Debt-ridden student flatters prove sustainability doesn't have to be expensive

May 18, 2018

Debt-ridden student flatters prove sustainability doesn't have to be expensive

Wellington student flatters say over-priced and greenwashed products aren't helping in the fight against climate change. Photo: Zoe Madden-Smith

With the rise of ‘greenwashing’ in New Zealand, two Wellington student flatters want to prove “sustainability isn’t something you can buy.”

Research from Conscious Consumers shows that Kiwi consumer’s top concerns include climate change, animal care, waste minimisation and care of workers.

These growing environmental and social concerns have led to a flood of 'greenwashing', where businesses spend more time advertising their products as “sustainable” or “ethical” than backing these claims.

Victoria University student Isobel Edwards said greenwashing only adds to the problem because it encourages over-consumption.

“There is so much greenwashing and marketing of eco-friendly products and biodegradable bags and it’s just bullshit, it leads people into thinking that sustainability is something you can just buy into.

“And if you buy a few things that are sustainable then that's it. But it's really not, it's a lifestyle change and it’s just thinking a little bit more consciously.”

Victoria University student Healy Jones and Ms Edwards have been flatting together in Aro Valley, Wellington for more than two years.

With their weekly budget of $90 for food and other necessities for three people, the group has found ways to be sustainable without breaking the bank.

Instead of buying pricey organic bread, they make their own sourdough, saving money and wasteful packaging. They have replaced meat with tinned produce and fresh fruit and vegetables from a local farmer’s market.

“We use newspapers to clean the windows and glass. It’s recycling, you don't need to buy it so it’s proving to be cost-effective and good for the environment,” said Ms Jones.

Head of research at Auckland University of Technology Professor Geoffrey Craig said privileged western societies contribute the most to climate change and should sacrifice the most in response.

“If we really are to move to a truly sustainable future we have to adjust our expectations about living standards, and see the quality of life in terms other than material success and consumption of goods.”

“I think lots of people think that if you're going to be eco-friendly it's going to cost you more money,” said Ms Edwards.

She said it’s not about buying large quantities, it’s about consuming less and ensuring “what we are buying is just the necessities.”

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