“… ye walk on My earth complacent and self-satisfied, heedless that My earth is weary of you and everything within it shunneth you.”
—Bahá’u’lláh, Persian Hidden Words, No. 20
Much of our personal environmental impact comes from the products we buy. However, packaging also uses valuable resources and energy, both in the production process and after its use when it contributes to the waste problem. For example, in the US, packaging waste accounts for about 30 percent of all waste. So, how can you reduce your use of packaging? You can avoid buying vegetables packaged on styrofoam trays or individually wrapped items, for example chocolates.
In addition, you can buy spices and other items in bulk. In food cooperatives, you can even bring jars from home to refill your dill, curry, or lentils, and even your laundry detergent. You can refuse to buy gift wrap and reuse wrapping paper (or even reevaluate the positive value and harm in gift giving). When you travel, you can take with you a reusable water bottle and coffee mug! Imagine the volume and weight of avoided waste and global warming!
