Recycling – It seems obvious, and we’ve known for years about the great effect that recycling has on the environment, but it’s still too easy to forget! We found that, if you’re passionate to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle, small actions can make a huge difference. Invest in small recycling bins within the home, for example, a kitchen waste or compost bin. This will make recycling a more approachable and undeniably easy habit to continue.
Reusables – Investing in reusables is essential in many senses. Some people opt for reusable energy within the home, but even using durable water bottles, and shopping bags can make a difference. Besides, who wants to pay for shopping bags all the time anyway! You can also buy rechargeable batteries, sandwich wraps and bread bags!
Invest in eco-friendly technology – Similar to my last point, but if you can afford eco-friendly technology then there is no excuse! This could be anything from electric cars to switching to LED lights. LED lights require less energy to achieve the same effect as other bulbs. This will not only bring down your energy bills but will also help the planet considerably more.
Stop wasting energy – We are all guilty of leaving chargers plugged in and turned on all day, every day. Try to remember to switch your plugs off (if you’re in the UK) or unplug (outside the UK) when your devices aren’t in use. I know it’s annoying when you’re settled and then realise your plug isn’t switched on… but living in a permanently damaged planet will be 100 times worse. You have to think, if switching on and off your plugs is the most annoying part of your day, it’s been a pretty good day!
Shop local – Eating locally encourages farmland to thrive, keeps money in your community and reduces food miles. Those are just three reasons why shopping locally is eco-friendly, as well as encouraging community spirit. During the Covid-19 lockdown, food shortages were faced across the world in a result of ‘panic buying’. For many, this meant relying on local farms and businesses to provide fresh food. Do not forget what these local businesses did for you when you and your neighbours were in need!
Eat less meat – The current meat production releases huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causes deforestation and even water shortages in certain areas. I am a meat-eater myself, but swapping out meat even once a week can make a difference and isn’t a huge ask! Whether you choose to swap out meat with lentils in a curry, or chicken for Quorn, it means you’ll be doing something! Doing something will always be better than doing nothing.
Shop consciously – Shopping consciously doesn’t need to be expensive! It means shopping with brands that align with your morals. Some brands such as Patagonia and Lush make huge efforts to be eco-friendly, as well as Lush consciously choosing not testing to animals. Research your brands properly, then decide what brands you really want to put your money into.
Drive less – As car engines burn through fuel, carbon dioxide is released into the planet, being one of many harmful results of driving regularly. Avoiding driving at all costs is much harder for some, so it is recommended that you car-share where you can or consider public transport. In the UK, public transport is super accessible, and we should use it to our advantage. Where you can, cycling or walking is even better for the planet- it is a healthy habit and also can be quite social. Some people use the ’30 minute rule’ to determine how necessary driving is. If you can walk to your desired location within 30 minutes, you should walk.
Avoid fast fashion – The fashion industry is guilty for huge greenhouse gas emissions due to the production, manufacturing and transportation of millions of garments each year. It is said the fast fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the total global carbon emissions with 85% of all textiles being dumped each year. Fashion is so much more accessible with the internet, with vintage clothes and thrifting often coming with fashionable prices whilst being friendly on the environment. Think twice and consider sites such as Depop if you’re looking for identical products, with nicer price tags, and less damaging effects.
Food wastage – Food wastages cause an excess of methane in the environment, and as food rots, it can release gases 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide into the environment. To avoid wasting food, think ahead when you go to the supermarket, fully utilise your freezer and learn the difference between ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates! In recent years, apps such as Too Good To Go and Olio mean you can even essentially get a reduced-priced takeaway, whilst preventing any potential food wastage! Speaking from experience, it is so worth checking these apps out!
Let us know how you do with living a more eco-friendly lifestyle!