More sustainable end of the year: tips from influencer Gabriela Marcondes

Gabriela is responsible for the profile'Sustainable in Practice' on Instagram. In several posts, she shares her lifestyle – full of sustainable habits – and disseminates information for the planet.

According to the influencer, there are two paths for those who want to reduce their negative impact on the environment during the end of year festivities and both are linked to best before date.

Conscious consumption

The first is related to the excess consumption at this time of year. Exaggeration is caused by several triggers, such as promotions, advertisements and the “extra” money available (the 13th salary) – which make us want to buy more, on impulse.

Gabi explains that the problem is not the consumption itself, but rather the lack of awareness.

“We don’t stop to think: why are we buying? Do I need this? Every end of the year we end up buying items, could it be that I need something this year?”

To try to control this momentum and thus reduce our negative impact on the environment, the influencer suggests reflecting using questions about conscious consumption: Why buy? Where to buy? How to discard later?

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Be careful with waste

The other path – which is also linked to consumption – refers to waste that we produce at this time of year.

“We see that the beaches and streets are full of trash. So if you're going to spend New Year's Eve at the beach or elsewhere, be aware of the waste you're generating. Throw garbage in the trash. If you don't find a trash can, put the trash in your bag and dispose of it later. By doing this action, many people can be inspired and repeat the gesture.”

Gabriela warns that, even at home, we must pay attention to waste.

“Avoid single-use plastic, such as disposable cutlery and cups, and give preference to reusable items”, he suggests. “At the market, replace plastic bags with reusable boxes or bags”

This whole issue of waste can be thought of and seen as a way to reduce our negative impact on the environment.

Check out Gabi’s full speech ⤵️

What if I want to give someone a gift?

The influencer suggests that, when choosing a gift, we choose to consume items produced or sold by local, more independent businesses, avoiding 'big brands'.

“A really cool way is to strengthen small businesses. Use this time of year to buy from that entrepreneurial woman you know or that friend who makes sweets, panettone and chocotones”.

Another way is to think about packaging: reusing, whenever possible, and choosing more sustainable ones (fabric, boxes, etc.).

View this photo on Instagram

A post shared by Agora Sou ECO®, Lógico! (@agorasoueco)

“And if you’re going to buy something that you can’t find in small businesses, look for sustainable brands that are more environmentally and socially responsible”, advises Gabi.

Listen to the influencer’s tips ⤵️

Can supper be more sustainable?

It's contradictory. At the same time that we have families who will have lavish feasts, many people are going hungry in our country and will not have Christmas dinner.

“We are in a remarkable period in our history, in which we return to the map of hunger, to food insecurity”, recalls Gabriela. “Not everyone will be able to have a hearty dinner, so do you need to spend so much money on yours? Can’t you take some of it and make sure that a family – that doesn’t have the same conditions – also has a nice meal at the end of the year?”

Hunger affects 56,5 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean

Between 2019 and 2021, the number of people facing hunger increased by 13,2 million, reaching 56,5 million, in Latin America and the Caribbean, due to the increase in food prices and the increase in extreme poverty. The information was released this Tuesday (6), in a report prepared by institutions of the United Nations (ECLAC, FAO and PAM).

The influencer also suggests creating a shopping list. This prevents us from buying more than necessary, thus preventing waste.

“Make a list of what you really need and try to buy in advance. The waste of this season is often linked to the rush at the end of the year”.

Finally, Gabi talks about reusing food left over from dinner. She encourages you not to throw 'leftovers' in the trash, but rather adapt them into new recipes or donate them to those who are hungry.

View this photo on Instagram

A post shared by Menos 1 Lixo (@menos1lixo)

See what Gabi said ⤵️

And there? Did you get all the tips? O Curto News We want you to enjoy the end of the year celebrations, but also to consume consciously, think about your waste and make good choices, without waste.

Don't forget to follow Gabriela and 'Sustainable in Practice' on social media, it will be good for you and our planet 🌎 💚

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