CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IS A MORAL OBLIGATION

If everyone were to consume resources at the rate at which people in high-consumption countries such as Canada, Luxembourg and the United States do, at least five earths would be needed. According to UNCIEF’s article, “over-consumption in the world’s richest countries is destroying children’s environments globally, new report says,” which was published in May of 2022.

When Americans think about environmental issues, they often think about providing a good and healthy environment for people in America or other similarly prosperous nations. However, we tend to forget that pollution and other issues stemming from overconsumption disproportionately affect people in the global south, who overall have a lower income than those in the global north.

There is a misconception that being sustainable is something that is only possible for the wealthy. While there are things that are prohibitively expensive for most Americans, such as purchasing solar panels, the vast majority of sustainability practices can also save you money, sometimes significant amounts.

Continue to use the things that you already own. Wear the clothes that you already  have, even if they are not in tune with the latest microtrend. Resist the urge to upgrade your phone every few years. Pay attention to expiration dates and eat what you already have in order to minimize food waste. When you make a large purchase, such as a car, buy used and prioritize gas mileage. When grocery shopping, buy what you need, and be mindful of food waste. Also, be mindful of your consumption of meat, specifically beef.

According to Stanford University, “livestock production accounts for 18 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, including 9 percent of carbon dioxide and 37 percent of methane gas emissions worldwide.”

There are other ways to get enough protein, including legumes and peanuts. While, especially in rural areas such as Troy, it is unreasonable to expect everyone to become vegetarian or vegan, especially if you live on campus and do not have access to a kitchen, it is possible to greatly reduce your consumption of meat and other animal products.

When you buy clothes, buy used rather than new. According to the British Fashion Council, there are enough clothes on earth currently to clothe the next six generations. Unless you have a need for a very specific piece of clothing, or it is difficult for you to find clothing that fits you at a thrift store, you should be getting the vast majority of your clothing from thrift stores. Germs can be killed with laundry sanitizer and hot water, and purchasing thrifted clothing rather than new saves both the planet and your wallet.

You can live a full and happy life without centering consumption. Buy what you need, of course, and do not expect yourself to transition from a consumerist lifestyle to a sustainable one overnight, but do not make consumption the center of your life.

Shopping and consumption are not hobbies, but rather, a scourge on the health of the planet.