Shop less and get creative!

The pace at which we buy puts the planet at serious risk. With the #AnatomyOfAction and a touch of creativity, you will start with what you already have and give your stuff a new life!

Are our buying habits exhausting the natural resources? Are they making us happier?

1. The electronic waste produced globally is raising by 2 million metric tonnes every year. This means  throwing away 7.3 kg per capita[1]!
2. Estimates note that 85% of clothing goes to incinerators or landfills[2], where it may take up to 200+ years to decompose[3].
3. About 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in oceans year-to-year[4]: if the current trend continues, there could be more plastic than fish by 2050[5].

#AnatomyOfAction: the 15-step pathway to integrate sustainability into your daily life

The #AnatomyOfAction toolkit outlines the top-level changes any individual can make to support the growing shift to global sustainability. The toolkit allows people all over the world to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) on responsible consumption and production.

By taking actions in the 5 lifestyle domains – food, stuff, move, money, and fun – you can reduce your carbon footprint AND join a global movement that is asking governments and businesses to make sustainable living the default option.

So take the challenge and join the new generation of changemakers. You’ll discover that swapping your regular routines for new, nature-positive behaviours benefits you, your community, and the surrounding environment. And on top of that - it is fun!

Building on new FOOD habits, let’s see how to live better and lighter based on the STUFF we buy.

#BEYONDBUYING

The advertising sector spends over 600 billion a year selling goods and services to individuals to fill their needs and wants. In the first half of 2021 there is already an increase of 20% in social media spending[6]. Yet the majority of products we buy are trashed within 6 months. This amounts to huge resource losses, environmental impacts and our overall satisfaction is not clear. For instance, toxic chemicals from e-waste contaminates local groundwater[7] and landfills generate 12% of global methane emissions contributing to the greenhouse effect[8].

There is an urgent need to rethink what we need and want and move towards a system where we live within planetary boundaries. A world where people can meet their basic needs and products and services are designed to be attractive, affordable and have long durability and easy recycling.

In many instances we are surrounded by multi-purpose items whose multiple potential uses are often neglected. With the #AnatomyOfAction, you can discover new ways to consider your needs and upcycle simple articles, such as glass packaging, into an original décor for your home. Connect with other participants to discover the local businesses offering repairing services or collecting special waste to ensure proper recycling. And most of all, commit yourself to use tech, goods, and appliances until the end of life.

#FASHIONSLOWDOWN

A new pair of blue jeans consumes more than 6,800 litres of water in one shot – the same as leaving the shower running for 21 hours. Overall, the fashion industry is associated with being the second most polluting one in the world!  On top of that, reduced access to physical stores due to COVID-19 caused a surge in cross-border online shopping[9] with its impacts. Indeed, the augmented demand for home delivery generates more waste resulting from plastic packages and higher rates of CO2 individual emissions[10] - especially when return options are available!

If we want to invert these trends, we need to change the consumerist mindset. Globally we need to reduce consumption and improve consumption. First start by thinking what is needed and what image is desired – do we want to be unique and authentic or to copy/paste and surf always changing trends. With a vision we can curate a look that takes into account what we have, what we inherit, share and find, complemented by better quality pieces. Whenever you wish to give you or your closet a makeover, you can find vintage shops, swap clothes, or repair and give purpose to those you already have. You never know what treasures a wardrobe is hiding. We can also care better for textiles: wearing a garment as long as possible and carefully following care instructions. Share your uniqueness in the #AnatomyOfAction challenge and highlight the tricks to turn your look into a new trend for your friend group.

#DITCHDISPOSABLES

Single-use products are a part of our daily routines. The packaging industry alone represents the end-use market for more than 40% of plastic production[11]. However, barely 1-out-of-10 of plastic items reach recycling[12]. The media and press note everyday landfill shortages, destruction of natural settings and that our health is in danger. 

Today, eco-sensitive brands are starting to propose alternative solutions to avoid waste generation and with minimal efforts we can cut our single use disposables. When getting out, make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to refill and a canvas bag for (unexpected) purchases. At home, you can use multi-purpose jars to store food and self-care products.

Once you introduce nature-positive habits into your routine you are on your way to continually see how you can keep making changes – including asking governments and business to make sustainable living the default option. 

Rise to the #AnatomyOfAction challenge and use every day to explore a new way to live better and lighter! After two weeks, you will feel the difference and understand your own sustainability compass.

JOIN THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT AND FOLLOW OUR UPDATES.