Embracing a low-waste lifestyle

While most of us agree that combating environmental pollution is necessary, we often fail to see how we also contribute to deteriorating the situation. Ignorant lifestyle choices lead to more environmental damage than we ever know.

"Transitioning to a low-waste lifestyle, through conscious choices in daily life, we can minimize waste, conserve resources, and significantly reduce our environmental footprint," said Rumaisa Riya, an Environmental Science student at Dhaka University.

According to her, opting for a reusable water bottle is one of the simplest yet highly effective changes. While many already own one, it is essential to use it consistently.

"Carrying your reusable bottle helps save money and drastically reduces the reliance on single-use plastic or aluminium containers, which contribute to environmental degradation."

"The production and transportation of disposable cans and bottles consume vast energy and resources. Even though many of these containers can be recycled, the energy-intensive process involved in creating, distributing, and recycling them often negates the benefits," explained Rumaisa.

"Also, if you consider yourself a conscious person, keep a handkerchief instead of using tissues made of trees for a lot of one-time use," she suggested.

Rahat Ahmed is a 40-year-old local businessman from Ashulia whose daily routine includes grocery shopping. He has an important suggestion: "A Reusable grocery bag is a must for my grocery shopping. It's common to forget them when heading to the store and bring a ton of polythene bags home. A practical solution is to place reusable bags at your doorstep so that you never forget them."

Along with single-use polythene and plastic bags, we must refrain from using single-use utensils. Disposable coffee cups, plastic utensils, and straws contribute significantly to waste accumulation.

"I keep my own reusable items. Many coffee shops even offer discounts for customers who bring their mugs. Likewise, keeping reusable silverware at work or in your bag ensures you can avoid single-use plastics when eating out," remarked Mr Rahat.

Plastic straws and utensils often end up in landfills or polluting oceans, contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution. Instead, reusable alternatives such as metal straws or portable cutlery are sensible lifestyle choices.

Ahona Azad is an iNGO officer from Dhaka. She recently got married and is purchasing secondhand and recycling items to decorate her new home. From shopping at thrift stores to buying used furniture and appliances from the Facebook marketplace, she chooses eco-friendly options. Reducing water use in washing, avoiding gas waste, and switching to electric appliances when not required are also important to her.

"Purchasing secondhand saves my money and reduces the volume of items in landfills. When you no longer need something, consider donating it instead of discarding it. This helps create a circular economy where goods are reused rather than wasted," she said.

Along with these, we can consider purchasing minimal or recyclable items. Before making a purchase, check labels to ensure that packaging is either recyclable or made from materials that require fewer resources. Avoiding non-recyclable products sends a strong message to the manufacturers about embracing sustainable products and manufacturing.

Shopping locally is another way to curb carbon emissions. If we buy locally produced products, we contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with product transportation. On the other hand, buying in bulk can significantly reduce packaging waste, especially for food items if it is impossible to avoid packaging waste.

"Last but not least," Ms Ahona added, "reducing paper consumption should be a priority with digital alternatives readily available. Rather than keeping paper files piled up, keep digital documents. This makes your office neat and clean and saves a lot of trees from being cut every day."

Embracing a sustainable lifestyle is not hard. It's about being thoughtful in decision-making. Sustainability is not about planting trees only. It is a lifestyle associated with almost every choice we make daily.

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