Shopping is undoubtedly unavoidable on these dates, however, it is possible to handle them responsibly.
Since the generation of garbage increases in December, it is essential to encourage responsible consumption at this time. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC), Each Ecuadorian produces an average of 0.58 kilograms of solid waste per day. While, in the Metropolitan District of Quito around 2,200 tons are generated daily, according to the Ministry of the Environment.
In fact, the harvest usually exceeds 58,000 tonnes in December. In this context, Oriente Seguros, as leader of the Sustainable Development Goal (ODS) No. 14 working table of the project “Leaders for the SDGs” of the Ecuador Global Compact, promotes an awareness campaign to reduce garbage on these dates (SDG 14 is focused on the protection of underwater life through the reduction of garbage that is the main pollution of the oceans).
“Both in homes and offices we can implement easy and effective measures to reduce the generation of garbage this holiday month. Generally, the increase in consumption and celebrations leave large amounts of waste that can be avoided, you just need to be willing and be aware that we can help with small actions such as: wrap gifts with recycled paper, avoid gifts with plastic packaging, bring cloth covers for shopping, among other. We have reflected these and other recommendations in a super practical guide aimed at our collaborators and other companies, anyone who wishes to apply them, so that we all join forces from wherever we are ”, Explain Sara Borja, Coordinator of Corporate Social Responsibility at Oriente Seguros.
Among the 5 main measures that everyone can apply on these dates include:
1. Educate and implement actions in offices:
Taking advantage of the fact that companies can directly reach all employees and their families, it is advisable to address this issue at Christmas time and implement actions such as:
● Eliminate individual garbage cans from collaborators’ workstations and place a single collection point per floor with different colored bins, duly marked to classify waste and waste into paper and cardboard, glass and plastic, organic, contaminated and others.
● Implement a space for the storage and collection of special and hazardous waste.
● Work with qualified environmental managers for the proper use or management of different types of waste.
● Conduct training or campaigns to raise awareness about responsible consumption and waste and waste management.
2. Conscious shopping:
Undoubtedly, purchases are unavoidable on these dates, however, it is possible to do them responsibly. For this, it is important to choose items that help reduce the generation of waste, evaluating the following aspects:
● Material: Prefer items made of wood, bamboo or glass over plastic, because they are materials that can be reused or managed to become another product.
● Packing: Look for packaging that is reusable or made from recycled materials.
● How to transport it: Do not use a plastic bag for gifts, the sleeves or cloth are a better option, since they can be used again for another purpose.
● Choose products that can support the circular economy: The ideal is to choose articles that contribute to projects that take advantage of waste, that have a social impact in addition to the environment and really help prevent more waste and waste from reaching the sea.
3. Support sustainable initiatives:
● Find sites for the sale of products made with renewable raw materials: This allows finding objects that do not require a previous industrial process, since these generate severe damage to the environment. In addition, they offer elements of plant origin, free of animal cruelty and that their elaboration has required the least amount of chemical or industrial processes possible.
● Go to sustainable Christmas fairs: In addition to obtaining products with less waste production, it supports entrepreneurs whose products are of natural origin. Your green gifts support these groups and decrease pollution.
4. Reuse and recycle for gift wrap:
Opt for recyclable or environmentally friendly materials, such as:
● News paper: It is a material in vogue. In addition to giving the gift a vintage touch, it is recyclable and can be played with, forming phrases or collages with images from the same newspaper.
● Reuse wrappers: Giving a second life to covers or wrapping papers from previous years is an excellent option.
● Ties only: It is fashionable to use only combined bows, with cardboard boxes or paper sleeves. It is a minimalist wrapper that allows you to write wishes or phrases throughout the wrapper as well as being friendly to the planet. The most advisable thing is not to use plastic ties and reuse those of past gifts.
5. Waste management at home:
● Sort garbage at home: Supporting the recycling chain is one way to help in this age. For this, it is important to carry out the waste separation process at home. “In this way we help and dignify the work of the thousands of families who check the garbage, giving them the waste already classified and in adequate condition so that they can be recycled properly,” adds the Oriente Seguros specialist.
● Recycle personally: Carry out recycling management at authorized points to ensure that they will be managed correctly.
● Work with environmental managers: There are many enterprises of environmental managers who work with houses to remove waste of different types. These ventures support recyclers or are directly responsible for taking advantage of different types of waste. (I)
Source: Oriente Seguros.
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
