Sustainability is an issue that affects everyone. Organizations like the WWF promote it with posters, and entire school classes organize climate strikes. The direction our world will move in depends entirely on our behavior. The following sections contain tips for a more sustainable everyday life. There are certainly many, many more suitable options, but the ones listed are a few that everyone can easily implement—and perhaps should.
food
Sustainability starts at the breakfast table: Instead of starting with a smoothie made from imported bananas, opt for local fruit and – depending on your preferences – vegetables instead! A short production and transport chain not only saves huge amounts of CO2 , but is usually also fairer for the farmers. If you do decide to go for a banana, make sure it carries the "Fairtrade" label, ensuring that the farmers enjoy fair working conditions and that pesticides are avoided. A seasonal diet is another way to integrate more sustainability into your everyday life. In winter, avoid strawberries from North Africa, tomatoes from Spain, or apples from South Africa and try to enjoy local produce and promote its sale. Food waste should be taboo for everyone, because expired food can usually still be used. So don't rely on the date label – your nose and eyes usually know better.
Household
Cleaning products are a true horror for the environment. The chemicals they contain enter the water cycle and affect not only animals but also us; we are, in a sense, poisoning ourselves – whether because we don't care about how we can protect the environment with often small things or because we aren't willing to spend a little more on sustainable alternatives. "Frosch," "Almawin," "Held," or "ecover essential" are just a few examples of brands that are ecologically responsible. Resource-saving use should also be the motto for electricity and water, including the use of energy-saving light bulbs, and not letting the water run for too long when showering or brushing teeth. Waste separation also contributes to a sustainable everyday life by facilitating recycling. Fortunately, there are many options at train stations that support waste separation – but ultimately, everyone has to do it themselves... By the way: with a stainless steel bottle from NIKIN, there's less PET to dispose of! ;)
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Shopping
The produce section in supermarkets reveals many sustainability faux pas. Mixed peppers or organic (!) cucumbers wrapped in plastic. Does that really have to happen?! In my opinion, this plastic packaging—especially for (organic) vegetables and fruit—is completely unnecessary. If you opt for the loose version of peppers and the like, the next question awaits you: How do you transport your shopping home? Fortunately, reusable shopping bags have been available for some time now, replacing the plastic ones. You can also avoid the shopping bags offered at the checkout by using the jute bag you brought with you.
Cosmetics
Advertising thrives on cosmetic products. Women swear by anti-wrinkle creams, eye shadow, mascara, powder, perfume, etc. Men prefer aftershave, deodorants that supposedly smell of cookies and leather (is that really a good thing?), or shower gel after a workout. But are these products really perfect? Hardly! Such offers are not only harmful to the environment, but also to you. Although deodorants are offered without aluminum, there are still many on the market that contain the metal and thus contribute to the promotion of cancer. Awful! Cosmetic products often contain numerous chemicals to make them smell good and look good, thus generating good sales. The long-term consequences of using such products are neglected. Instead, the advertising carries on diligently, showing advertisements showing beaming faces with the latest beauty products.
consumption
Switzerland is a consumer nation. Whether tourists or locals, people buy and buy – every day. People often chase the latest trends without considering where the products come from or under what conditions they are produced. Whether it's fast fashion, imported food, cosmetics, or cleaning products: pay attention to where the products come from the next time you go shopping.
As already mentioned, these are just a few examples that show how anyone can embark on a sustainable path without having to completely overhaul their daily routine. It's often the small changes that make a big difference – if not at first glance, then certainly in the long run! We at NIKIN are fully aware that these changes may not be implemented by everyone with the same level of motivation. That's not a problem, but rather a challenge that everyone is welcome to take on! A completely sustainable routine can't happen overnight anyway. Instead, follow your own rhythm and be surprised by how wonderful it is to give something back to the environment. ;)
And don't forget: There are alternatives! Search or ask around and choose a sustainable everyday life—for yourself and the environment.
