07 May 2020

GREEN HABITS: who ever said that you cannot save the planet by yourself?

Global warming, air pollution, fine particles, invasion of micro plastics in our seas and deforestation. These are the great wounds of our times and, very often, huge excuses of ostensible powerlessness to justify the renunciation... of the small great individual renunciations.

That the isolated behaviour of a single person cannot revolutionise the world is clear, but our life is studded with infinite small responsible choices which, if added up and repeated, can make the difference. And also, why not, inspire those around us.

With a small effort of goodwill, we can help protect the environment. Nothing striking, no act of heroism, true.

But one thing we will never be forced to give up: setting a (sustainable) trend with style.  

 

10 GREEN APPROACHES TO BECOME ECO-PLAYERS OF SUSTAINABILITY 

And you, in which way of being do you recognise yourself

(or are ready to recognise yourself from now on)?

 

#1 Serial recycler 

PAPER

Print: always ask yourself if it is indispensable and check that the file is correct in order to avoid reprinting. Choose duplex printing or the multiple page solution and print in one session, so you don't have to set up the printer every time. Remove unnecessary items from the print selection and use recycled eco-friendly paper.

Notes: reuse old sheets of paper with writing or printing on one side only and avoid using padded envelopes as much as possible, as they are difficult to dispose of once turned into waste.

Shipping: use recycled boxes of suitable size for the content.

Document exchange: use the most intuitive web systems for sharing, which are ecological but also indispensable to ensure the correct circulation of information.

 

#2 (In)temperate Tenant 

ENERGY RESOURCES

Temperature: indoors, keep the heating not too high in winter (18-20° C) and, in summer, limit the use of air conditioning, avoiding excessive temperature changes between outside and inside (no more than a 7°C difference). Also close the windows to maximise the result.

Lights: use natural light to save energy and not strain your eyesight too much; turn off the light when you exit the room.

PC power supply: if you are temporarily busy elsewhere, put the computer in stand-by; if you expect a long absence, turn it off completely. Screensavers absorb a lot of energy, as does excess screen brightness.

Power On: Set a sleep timer and turn off electrical outlets at night.

 

#3 Bottle Activist 

WATER

Bottles and flasks: try to eliminate plastic water bottles from your purchasing habits, preferring glass bottles instead. During the day, get organised by filling an aluminium flask, maybe insulated, and once finished, fill it whenever possible at drinking fountains in order to quench your thirst.

Taps: avoid letting them run unnecessarily (e.g. while brushing your teeth) and check that they do not drip.

Drains: use the correct flush when given the double option, to choose the required quantity of water.

Faults: repair them as quickly as possible, avoiding leaks and waste.

 

#4 Separate garbage collector 

WASTE SEPARATION

The best way to make people aware of correct waste disposal is to equip offices with specific waste separation/recycling bins. However, to replicate this at home as well, remember to consult the collection methods of your municipality of residence, as the regulations to be followed are on a local and not a national basis.

 

#5 One-time consumer 

ELIMINATE SINGLE-USE

Whilst waiting for the ban to start in 2021, in the meantime coffee vending machines and disposable glasses will end up submerging us before we can run for cover. By creating your personal (and personalised) ecological kit you can use your cup, your spoon, your glass bottle and your refillable aluminium pens for any eventuality. Why exploit and throw away something at the first difficulty? Loyalty is good for the planet.

 

#6 Ingenious gourmet 

OUTDOOR EATING

How often do you have to eat your meal away from home, for work reasons or because you are too far away from home to get back in time? The fundamental ingredient is definitely a healthy and light recipe, suitable for facing the afternoon's commitments, but the container can make the difference too. There are biodegradable and totally compostable solutions, to be alternated with insulating, hygienic and reusable glass containers.

 

#7 Dynamic commuter 

COMMUTING AND MEANS OF TRANSPORT

Most people who go to work prefer to move with their car, partly out of laziness, partly out of convenience. There are many alternative solutions, just choose the one closest to your possibilities:

Re-cyclist (Bicycle): It is the most eco-friendly and healthy means of transport and it represents the best choice to reduce personal environmental impact. If you live in a small town or work a few km from home, it is the turning point to optimise efforts and to exercise by taking advantage of the obligatory routes.

Low emission storyteller (Public transport): Using this has many more benefits than contraindications. On board a tram and in a subway car you are entitled to relax, read, doze off and, when all pastimes fail, you can also scrutinise other travellers and fantasise about their lives and misadventures. You will avoid traffic, driver stress and help your city detoxify from smog. What more…

Supportive transporter (Car sharing with colleagues): Have you ever thought about commuting with work colleagues who live near your home, so you can go to the office with just one car? There would be multiple advantages for everyone: economic savings, less environmental impact, less traffic.

 

#8 Runner with benefits 

PLOGGING

Whether you are a jogging or simply a sports walk enthusiast, there is a delightful way to combine what’s useful for you with what’s useful for the community. By "plogging" - a term which derives from the union between runningand plocka upp("pick up" in Swedish) - you will train your body and at the same time clean up streets and sidewalks from any waste. With a single activity, you will have done your best to contribute to your well-being and to that of the environment.

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