We are becoming more and more conscious of the need for us to make changes to help reduce global warming and improve the environment for future generations. If you want to do your bit to help the environment and you’re looking for some inspiration for lifestyle changes you can make, then take a look at the following suggestions. From simple and easy habits you can change, to more significant investments, we’ve covered a range of ideas for how you can help to do your bit for the environment.
Reducing Your Use Of Single-Use Plastic
Our plastic consumption is one of the biggest issues affecting the environment, with tonnes of plastic waste going to landfills where it won’t break down for potentially hundreds of years. This means that landfills are building up, creating more issues as they produce damaging pollution into the environment. It also means that landfills are growing and taking over space for wildlife to use as habitats. Also incredibly damaging is the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean.
This can be harmful to sea life for a number of reasons. Aquatic life, such as turtles and seals, can become stuck in plastic items such as nets and beer can plastics. It has also been found that fish are consuming small pieces of plastic, which become lodged in their stomachs. As well as being harmful to the fish themselves, it’s also a concern for humans that would consume fish containing plastics. By choosing products that are packaged in recyclable materials such as cardboard or biodegradable plastics, you can reduce your single-use plastic consumption and contribute less to landfill.
Switching To Electric Vehicles
If you’re in the market for a new car and want one that will have a less damaging impact on the environment, then electric vehicles are a great option to consider. By cutting out the need for fuel, you’ll be using a car that doesn’t pump out harmful emissions and pollution and helps to create cleaner, healthier air. Emissions are a concern for the environment as they contribute to the greenhouse effect. This is where the temperature of the earth is rising and causing ice caps to melt and ocean levels to rise.
In terms of benefits for you, charging an electric vehicle is also cheaper than purchasing fuel. This means you could be saving money over time by cutting out the need for fuel expenses. It’s becoming easier than ever to charge electric vehicles. You can charge your car from home via a charging port, or you can use public charging ports located in places such as car parks and petrol stations. LV ElectriX is a great source of information if you want to learn more about public charging for electric cars when you’re out and about.
Sourcing Local Food
A way to change your effect on the environment in your daily life is to better source the food you’re buying. Purchasing products that are sourced from further away and particularly from other countries means they involve more transportation. The more miles it’s taken them to get to you, the more vehicles have been used and the more emissions produced. Air transport is particularly harmful to the environment.
When purchasing food, look at the packaging to see where it’s been sourced from and try and find foods that have been produced closer to home. A great way to find the food you know has been produced locally is to shop at places like market stalls and farm shops as they sell food produced by local farmers and growers. You’ll also be helping to support smaller businesses and farmers rather than huge companies such as big supermarkets.
Supporting Sustainable Companies
Another way you can use your consumer power to support the environment is to choose sustainable companies to purchase products. Whether it’s bathroom products or cleaning products, there is an ever-increasing range of companies that are adapting their businesses and designs to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. You can often find out more about sustainable businesses online, so be sure to do your research.
A great way to find out more about businesses you can support is to follow social media accounts that recommend sustainable brands and to read blogs that review different brands. Make sure to research whether brands are genuinely sustainable before supporting them though. Many businesses have jumped onto the sustainable “trend” in order to promote their product and drive sales, rather than for the right reasons. A truly sustainable company will involve aspects such as eco-friendly packaging, no palm oil usage, and fair wages for those making the product.
Be More Mindful Of Energy Usage
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to help do your bit for the environment is to be more mindful of how much energy you are using around your home. Switching off lights when you’re not in the room and turning down the heating are great ways to reduce the energy you use. Although some people, such as young children, the elderly, or those who are unwell, may need the heating on, most of us can keep warm in other ways, such as extra layers of clothing or hot water bottles.
Batch cooking meals is another way to help cut down on energy as you’ll only have to use energy for one batch of cooking in which you can make a week or two worth of meals. You’ll also be helping to make your life easier in the future as meals will be pre-prepared and will simply need warming up. Installing energy-saving lightbulbs helps to cut down on the energy being used in your home and also tends to last a lot longer, so will require fewer replacements.
Eating More Plant-Based Foods
Although an entirely plant-based diet might not be for everyone, simply cutting down on the amount of meat you eat can help to support a more sustainable lifestyle. The meat industry is one of the biggest contributing factors to the greenhouse effect. The demand for beef is high, however, cows produce large amounts of methane gas, which is damaging to the environment.
As well as the damage to the earth, there are ethical concerns about mass-producing meat as the conditions of the animals being used for the meat industry can be incredibly poor. By consuming less meat, the demand will decrease, and mass-producing meat will no longer be necessary. This can then lead to less impact on the environment and better conditions for the animals.
Buying Second-Hand
Buying second-hand is a great way to make a positive change to your lifestyle for the environment. Fast fashion is becoming an increasing concern for the environment. Not only are workers paid poorly for their labour, but the clothes can sometimes be shipped from countries such as Pakistan and China, meaning they involve a high level of transportation and emissions.
Not only that, but the clothes are usually made from low-quality materials and to a low standard, meaning they won’t have a long life of usage and will quickly end up in a landfill. Buying second-hand reduces the demand for fast fashion and also gives you the opportunity to buy from places such as charity shops and small businesses rather than multi-million pound, unethical fast fashion brands.
