Making Planet-Friendly and Ethical Choices

Many of us are eager to make ethical and sustainable decisions about what we consume. This has never been more critical, as overconsumption and unsustainable practices are causing devastating impacts on our climate, ecosystems, habitats, and communities.

While governments and corporations must take significant action to address environmental and human rights issues in global supply chains, individuals can also make a meaningful impact through mindful purchasing and lifestyle choices.

Here are our top tips for small, everyday changes that can help create a better world:

1. Eat Less (and Better) Meat and Dairy

Did you know that farming animals is a leading contributor to climate change? Meat and dairy production accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, rainforests are being destroyed to grow soya—most of which is used as feed for factory-farmed pigs and poultry.

Action Tip: Choose plant-based alternatives or prioritise sustainably farmed meat and dairy products.

2. Avoid Palm Oil

Palm oil is widely used because it’s cheap to produce, but its environmental cost is immense. In Southeast Asia alone, 12.5% of forests have been destroyed for palm oil and other commodities, threatening species like the orangutan whose habitats are disappearing.

Action Tip: Check product labels and choose items made without palm oil or those using certified sustainable sources.

3. Buy Less Stuff

Most of us own more than we truly need. However, our love of “something new” drives retailers to push upgrades and sales, contributing to resource depletion. The demand for raw materials like oil, metals, and water has severe environmental consequences.

Action Tip: Embrace minimalism, prioritise quality over quantity, and resist impulse purchases.

4. Reduce Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste is everywhere, from crisp packets on the street to microscopic fibers in the ocean. Even washing synthetic clothing releases microplastics that harm marine life and ecosystems. Images of sea creatures entangled in plastic waste highlight the scale of this crisis.

Action Tip: Switch to plastic-free alternatives like shampoo bars, solid soaps, and just add water cleaning products.

5. Eat Less (and Better) Fish

Overfishing has left our oceans significantly depleted, and harmful practices like dynamite fishing and mangrove destruction for prawn farming are devastating ecosystems.

Action Tip: Choose sustainable seafood and reduce fish consumption to ease the pressure on marine ecosystems.

Together, small changes in our daily habits can lead to a big difference for the planet. Let’s all take steps toward a more sustainable future! 🌱