by Muneerah B.

So you love shopping and there’s nothing like retail therapy. And you’ve heard about how our high-consumer lifestyle is costing the earth in many ways. The rise of the middle-class all over the world, especially in Asia in this generation, means that more people can now afford to spend on a more regular basis and it all contributes to the depletion of the world’s resources faster than before.

Sure, it doesn’t sound like a big deal if you look at it from an individual perspective but collectively, our shopping habits are ultimately destroying the earth.

On the bright side, that also means that our collective power as consumers can drastically slow down the effect if all of us do our bit to reduce waste. Start small. There are things you can do as individual shoppers that can leave a huge impact on the big picture.

Less packaging

Victoria Secrets’ pink papers in their paper bags are sure pretty but seriously, we don’t need it. You’re going to throw it out eventually. Politely refuse anything that you deem unnecessary and redundant, especially stores that put your item in a wrapping bag before putting it in a paper bag.

“I don’t need a bag”

Better still, reject a shopping bag completely. Have your own (reusable) shopping bag to chuck all your purchases in. If you can’t bring a huge bag every time you go shopping, learn these five words, “I don’t need a bag.” Smaller items that can be slipped into your handbag or into the shopping bags you’re already carrying. When you get home with all those shopping bags, make it a point to reuse them instead of throwing those bags out.

Minimal travel

Plan your shopping routes in a way that it requires minimal driving. We all know too well the horrible things that driving does to the environment. When you’re shuttling from mall to mall, walk instead of drive if it’s within walking distance. Besides, that’s what ballet flats are for.

Post-shopping

Being a responsible and conscious shopper doesn’t stop when you’re done with your purchases. There are still tons you can do. It’s time you get acquainted the recycling facilities nearest to you (if you haven’t). Shoe boxes, shopping receipts, paper bags (with the handles removed) can go into the recycling bin. That also includes annoying flyers you received and stuffed in your bag while shopping.

Conscious disposal

Being a trend-obeying fashion slave and regular shopper also means that you are more likely to throw the contents of your wardrobe out regularly. Disposing consciously reduces the waste you generate. There are charities that would be happy to take in your ‘old’ stuff. Consider selling or swapping your pre-loved items to prolong their lifespan, instead of ending up in the dumpster. You can sell your stuff at our Emmagem.com Classifieds

The next time you go on your shopping trip, show that you are more than just about fashion, shopping and looking good. Your penchant for pretty things should not come at the price of the earth for future generations and all it takes a small amount of effort from each of us.

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