There are 2 types of people in life – 1^st who ‘TALK’ and 2^nd who ‘WALK the TALK’. What consumers fail to notice is that in today’s retail world, they can bring a big change just by acting responsibly.

As per International Co-operative Alliance, Greenhouse: Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 50 percent higher than it was in 1990, and global warming is causing long-lasting changes to our climate system which threatens irreversible consequences if we do not act. Cooperatives for Climate Action was chosen as this year’s theme to address this, and to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action. Climate change severely impacts people’s livelihoods around the world, especially the most disadvantaged groups such as small-scale farmers, women, youth, indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, who have to cope with extreme natural disasters and degradation of natural resources.

Here are some SMALL ways by which consumers can bring a BIG change to the environment:

• Send Suggestions/ Recommendations

The market is always ‘consumer driver’ while he/she has the ability to influence the decisions of a corporation, the same goes for making recommendations or suggestions. Feedback can be one of the best ways to improvise as well.

• Recycle

Recycling can reduce waste generation significantly and thereby help the environment.

• Using more reusable stuff

Reusing stuff is also one of the many ways to reduce wastage and is also a cost-effective measure.

• Promote Local produce

Local produce is considered to be healthier and also helps in reducing the carbon footprint. Go Local!

• Look for recycled products

Using recycled products is a great way to do your part in saving the environment.

• Using energy-efficient appliances

Not only such appliances help you save electricity bill considerably but also help conserve natural resources.

• Use biodegradable products

Non- biodegradable products end up in natural resources, especially shopping bags and cleaning products. In the longer run, these have a drastic effect on land and ocean ecosystem by increasing the toxicity levels. Using biodegradable products is a good move to help the environment.

• Planned grocery shopping to avoid wastage

Irrespective of the promotions, if you are not planning your supermarket journey then you are calling for excessive grocery expenses. Preparing a ‘to-buy’ list will help keep your shopping trip short and pocket-friendly. Try it!

• Not wasting water

Even a small gesture like turning off the tap while brushing or shaving can help save approx. 200 gallons of water a week for a family. Water is precious, use it wisely.

This is our planet. Help protect it!