Sustainability is far from a buzzword these days; it’s more of a lifestyle now. Deforestation, global climate change, waste management, and other environmental issues have compelled many industries to go green; cannabis is no exception.
Recreational cannabis is grown, sold, and used by adults who feel tempted to try something new for fun. However, many conscious consumers now actively search for ways to enjoy cannabis while prioritizing sustainability. Read on to learn how you can try recreational cannabis in a way that’s planet-friendly and sustainable.
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Eco-Friendly Cannabis Products
You choose organic fruits and vegetables when you go to the grocery store, and you look for non-GMO labels or produce grown without pesticides. The same applies to recreational cannabis. Regular crops can poison the earth and water with chemicals, and cannabis farming can do the same if not done responsibly.
Most cannabis products today are organic, focusing on natural methods that are good for nature. Sustainable cannabis is grown without chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals. This protects nature and makes the product cleaner and purer in quality.
The same is true for water conservation with various methods used to minimize water waste. Energy efficiency is achieved through renewable energy sources like solar and wind for indoor farming. Crop rotation, composting and permaculture are options for keeping the soil healthy.
Biodiversity is supported in sustainable farming through wildlife friendly spaces and various ecosystems. Just bear in mind that simply by going for organically grown cannabis, you’re helping out farmers who care for the Earth and give you a cleaner and healthier product.
Use Sustainable Packaging
Cannabis also faces one major challenge: its packaging. Most cannabis products are packaged in plastic, single-use items or materials that cannot be recycled and end up in landfills. This is a big issue considering cannabis is increasingly being used around the world.
Many forward-thinking cannabis companies are moving to biodegradable or recyclable packaging. Some even use biodegradable hemp-based plastics, a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
When you buy cannabis look for products in eco-friendly packaging. Do they use recycled materials? Is the packaging reusable or repurposable? Every little bit counts and small decisions like this can add up to reduce the environmental footprint of cannabis consumption. If every cannabis consumer demands eco-friendly packaging, it will definitely change the whole industry.
Minimize Waste
It’s not just about packaging and consumption methods, but it’s also a lot about what you do with your leftover cannabis products, such as oils, flowers, or edibles. Many people just throw their cannabis packaging or leftovers in the trash and add to landfill waste.
To play your part, you must take the initiative and dispose of your marijuana waste responsibly. You’ll find local programs that recycle marijuana packaging. Some facilities go one step further and have programs where you can return your used containers for recycling. Being more mindful of how you dispose of your marijuana waste can really help reduce some of the impact.
Similarly, in case you’re trying to grow your own cannabis, it’s a good idea to compost the plant parts after you’ve harvested. Add it back to the soil and make it more fertile. Even small bits of leftover cannabis can be composted which reduces the amount of waste in your garden.
Stick with Energy-Efficient Consumption Methods
How cannabis is harvested, packaged, and sold matters, but how you use it is equally important. Depending on the method used, such as vaping, smoking, or edibles, the environmental impact of recreational cannabis may change as well.
Using vaporizers is usually a better option. Unlike smoking, which burns plant material and produces waste, vaporizers heat the cannabis just enough to release the active compounds. No real combustion is involved here. This preserves more of the plant’s good stuff and produces way less waste. Vaporizers are also reusable, completely eliminating the need for single use items like rolling papers, filters, and lighters.
Edibles are also energy efficient and limit waste when consuming cannabis. They’re discreet, have no combustion waste, and often come in recyclable packaging. If you consume cannabis recreationally but also care about the plane, using the right method will make a huge difference.
If you opt for vaporizers and edibles, you’re usually fine, but that can’t be said about a joint, which is probably the most popular way to enjoy cannabis. The waste that comes with it includes rolling papers, filters, roaches, and more. Switching to a vaporizer, which may seem like a small step, is actually a lot more helpful for the environment as a whole.
Support Eco-Conscious Retailers
Where you shop is just as important as what you shop. Eco-conscious retailers sell sustainable products, and also run their business in a sustainable way. This might mean energy efficient practices in their stores, reducing single use plastics, or offering incentives for customers to bring their own reusable containers.
When you shop at these retailers, you’re supporting their green business. You’re also telling the cannabis industry as a whole that sustainability matters. The more consumers demand eco-friendly products and services, the more the industry will adapt to meet those demands. Some retailers offer bulk purchasing options and others offer loyalty programs that reward you for being eco-friendly. Look for those retailers when enjoying recreational cannabis.
Choose Brands Carefully
Cannabis farms consume a lot of water and energy resources that can potentially degrade the environment if not properly controlled. Certain cannabis growers are working on the conservation of water; in fact, some farmers in Canada now collect rainwater to be more self-reliant, especially if they stay in places where frequent droughts are experienced. Look for those brands to ensure you reward them for following environmentally-friendly farming practices.
Bear in mind that indoor cannabis cultivation is energy-intensive and consumes a tremendous amount of electricity through its light, temperature control, and ventilation. Avoid those brands and go with the ones relying on sun and wind power to reduce their carbon footprint.
Endnote
Sticking with sustainable practices is a requirement for the planet to survive. As recreational cannabis consumers, we have the power to make choices that reflect our commitment to the environment. Whether it’s choosing organically grown, supporting eco-friendly brands or energy efficient consumption methods, every choice counts. Next time you pick up a product, ask yourself: How was this made? Where does it come from? And above all, how will it impact the planet? That’s how you play your role in protecting the planet!