How reusables help in the fight against climate change
I only recently discovered that I am a person of analytical brain make up. That analysing everything to the minutest detail is naturally how my brain is wired; and therefore, who I am.
It’s been a very interesting development, because it’s transported me from feeling like I don’t truly fit anywhere, and being inadequate in self-confidence to the point that I felt like I could never achieve what I wanted to professionally; to actually being able to embrace this talent in the right circumstance and apply it for good both in my career, and here, forging my own small business.
Making the links
The underlying links between our wasteful consumerism and endless negative output intrigues me. To the point of wanting to know more. It’s in my instinct to probe until I can make irrefutable links, and this is how I understand the world.
For a few years now as a society we’ve become more conscious about our excessive use of single use plastic. And by switching to reusable menstrual products, nappies, wipes, bags and more there is an obvious a clear link to how we can be doing our bit to reduce the amount going into landfill. Which is all good right?
There are hidden benefits you might not also be aware of.
The full energy cost of disposables
The entire processes of production of the single use items we depends upon massive amounts of not only fossil fuel derived materials, but also energy. The one thing on everybody’s lips in the current cost of living crisis.
Energy, whether it be from oil, coal, gas or whatever pollutive substance is what is needed to constantly be replacing these items not only in our bathroom cabinets but on the shop shelves where we purchase them; the transport required to get them there; the endless warehouses and storage facilities they go through before ending up in our hands; and the supply of constantly powered machines to generate them using mechanical repetitive processes that go on and on and on except when they are stopped for bouts of preventative maintenance.
It’s a wonder that they can make these things cost less that £1 for a pack of 16, when you truly think about it.
All this is constantly contributing to climate change. The vicious cycle we are in that is making our air poisonous, increasing wild fires, melting polar ice caps, raising sea levels and making spaces inhabitable for all living species.
Reusables stop that cycle
I used to think of reducing single use plastic as my motivation because it’s something I could…and therefore should…do. Because it’s something actually within my control. Whereas climate change seemed such a monumental global issue that as an individual I can’t truly make any difference. That’s for the US and China to get behind, right? What’s the point of me changing anything when it’s there that the true change needs to happen?
But examining it deeper, when I choose to use a reusable I’m cutting off part of that link to climate change somewhere, by opting out of having to constantly replace something disposable that requires vast amounts of energy to manufacture. Granted yes it requires energy to wash a reusable, but as I have explained in several blogs, posts and reels, there really is no need to consider them as extra laundry when they can simply be incorporated into your normal routine.
The point behind my entire message.
In the words of Paddy McGuinnes, “The power is in your hands”. No likey, no lighty!
Consumer power
By paying for that reusable item only once, I am also cutting out the constant cost elsewhere of it having to travel to me. I put it to you that this is a significant move. It’s an act of rebellion as a consumer, that has true economic and environmental benefits and is the best way as individuals we can make a difference.
If you won’t listen to me, then listen to David Attenborough how important this is. Changing attitudes can only happen when the truth is brought to the masses.
Consumer opinion matters. And now more than ever voter opinions matter as well. In a world where the current government is eschewing the chance to pursue long term renewable strategies in favour of short term measures that will leave us more and more dependent on unethical energy sources, we have to make our voices heard. And there is no more powerful way to do that than by where we put our spending power.
It’s in our hands to make changes now. And in our voices to say it’s passionately what we believe in.
Help guides
For more straight forward practical tips on making the switch to cloth pads, have a read of my further blogs: