than driving.
The problem is, many people don’t factor in every aspect when making a transportation choice. For one, flying only makes sense when you are going towards a long-distance destination with a plane full of passengers. As for carpooling, a study shows that ride-hailing apps contribute to increased traffic and congestion.
Still, walking, running, and cycling are the best ways to travel. You are giving yourself a favor since these are all forms of great exercise. These are also a much better choice if you are really after a sustainable way of traveling.
Wanting to live a sustainable lifestyle already means you are doing the right thing. But your efforts can go down the drain if you blindly follow the crowd. Be open-minded, cautious, continuously seek the truth if you want to ensure your sustainable efforts.
