Consumers have a large part in determining the
sustainability of our world. “If consumers don’t demand more sustainable
practices soon, the products we buy can and will contribute to the loss of the
world’s rainforests,” (The Problem with Palm Oil, 2016, 2:26). This
essay will examine ways that I can demand more sustainable practices, from
buying nontoxic products (1.3), ensuring that I purchase “Fair Trade Certified”
products (4.1), investing in green spaces (4.2), and reducing the amount of
waste produced by purchasing sustainably made products (5.1).
It is almost impossible to avoid all chemicals. “We live in
an environment full of chemicals,” (Karr, et al., 2018, p. 40). An apple has
chemicals, as does the pesticide DDT. And both can be equally toxic. “All
things are toxic if the dose is large enough – even water” (p. 45) It is up to me
to become a more informed consumer, using critical thinking skills to
investigate toxicity, and purchase products that are less toxic, both for
myself and the environment. I can also visit the EPA website for a list of
safer product options.
Not all products are made in a sustainable manner. “Fair
Trade” products provide a higher wage to laborers, who can then become
financially stable. “Economic stability improves access to health care and
prenatal care so that death rates (including childhood mortality) decline,” (p.
178). Fair Trade goods are “produced in an environmentally and socially
responsible way (p. 240)”, allowing me to know that the products I am purchasing
are improving living conditions and creating a more sustainable way of farming.
I can discover which items are “Fair Trade Certified” by checking for the seal
or visiting the website, FairTradeCertified.org.
Naoko Ishii stated in “An Economic Case for Protecting
the Planet” (2017) that, by 2050, two-thirds of our population will live in
cities. “We need green cities,” (8:36) she implored. A “green city” is described
as “one that pursues sustainable options that make them more environmentally
friendly and socially equitable,” (p. 198). Green spaces within cities are
proven to improve quality of life for residents, provide a habitat for
wildlife, and help offset environmental consequences common to urban areas. I can petition my local city council for
increased green space.
Finally, in order to reduce my carbon footprint, Karr
states, “any time we purchase products that were made in a more environmentally
or socially sound manner, we come a little closer to bearing the responsibility
for our choices” (p. 234). I can reduce the amount of waste I currently dispose
of by, not only reducing my consumption of less sustainable products, but also investing in products that are
reusable, recyclable, and last longer, compared to the more disposable items
commonly seen in my economy.
It is with this increased knowledge of critical thinking
skills, science-based research, along with a commitment to sourcing more
sustainable products, that consumers, like myself, can have an impact on the
environment, lessening their impact and creating a more sustainable future for
generations to come.
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Grade: 100/100
Professor comments: Good work on the Bring It Home Essay and an appropriate selection of topics. Grading is per the Rubric.
