In the quest to phase out the prominence of single-use products in our day to day lives, could there be a solution in using consumerism against itself?
With the production of new products and materials contributing significantly to the Earth’s changing climate and the rise in frequency of ecological disasters. Not to mention the wantless consumption of our finite natural resources. It is widely acknowledged that the reusing of products and packaging in the place of those that are single use, is the correct choice. However, there are barriers stopping people making the permanent move away from single-use products. The most significant being cost and convenience.
Recycling is an expensive process, there is no shying away from it. So, any solutions to eradicate single-use items must tackle both the cost and convenience issue of reusable packaging.
Convenience is something that we must train ourselves to be better at. As a society, we have become complacent. Our expectations for services and conveniences has become untenable. Bringing our own bags to the supermarket or owning a reusable water bottle, are simply lifestyle changes we are going to have to get used to. Cost on the other hand, is a far more real barrier.
With prices for everyday household items and utilities skyrocketing, and the cost of living crisis worsening. Many people are forced to make decisions with their wallets, rather than having the luxury of consulting their ethics and principles. As much as people want to do the right thing environmentally. In many cases, the sustainable option is the expensive option.
This is where businesses and corporations, both big and small, can play their part.
Reason suggests, that if we are no longer throwing products away after one use. They will remain in our lives for longer periods of time. Whether that be daily, weekly or monthly. They remain with us, they are seen by us, they are seen by others. Repeatedly.
For example, if a business were to give free bags away to existing or potential customers, they are theoretically creating an unlimited advertising opportunity. No matter whether or not the person using the bag is a customer of that business, they have been turned into a mobile billboard. In turn, it incentivises the creation of well made, quality products. As the better made they are, the longer they will last. The longer the free advertising lasts.
This is not limited to just bags. Other product options include water bottles, keep cups, or food containers.
It must be noted that this concept is not without downsides. Competition for continuous marketing could create a surplus of products that are not easily recycled or bio-degradable. Cheaply made, but hard wearing products. The simplest way consumers can combat against this, is to only own as many of these bags, water bottles or containers as you need. As tempting as it is to have 20 tote bags and half a dozen water bottles, this only encourages over-production.
As has been a recurring theme in our fight against climate change, pressure is placed on individuals to change their habits. When the hard truth is that businesses bare a much larger responsibility to reduce their environmental impact. By providing free reusable products and packaging, businesses can aid individuals in reducing household carbon footprints. Whilst also getting free brand exposure. Which is just a small drop in the bucket of their societal obligation to combat climate change, but as good a place as any to start.