I Took The Pledge

Patagonia ambassadors across Australia ‘take the pledge’ in reducing their environmental footprint.

Belinda Baggs tells the details of her everyday living and ways she reduces her environmental footprint.

REDUCE, REPAIR, REUSE, RECYCLE.… This is the mantra I try and stick to throughout my everyday life.

To consume less in the beginning is the most important step. If you dont create waste, it can never be a problem. I think, what do I really need? Quality and longevity over quantity, One good wetsuit that will last 2 or 3 seasons is better than many that fall apart and need constant replacement. So goes the same for everything I wear, use in the house, my car, even products for my baby and dog. By eating locally grown organic products we cut down on transportation pollutants, and chemicals that absorb back into the earth. Simple things like refilling a water bottle and using green bags reduces that amount of plastic waste by an astounding amount. Reducing also includes transport; My personal carbon footprint is largest from travel. It is an issue that lies heavy on the back of m mind. Sometimes it seams their aren’t ways around the inevitable, but when possible I try catching the train, carpooling, riding a bike and walking. 

By repairing surfboards, clothing, cars, electrical appliances, computers, phones we instantly cut down on the amount we consume.

Hand-me-downs are a great way to save money and reuse things that might otherwise become landfill. After having a baby its amazing how many friends come out to give you their old baby stuff that has only been used and grown out of so quickly. Car seats, high chairs, toys and clothing. Kids grown out of everything so fast… and now when Rayson has outgrown its fun to pay it forward and pass it onto someone who needs it.

Finally when things are done their dash its good to know that most of the time they can be recycled into something else. Around the house I recycle everything possible. After recycling and compost its amazing how little you are actually left with as rubbish.

To me, taking ‘the pledge’ means an adjustment of the way I live. Being more conscious of my each and every action. What I do, they way my family lives and our environmental footprint effects the world we ALL live in.

 

 

Background Photo: by Mike Tittel