5 things that aren’t as sustainable as they seem

Cotton tote bags

In recent years, single-use plastic bags have been phased out of New Zealand – and for good reason. They stick around in landfill and end up in oceans, harming wildlife and polluting the environment. Reusable cotton tote bags have risen in popularity as a replacement, but each one carries its own sizeable carbon footprint.

What’s the alternative?

For more sustainable options, try bags made from jute (AKA hessian). Jute is a biodegradable vegetable fibre and can be composted. Of course, if you already own cotton bags, reuse them as many times as possible. 

Almond milk

The environmental impact of the dairy industry is massive, with approximately 270 million dairy cows globally – all of which emit methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. While plant-based milks require fewer resources to produce than dairy, it doesn’t mean they’re all equal.

According to the BBC, almond milk requires more water – 74 litres – to produce than soy, oat or rice milk. Additionally, roughly 80 per cent of the world’s almond supply is located in Central Valley, California, a state known for its extreme drought seasons.

What’s the alternative?

If you’re looking for the most eco-friendly plant-based milk, unfortunately, there isn’t a clear winner. Oat, almond, soy and newcomers like pea and hemp milk all require resources to grow, harvest and produce. In comparing the most common plant-based milks, The Conversation – a not-for-profit publication written by academics and researchers – found it’s best to diversify your options across all alternatives.

Organic foods

Other than using renewable resources to grow crops, organic farming doesn’t rely on synthetic chemicals or fertiliser, which can be detrimental to the environment. This also includes the use of growth hormones or steroids on livestock.

However, this isn’t a perfect solution. Organic farming has a lower yield and requires more land compared to conventionally farmed crops. Some organic produce may also be imported from overseas or freighted domestically, which equates to a larger overall carbon footprint.

What’s the alternative?

Be aware of how far your food has travelled. Try to shop locally and aim to eat seasonally. Not only will you cut down greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, but you’ll also maximise your nutrient intake.

Aluminium bottles

By the end of 2021, an estimated 583.3 billion plastic bottles have been sold globally. Unfortunately, fewer than 7 per cent of these are recycled each year.

As an alternative, many choose to carry bottles made of aluminium. While reusability is great for the environment, the process of mining and refining bauxite (one of the raw materials needed for aluminium) produces a sizeable carbon footprint – around 11.7 tonnes of carbon emitted per tonne of aluminium. 

What’s the alternative?

Stainless steel bottles are a great option. Each tonne of steel produced equates to two tonnes of carbon emitted, almost six times less than aluminium. Stainless steel bottles also have a virtually infinite lifespan and can be recycled indefinitely.

Sustainable fashion

Collectively, the fashion industry accounts for 8–10 per cent of global carbon emissions. Some clothing companies have turned to sustainable fashion, which aims to minimise the impact of production on the environment. This factors in the raw materials used to create textiles, the energy and water expenditure in the production stage, recyclability and more. 

While this is a great step in the right direction, it’s important to remember that replacing clothing before the end of its life – even with a more sustainable alternative – has an environmental impact.

What’s the alternative?
Wear your clothes for as long as you can. Where possible, repair items rather than replace them – and try to resist buying based on trends (a key component of ‘fast fashion’).

When it is time to make a purchase, look for brands that specialise in recycled or upcycled clothing, rather than buying new.