Here are our 5 action that you can implement going forward towards making a Greener Planet:

1. Think twice before shopping.

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” may feel retro, but it’s just as important today as when the phrase was first coined. Every product we purchase has an environmental footprint, from the materials used to create it to the pollution emitted during manufacturing to the packaging that ends up in landfills. So before you buy, ask yourself if you really need it. If you do, consider buying gently used instead of new, and look for minimal packaging and shipping.

Watch The Story of Stuff and learn more about the zero waste movement.

2. Go #PlasticFree.

Plastic never goes away. Today billions of kilos of it can be found in swirling convergences making up about 40 percent of the world’s ocean surfaces. Every year thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed after ingesting plastic or getting tangled up in it. You can start cutting down on your plastic waste in a few simple steps: use reusable bags when you shop, ditch single-use water bottles, bags, and straws and avoid products made from or packaged in plastic whenever possible (e.g., select unwrapped produce at the supermarket, shop local, cut down on online shopping).

Learn more about plastics pollution in our oceans and the problem with plastic bags.

3. Buy seasonal

Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables ensures the freshness and nutritional value of the food. Buying apples from another country uses up a lot of fuel and energy in the shipping and packaging processes. Fruits and vegetables that are sold out of season are often frozen or preserved using preservatives. Buying seasonal food will ensure that you buy fresh food without excessive packaging, preservatives, or food miles.

4.Buy local

Buying locally grown produce can have a huge impact on the environment. It is also something you can adapt to very easily. Try to buy fruits and vegetables (especially the fresh ones) from your local farmers’ market (or supermarket). Even if you buy fruits and vegetables from a supermarket, you should still check the labels to see the country of origin. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are full of nutritional value and flavor. Moreover, a lot of carbon emissions can be saved if we all bought our fruits and veggies from local producers. On average, our food travels about 1500 miles before it reaches us. It would also help the local farmers. Buying locally can make you be sure that you are buying food produced sustainably. 

5. Use your voice (and your vote)

One of the best things you can do for the planet, today and for the future, is to get involved in your community and also at a national level. Be the change that you want to see and don’t be afraid to ask for change. Vote for candidates with strong environmental platforms and urge them to pass stronger policies to fight climate change and protect our biodiversity. 

Now go make your change!

If you have any questions or queries on sustainability and DBS you can email the Green Team on - [email protected]

DBS Green Team!