Promoting Clean Shopping at Christmas
To promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment by reducing the Green House Gases emissions, Chiamaka Ozulumba writes on the quest by Sahara Group to create more awareness about clean shopping this Christmas
By simply switching from plastic to recyclable jute bags when shopping this season, you are creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment by reducing the Green House Gases (GHG) emissions and contributing your quota towards combating climate change
It would be stating the obvious that climate change is undeniably transforming the world as we know it. From earthquakes to hurricanes, flooding, firestorms, torpedoes, and hailstorms, among others, many nations are battling with the effect of climate change.
Thus, with the effects of climate change broadly seen in several climes, Sahara Group through its new initiative 'Green Life' that was launched last June is leading the charge against the phenomenon. The company aims to attain and champion the sustainable development goals targeted at fostering sustainable environments and promoting holistic wellness.
Their input, according to stakeholders is a welcome development. Statistically, Nigeria generates approximately 276,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. One tonne of that waste is equivalent to 20 pieces of 50kg bags of cement. Also, in specifics, about 40 per cent of household generated waste ends up on streets and drainages, thus causing obstruction to free flow of water. When it rains, the situation becomes worse as the rain water floods the roads because the drainages are filled with waste.
This Christmas, it is expected that people have or are still shopping. It is also expected that the circulation of plastic shopping bags will double. While that in itself is not a bad development, its disposal on the other hand is where the problem lies. Championing the cause for less of plastic bags and more of jute bags, which are biodegradable, Sahara Group has taken the gauntlet to create awareness about the cause.
According to Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, gifts, concerts, traveling, time with family and friends, a break from work/ school and mouth watering delicacies are usually what people look forward to at Christmas.
He said: “One activity people can’t seem to avoid this period is shopping. Whether it’s for new clothes or gifts for loved ones, Christmas shopping can be both thrilling and overwhelming at the same time, not only for us, but for the environment as well.
“In line with its commitment to spearheading climate protection across the globe, Sahara Group is using this exciting period to encourage everyone to shop smarter and cleaner, not only during this season, but to make it a lifestyle.
“Before making any buying decisions, ask these two important questions: Is it necessary?
Temptations abound during the holiday season and they come in all forms, from alluring adverts to eye-popping shopping deals. If you don’t slow down to ask yourself if you really need an item before purchasing, you could end up hurting your wallet and the environment.
“To avoid this, take stock of what you already have and more importantly what you haven’t used in the last year especially with things like clothes, shoes and toys for example. It is best to plan to give out items that can be re- used and make a mental note of the things you don’t need to avoid unnecessary consumption and expenditure.
“Next, have a holiday spending action plan/budget consisting of the following steps: decide on how much you can safely spend in total; make a list of the different items you intend to purchase and put them into categories like groceries, clothing, gifts for family and friends, etc. Make sure your list is prioritised.
“Decide on how much you intend to spend on each category based on your total budget, divide the amount by the total number of items for each category and accept this amount as the maximum you can spend on each item.
“Now, take this plan with you wherever you go to help you stay on track of your holiday spending. There are lots of free spending apps that can be downloaded to help you stay on top of your expenditure on the go. Try as much as possible to stay within your budget and you’ll find yourself making smarter and easier shopping decisions.
“Is it kind to the environment? Christmas is a season of excesses – excess buying, eating, decorating, and even partying. Just as everything else is in excess during the holiday season, so is waste. From the excessive plastic shopping bags associated with increased shopping during this period, the duplicitous gifts, to the copious gift packaging and wraps, the environment surely feels the impact of the season. While these activities can’t completely be avoided, we can make them more sustainable by reducing plastic waste.
“Jute bags are an excellent alternative to plastic bags. Unlike plastic, jute is biodegradable and does not pollute the environment. It is firm and durable, and can be washed and reused as many times as possible.”
According to Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Pearl Uzokwe, the Green-Life Initiative, which was launched by Sahara Group with one of its objectives being to promote sustainable living and reduce the harmful impact of human activities on the environment and to help combat climate change, has introduced recyclable jute bags as one of its ' weapons' in this fight as a means to educate and raise awareness on the simple “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle” mantra.
She said by simply switching from plastic to recyclable jute bags when shopping this season, you are creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment by reducing the Green House Gases (GHG) emissions and contributing your quota towards combating climate change.
“Christmas is a season of giving, so now is the perfect time to give back to the earth by reducing plastic waste by taking on biodegradable alternatives like jute bags.
“It is very possible to have a memorable Christmas without breaking the bank and depleting the environment. Follow the tips above and let it be your special little gift to yourself and our planet! Have a joyous Green Christmas!”