According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s emissions. That is more than the maritime and aerospace industries combined. By introducing hundreds of new models of clothing every week, fast fashion chains are creating a spiral of ‘fomo’ in customers who constantly fear of not being trendy enough. Newcastle offers a great range of charity shops that can make shopping more sustainable and a lot cheaper. There are also many brands that make their clothes sustainably and do not harm the environment. It takes a few minutes of research to find the brand that fits your style.
Waste reduction is key to the prevention of pollution. Reusing products that would normally be thrown away is the easiest way to limit waste. For the people who menstruate, there are now many sustainable menstrual products like menstrual underwear or menstrual cups. While it might be a more expensive investment in the beginning, it pays off in the long run. The same goes for reusable cups because some coffee shops offer a discount if you bring one. Buying coffee in reusable cups for a year can save a lot of money (for more coffee). Having a reusable grocery bag has never hurt anyone either, and neither did buying products not wrapped in plastic.
There are many opportunities to actively help the environment. Newcastle University students have numerous volunteering options. For example, participants of NUSU’s Grow Volunteer can try growing vegetables or flowers on campus. A Second Life is an up-cycling project dedicated to giving old products a new form of use. And the Urban Green Volunteer offers a wide range of activities, such as picking up litter across parks in Newcastle. There are many more volunteering opportunities on the NUSU’s website as well. By participating in such projects, one not only helps the environment but also networks with other people with similar goals.
Lastly, helping the environment is not about being perfect. It is not about becoming a self-sustained farmer in one day. It is about small meaningful steps. In the context of the UK, there is such a wide range of products, brands, and people one can choose to support. But choosing those that do not harm anyone or anything is the least one can do. Because if demand changes, companies and politicians will notice and alter their strategies. Why else would there be a vegetarian option at McDonald's?
