How to go down in history as one of the good guys

While Elon Musk’s idea of settling on Mars is looking pretty appealing, no-one wants to go down in a much-shorter-than-anticipated history as one of the ones that did nothing to save our planet.

In fact, it should probably be a requirement to board SpaceX – a big tick next to the ‘Did not intentionally ruin the planet, will try and make Mars last longer’ box. Like a P45 for the next world.

We’re all settled on doing better for our environment, but it would be ideal if it was easy. We’re looking to be effortlessly blameless, if you will.

Ed Davies is just the guy to help with that. He co-founded Wearth, an online department store for a variety of sustainable brands across home, grooming, furniture and lifestyle. We asked Davies how to simplify sustainability, so we can take the accolade of ‘good guy’… 

Start small

“One thing we can all do in the short term is use less plastic. Don’t buy the 5p bags, turn down the straws. Small things can have a big impact, and mean our seas and waterways will become less clogged up.

In terms of long-term impact, buying local is key. It helps to mitigate climate change, just through emissions.

One of the main things when trying to shop sustainably is to look out for a brand’s core values. If you visit their website or if you’re in a store, do they mention where, how and who made their products? If a company is transparent, they’re less likely to be hiding something.” 

Fashion something sustainable

“Clothing is one of the more established parts of the sustainable market and there are big brands doing innovative things with their products.

Companies such as GANT are creating lines that have a more eco-conscious element. Take their Beacons Project, a range of really slick shirts made from upcycled ocean plastic. Incorporating their shirts into your wardrobe is a way you can literally wear your values on your sleeve.”

Follow the 5 Rs

“The first R is refusing. We’re offered lots of things we don’t really need, such as plastic cutlery and wrapping.

The second is reducing – being conscious of things you already have, and avoiding buying stuff you don’t need.

The third is reusing in as many ways as you can. Taking a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go, will have an impact.

The fourth and fifth are recycling and rotting, which don’t sound sexy, but help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, or worse, ending up in the natural world.”

Don’t dwell on reasons not to be sustainable

“Time is one of the biggest excuses. It’s completely understandable that in our busy lives we often don’t have the time to be think, ‘Has this been made in a sustainable way?’

The reason I created Wearth is to get all these brands together in one place on an easy-to-use platform.

Another excuse is cost. Products across all aspects of sustainable living can be more expensive, partly because they’re of a higher quality. For example, perhaps they’re made in the UK, so the staff are paid more. However, often the products last longer, so you do save money in the long term.”

To add sustainability to your style arsenal, shop GANT’s Beacons Collection now