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If you really want to make a difference in your daily life, take into consideration small but meaningful actions that, if multiplied, can drastically change the impact our Western society has on the environment. The impact that our Western society leaves on the planet is impressive compared to that of the Global South.
I am firmly convinced that major changes need to be made at the global economic level and that, overall, economies like China and the USA must act quickly to shift their capitalistic economies to a more sustainable, local and regenerative economy where the common good and the environment are at the core of it.
However, I am persuaded that since the policy worldwide has failed, grassroots initiatives may bring that change.
We can send the signal that we are no longer interested in globalisation, and we can choose to reduce our footprint at scale by choosing sufficiency, purchasing locally and responsibly.
I am very happy I decided to move back to Italy, to what I call the cradle of art and craftsmanship, beauty and culture, where small communities still exist to help each other and small and medium enterprises persist.
When I came back to Italy, I chose a very green region at the heart of it, and now I am even more sure that this was the right choice. Here I describe a typical day for errands, after which I realised that through all these commissions, I have avoided global giants and significantly reduced my impact compared to what it might have be if I’d chose to buy a new sporting bag, a new watch, a cheap made in Asia pyjama, some industrial Carnival sweets and a pack of plastic bottles of water at the supermarket. Instead, I:
- Had my son’s sporting bag repaired, sewn by the local tailor, as it was completely unstitched in several points. The work was perfectly done > This led to a new bag for only 12 euros and no waste generated, and the promotion of a local handicraftsman.
- Had my watch battery changed for only 6 euros. This led to no waste generated, promoted the local economy and handicrafts.
- Purchased a pair of pyjamas for my son, 100% cotton, made in Italy, in a local shop. The brand factory is only one hour away from where we live > greenhouse gas emissions are saved from transportation, promoting the local economy while selecting natural materials over synthetic.
- Bought handmade Carnival sweets at the local bakery > I chose a Km 0 product, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, avoiding useless plastic packaging, no waste generated and promoting the local economy.
- Refilled four bottles of water at the Tap water fountain for public use > saved plastic bottle consumption and dispersion, no waste generated, prioritising our health and that of the environment.
- Bought eggs, flour, honey and vegetables from a local organic farmer. Choosing Km 0 products reduces the overall greenhouse gas emissions and pesticide use, promotes the local economy and enhances animal welfare through small open-air farming.
And you, what can you do locally to lighten your footprint?