We are all cognisant of the importance of caring for the environment. Nations signed treaties and we jumped on the bandwagon of sustainable trends. Metal straws, tote bags, and veganism could be the new you.
But what about when we tapau (take away) kuih (local cakes) in those coloured singlet plastic bags? Or those baths and shampoos stored in fancy plastic bottles. How environmentally conscious are your decisions?
Turning a new leaf on wellbeing
Inside NielsenIQ’s 2021 Global Health & Wellness Study, you’ll find Genevieve Aronson, Vice President of Global Thought Leadership talking about what well-being means post-Covid 19, “Well-being in its definition is far more comprehensive than health or wellness, as it considers a broader universe of personal factors and speaks to the goals of a well-rounded life.”
“Thinking about consumer health and wellness through the limited lens of diet culture, fandom fitness, and niche health crazes is already archaic. It is no longer just a section of a store or a segment of a person’s lifestyle. To consumers, health, wellness, and well-being are now in their everyday choices.”
Malaysia is famous for its food and is infamously one of the most obese Southeast Asian countries. However, we are now awakening with a healthy consciousness. According to Euromonitor, the Vitamins and Dietary Supplements market in Malaysia reached RM 3.1 billion in sales in 2019, increasing drastically from RM 2.07 billion in sales in 2014.
In a nutshell, it’s obvious how health inclined we have become. We concur that health is wealth, and see its impact on ourselves, the people around us and the environment. So, how can we go the extra mile with what we have?
What to do at home
Look around you. We bet you can pick out at least 5 items that could be repurposed instead of buying a new one. Here are some examples you could try out:
- Toothbrushes
A classic example of plastic waste is a plastic toothbrush. If you have a used one, use it to clean the edges of your windows or the tiny spaces in between your keyboard.
Switching to bamboo toothbrushes is an excellent idea too, given you make full use of them. Once it’s time for a new one, dispose of it properly. Remove the bristles by tweezing them out with a plier or simply snapping the head off. Place them in larger recyclable containers like plastic milk bottles, as they’re too small to be recycled on their own. As for the bamboo handle, throw them into your compost pile. Feeling a little artsy? Add a little pop of colour to your pots with a colourful bamboo label.
- Shopping bags
The iconic singlet plastic bags can now find a new home as a thoughtful present wrapper! If you’ve got lots of single-use plastic bags or paper bags, cut the handles off now. Then slash through the seams of the bag and expand it. Turn them over to show off fancy brands and logos and you’ve got an expensive wrapper for your gifts. This can work with newspapers and magazines too.
What to do at work
Bosses aren’t just leading teams of employees. They also have a say in the company’s environmental policies. Calling all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Managers, we would like to encourage you to look away from your planners and cast your eyes around the office. Are there any micro changes waiting that could help with your employees’ health and the environment? Maybe these can help:
Utensils
Set up a pantry or break room with reusable silverware, plates, and coffee mugs. Employees can keep their own lunch boxes and containers in case they plan to eat out. Nowadays, sinks also come in eco-friendly styles and materials under reasonable budgets.
As for the food, there are plenty of natural and zero waste choices on the shelves. From nuts and grains to coffee and other beverages, the team can enjoy inexpensive and healthy meal times. These would be a huge relief for those who need a well-being transformation.
Electronics
Look into how e-waste is produced and how to reduce it. For example, glass from computer monitors, metal frames and tin, gold, silver and copper from circuit boards can be separated and recycled. You should also remind employees to unplug their devices after work hours as electricity can still flow through, hence contributing to carbon footprints.
What to do on vacation
Luggage tags
Pick up a strong solid luggage tag and ditch the flimsy plastic ones. This can save you the hassle of filling out your details and of course, the nightmare of rummaging through lost and found.
Fresh sheets
We all vacation away for some peace. Sometimes we also like the bit of ego boost from having someone pamper us with massages and room services, don’t we? What better way to wake up than being wrapped in fresh sheets and towels, but you know you don’t need them. Avoid requesting cleaning services as washing them daily only wastes tons of water.
Do you have some new ideas? Fit them into your daily routine because being eco-friendly starts with you. Collectively, we have to make a conscious effort and attempt proactive choices for a better you and a better tomorrow.
Sources: NielsenIQ 2021 Global Health & Wellness Study of 17 markets, September 2021, Euromonitor: Consumer Health in Malaysia, www.janio.asia
