How To Become More Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

Are you looking to become more sustainable and eco friendly?

These days, more and more of us are concerned about the state of the environment, and how our behaviour impacts it. While much of the work in reversing climate change and tackling pollution will be done by governments and big businesses, we can still do our bit as individuals to support the planet.

What Does Being Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Mean?

So, what does it mean to be eco friendly?

Eco-friendly simply means doing things that don’t hurt the planet or the environment around you.

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Whereas being sustainable means meeting the needs of everyday life in the here and now, without compromising the future of the planet. For example, using less plastic, doing what we can to reduce emissions…etc.

Why Being Eco-Friendly Is So Important

Caring for a sustainable environment is arguably more important now than it ever has been. According to a recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it’s now or never if we want to avert a rise in future heating to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. On top of climate change, and partly as a result of it, there’s a high probability that many of the animals now listed as critically endangered or endangered will go extinct within the next few decades.

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A Quick Overview – Steps To Being Eco Friendly

• Upcycle
• Turn things off
• Use your legs
• Stop using single use plastic
• Don’t waste food
• Use food delivery services
• Change your light bulbs
• Stop buying NEW
• Consider a plant based (vegan) diet
• Grow your own
• Use local, eco friendly online shops

Ways To Be More Sustainable & Eco Friendly

So, what can we do about this? There are actually many simple steps we can all take to be that little bit more eco-friendly. Just remember, we don’t all need to start doing everything immediately. Perhaps try doing one new thing a week, or every month so you don’t feel overwhelmed by it all.

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Doing something small is better than doing nothing at all.

Upcycle, Don’t Throw It Out!

One great way to reduce your waste is to upcycle things instead of throwing them out. For example, if you have some socks with holes in that you won’t wear anymore, instead of throwing them out, cut them into strips of width ways and make hair ties out of them.

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Another way to upcycle could be to create a bug hotel out of broken pots and bits of old wood. The bugs will love you for this and it’s a great activity to do with the kids.

Turn Things Off

Such a simple thing to do when it comes to being more eco-friendly is to turn things off when they aren’t in use. The amount of energy still being used (that you are paying for) by a device that’s switched on at the plug is incredible! Just by turning off plugs, you’re not only helping the environment, but you’ll also be lowering your energy bills.

Carry A Re-Usable Water Bottle

Plastic disposable water bottles are bad news for a number of reasons. As well as sitting in a landfill for ages after we’ve thrown them away, there’s also the cost of producing them in the first place. The best solution here isn’t recycling – it’s using the same water bottle for years and decades.

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Use Leg Power

Instead of driving every time you need to go out, try walking, cycling or using public transport instead. Not only will this help you save money on the astronomical fuel prices, but you’ll also be doing your bit to lower emissions. Plus, walking or riding your bike is a great way to burn off a few extra calories and will help you hit your 10K step goal each day.

However, you can’t always get away from using the car, perhaps for work, or a bigger food shop. On these occasions, see if you can car share instead. See if a neighbour, friend or family member needs to do their food shop and go together.

Don’t Waste Food

Did you know, it’s said that approximately 7 million tonnes of food are wasted in the UK alone every year? This is a huge waste of money and food and all it does is add to the rise in CO2 being created by the vast mountains of landfill around the world.

Get Food Delivered

As we touched on above, using the car less is a great way to help cut down on your emissions and be a little kinder to the environment. Another way to do this, especially if it’s too far to walk, or you can’t carry it all home, is to get your food shop delivered to you. Of course, the best option is to not use any kind of vehicle, but perhaps in the short term, using a delivery service could help.

Stop Using Plastic

Reusable shopping bags have become part of the culture in the UK, ever since a small charge was introduced for disposable ones. Keep a few of them in the back of your car (or in your backpack).

However, it’s not just plastic bags, it’s single-use straws and water bottles, shampoo bottles and vegetables that come wrapped in plastic that doesn’t need to be. So much plastic is used these days when it really doesn’t need to be. See how much you can reduce your plastic by each month. Cutting it all out at once might seem too overwhelming, so do it in stages.

Change To Modern Eco Friendly Light Bulbs

Older halogen bulbs are highly inefficient compared with the more modern LED ones. Simply swapping out your bulbs could vastly reduce your emissions in just a matter of weeks. Do it in your down-lighters, and your floor lamps, too.

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Buy Fewer NEW Clothes

You don’t need an extensive wardrobe to get by. In fact, if you’re constantly updating your attire, you’re certain to have an outsized impact on the planet. 

If you do need a new outfit, perhaps check out your local charity shop, vintage store, or second-hand shop to see what you can find. Being sustainable doesn’t mean you have to stop buying clothes altogether, it just means buying fewer brand-new clothes.

Buy Sustainable & Eco Friendly Products

Eco-friendly shopping means looking to reward producers that prioritise sustainable materials. Look for products that are made in this way – and companies whose supply chains are as short and clean as possible.

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Consider A Plant-Based (Vegan) Diet

Eating meat has a huge impact on the planet – even if it’s locally sourced meat. Look into making the switch to plants – even if it’s just for a few days out of every week. There are decent ethical arguments for this, too, outside of environmental concerns. 

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Grow Your Own

One simple way to reduce your plastic waste is to start growing fruit and vegetables yourself. Even if you don’t have a huge garden, you can grow things in pots on windowsills. Herbs are great for growing in small pots indoors. Or perhaps you could grow peppers, chillies, or even peas.

What do you do day to day to be more sustainable & eco friendly?

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