10 Easy Ways You Can Be More Environmentally Friendly
We all know by now the scary facts on global warming and the effect it will have on our planet during our own lifetime, let alone the future generation. But we're not here to terrify you - instead, here’s a quick and easy guide to how the small things can make a difference if we all do them.
Go Plastic-Free
Businesses are now doing the hard work for you, by declaring themselves plastic free. However, there’s still plenty you can do in your day to day. Take a re-useable bottle with you and fill it up with water throughout the day. Prepare food at home for your lunch instead of buying plastic wrapped food options. If you do need to purchase – try and pick compostable packaging.
Take Shorter Showers
Are you using the shower as a platform to practice your Oscar winner’s speech? Time to start clocking those minutes spent under the water and try to cut them in half. By reducing your water usage, you not only reduce the energy used to produce and pump it, but you’ll also save on your bills – it’s a win, win!
Walk to Work
We understand that this is not a valid option for everyone, but if you work close enough to home that you can walk, there are so many health benefits as well as environmental ones. Fresh air and exercise will help you be more productive in the office and also help you de-stress from the day on the walk home. If you can’t walk to work, try to...
Take Public Transport
Much better on the ozone layer than us all emitting fumes from our cars, public transport is a decent way to cut down your personal affect on the environment. You might even beat the traffic!
Recycle
It’s a no-brainer. All councils now offer recycle service and you’d be surprised what can now be put in your recycle bins. However! Remember that soft, scrunchy plastic (crisp packets, most external food packaging) cannot be recycled here, but if you take it to your local supermarket, often they’ll have a place you can recycle these. Find out what and where you can recycle things here.
Carpool
That American term has hit pop-culture thanks to a certain karaoke connotation, but the idea remains the same. Rather than drive alone in your car to and from work, ride-share. If public transport is not an option, look for ways to create your own! There must be colleagues who live close by, so why not put an ad on the staff notice board or send around an email. Same goes for the school run – can you save emissions (and time) but starting a carpool with other parents?
Start Composting
It’s so easy to start composting at home instead of throwing a lot of your kitchen waste in landfill. Don’t have a garden? Don’t fret – there are also plenty of smaller composters available that you don’t need to have a lot of outdoor space for. A lot of local councils offer subsidised prices on compost bins too, so it doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out offers in your area here.
Turn That Tap OFF
Brushing your teeth? That tap does not need to be on for the duration of your routine. Turn it off between rinses and do your bit to conserve more water.
Take Public Transport
Much better on the ozone layer than us all emitting fumes from our cars, public transport is a decent way to cut down your personal affect on the environment. You might even beat the traffic!
Buy Recycled
So many products are made from recycled materials these days, so try and make smarter choices by purchasing those instead of the spanking new alternatives. By buying recycled products, you’re helping to re-use materials and saves natural resources.
Always Think ‘Reduce, Re-Use Recycle’
These are the three Rs you should check in on each day. Reduce the amount of waste you produce by being smarter with what you buy and consume. Re-use items when you can, example; saving glass jars for vases or storage. Recycle and compost as much as you can so your products (and food!) can be used again.