From Wishful Thinking to Informed Choices

Climate change poses an urgent and critical challenge for people and the planet; therefore it is essential for individuals to channel their good intentions into meaningful actions. While greenwishing encourages us to make a positive impact on the environment, wishcycling reminds us of the importance of informed choices when it comes to waste management.

In this blog, we will explore the concepts of greenwishing and wishcycling, highlighting the significance of bridging the gap between good intentions and effective environmental action.

Greenwishing: The Power of Intentions

The term “greenwishing,” introduced by Duncan Austin in a 2019 essay, captures the phenomenon of optimistic aspirations for sustainability falling short of achieving significant change.

Greenwishing represents the notion that despite our best intentions, not every action we take may have a significant impact on tackling climate change. Some argue that greenwishing can eventually transform into greenwashing. Although “greenwishing” and “greenwashing” may stem from different motivations, they ultimately have similar impacts.

Austin defines it as the genuine belief that well-intentioned endeavours towards a more sustainable world are closer to the desired outcomes than they actually are. Greenwishing represents the discrepancy between sustainability efforts and their limited impact on mitigating climate change.

However, it’s important to recognise that intentions play a crucial role in initiating change. By setting positive intentions, we create the foundation for meaningful action.

Turning Greenwishing into Action:

While greenwishing starts with positive intentions, it’s crucial to bridge the gap between intentions and actions. Here are a few practical steps to transform greenwishing into effective environmental action:

1. Education and Awareness: Stay informed about environmental issues, such as climate change, plastic pollution, and resource depletion. Educate yourself and others about sustainable practices and their impact on the planet. Knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.
2. Small Changes, Big Impact: Recognise that even seemingly small actions can contribute to the greater good. Reduce your carbon footprint by adopting sustainable habits like using reusable shopping bags, opting for public transportation or car-sharing, conserving energy and water, and supporting local and sustainable businesses.
3. Engage in Advocacy: Use your voice to advocate for environmental causes. Write to your local representatives, join community initiatives, and participate in peaceful protests. By speaking up, you can amplify the call for stronger environmental policies and promote sustainable practices.

Wishcycling: Avoiding Well-Intentioned Recycling Mistakes

Wishcycling refers to the well-meaning but misguided act of trying to recycle items that should actually be thrown away. This practice often leads to contamination of recycling streams, rendering them less efficient and effective. To address this issue, it is important to understand proper waste management practices. Here’s how you can avoid wishcycling:

1. Educate Yourself: Familiarise yourself with your local recycling guidelines. Different regions have specific rules and requirements for recycling. Visit your local council’s website or contact the waste management authority to understand what can and cannot be recycled in your area.
2. Check Labels and Packaging: Look for recycling symbols and instructions on product labels. Certain materials, such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, and some types of plastic containers, may not be accepted in regular recycling bins. Dispose of them properly or find alternative ways to reuse or repurpose them.
3. Reduce and Reuse: Remember that recycling is just one part of the waste management hierarchy. Prioritise reducing waste and reusing items whenever possible. By opting for reusable products, buying in bulk, and repairing or repurposing items, you can minimise the need for recycling in the first place.

Understanding the Importance of Accurate Carbon Emission Calculation

Why is accurate calculation crucial?

Gaining Insight into Your Impact: Precisely calculating your carbon emissions offers valuable insight into your personal environmental impact. It allows you to pinpoint areas where you can make significant changes and take effective action.

Setting Goals and Monitoring Progress: Accurate calculations empower you to set realistic goals for reducing your carbon footprint. By tracking your progress over time, you can make necessary adjustments, celebrate milestones, and maintain motivation on your sustainable journey.

How can you calculate your carbon emissions?

At Benchmark, we specialise in providing commercial estimating software solutions to packaging material producers. Our software is designed to calculate and report the carbon footprint (CO2e) for every stock-keeping unit. This process has been rigorously approved by academics, verified to ISO 14067, and audited by commercial life cycle analysts.

Utilising our software solution not only helps reduce your carbon footprint and move towards Net Zero, but it also ensures cost-effectiveness and preserves profit margins. Benchmark’s comprehensive solution caters to packaging producers, brands, and retailers, offering both commercial data and CO2e information. The process is consistent, accurate, and transparently communicated, aligning with ESG criteria and enabling businesses to attract investors, retain customers, and grow while reducing their environmental impact.

Find out more about our services.

Greenwishing encourages us to harness the power of positive intentions and turn them into tangible environmental actions. While good intentions alone may not always yield significant results, combining them with informed decision-making and sustainable practices can lead to meaningful change. Additionally, wishcycling reminds us to be mindful of our recycling efforts, ensuring that we recycle correctly and avoid contaminating recycling streams. By bridging the gap between good intentions and effective environmental action, we can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.