by Go Inspire
Everyone is starting to come around to the idea that we need to become more sustainable to protect the Earth for future generations. Everything we do in our everyday life has an impact on the planet and we have to admit that the situation is not improving as fast as it should. This leads to environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change, which cause harm to the environment, wildlife and humans. Sustainable living involves reducing the number of Earth's resources that we use to help protect it, while also trying to replace the resources we use.
It's small changes that could help to lessen your environmental impact, including limiting the amount of energy we use, using eco-friendly products and changing diets.
Here are some tips:
1. Save energy
We all love a fully illuminated home or garden but at what price? By using less energy, you can help to reduce carbon emissions. There are a number of ways you can save energy at home, including switching off the kitchen and home appliances, wearing a warm jumper instead of using the heating system during the day and hanging clothes to dry outside or near the heating instead of using a drier.
2. Eat less meat /animal products
The production of meat and all animal-based products are one of the biggest contributors to climate change and pollution. By consuming less of these products, you can help to reduce the impact this industry has on the Earth. If you are considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely, the benefits are clear: risk of disease and improved and well-being.
3. Use reusable alternatives
Single-use products especially plastic ones end up in landfills and the ocean, causing irreparable harm to wildlife and the environment. We can all prevent this by choosing reusable and eco-friendly alternatives, like bamboo straws, drinks flasks.
4. Go paperless
To avoid wasting paper, choose to receive letters over email and only print off documents if necessary. You could also ask shops to email your receipt instead of printing it off. Forest and trees will be very grateful for your choice.
5. Use renewable energy
Have you consider powering your home using renewable energy to reduce the amount of carbon emissions you produce. Replacing your petrol or diesel-fuelled car with an electric one would also help to achieve this! There is a variety of green energy companies currently available and it only takes a few minutes to change.
6. Recycle and reuse
Make sure you’re recycling by putting your rubbish in the correct bins. When plastic bottles are recycled they can be made into lots of things: t-shirts, sweaters, fleece jackets, insulation for jackets and sleeping bags, carpeting and more bottles. It takes about 10 bottles to make enough plastic fibre to make a cool new t-shirt. It takes 63 bottles to make a sweater. Also, try to reuse products and items as many times as possible before binning them to reduce waste.
7. Grow your own produce
By growing your own fruit and vegetables, you can ensure you’re not using pesticides that will contribute to water and air pollution. This will also help to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to transport produce to supermarkets.
8. Donate unused items
If you don’t use a product or wear a piece of clothing anymore, give it to a charity shop or someone you know would make use of it to help reduce waste. Giving a second life to those items you loved is so rewarding and you could save money too by choosing a preloved stock.
9. Save water
You can save water in and around your home by making several small changes. Try installing a water butt and making use of greywater to avoid wasting drinking water.
10. Buy fair trade products
When a product has been Fairtrade certified it means it has been produced by a company committed to sustainable production. Keep an eye out for the Fairtrade mark on the packaging of products you buy.
11. Drive less
Walk or ride a bike to your destination instead of driving if it’s close enough – it’s better for the environment and your health. Using public transport is another good way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
12. Don't waste food
There are infinite sources with inspiration as to how to reuse leftover food or how to revive fresh produce. It is worth a look and will definitely help you to save money. If they do go off, use them to create compost for your garden, you will be glad when spring arrives and your garden is fertile and ready for some summer gardening and fun.
13. Wear sustainable clothing
The fashion industry is one of the main polluting industries in the world. To lessen the impact this industry has on the planet, you could buy more of your clothes from charity shops and local thrift stores.
14. Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Some cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, especially all the marine life. By committing to using green/eco-friendly cleaning products, you can help to prevent these chemicals from having a negative impact on the Earth.