Going sustainable can be easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to reduce your waste and give the environment a helping hand.
Single use items are a relatively recent phenomenon and in most cases they’re completely unnecessary. Things like plastic knives, forks, cups, straws and paper towels contribute to the huge amount of landfill produced by our everyday items, but thankfully there are simple and easy alternatives that you can use again and again.
Try these simple switches:
To decide which items you need to make the switch with take note of the things you throw away regularly, and then think about alternatives made from more durable material like cloth or metal.
Have you ever thought about how much plastic is in your bathroom? Plastic is used for a lot of bathroom products because it’s durable and lasts but that’s also the problem; it lasts far too long. Up to 1000 years in fact. Switching out your plastic bathroom products is a great way to reduce your waste and environmental footprint.
Some easy switches:
That’s right, go shopping to live sustainably. But you might have to change your shopping habits slightly. Fast fashion is a big contributor to global waste. While it can be tempting to purchase a cheap on-trend item, shopping high quality sustainable fashion and vintage clothing can save you money in the long run because your clothes will last longer. Not to mention it will give you the warm-fuzzies on the inside for helping the environment.
For sustainable shopping it’s about extending the life of each item of clothing. This could mean hitting the vintage stores and giving a second home to a previously loved item. Or if you’re buying new select items that you won’t throw away when a new trend rolls around. Picking classic pieces that suit your body shape and style rather than the fashion of the moment is the best way to ensure the longevity of your clothes.
When it’s time to say goodbye to your clothes sell any good quality items through a local buy and sell site or facebook marketplace, or donate them to a local charity.
We understand that a fully plant-based diet isn’t for everyone, but reducing your meat and dairy consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact. Meat and dairy production are huge contributors to water and energy use and toxic emissions. Doing what you can to reduce your intake will make a difference.
Start with meatless Mondays and expand it from there if you like! There’s loads of delicious vegan and vegetarian meals available online to get you inspired. Getting friends or family involved is a great way to stick to it. Try challenging your friends to a My Kitchen Rules style Meat Free Monday cook off. Delicious!
Takeaway containers are another easy switch that can reduce your waste. If you’re purchasing takeaway food think about whether you actually have time to eat in. Often what we purchase won’t take very long to consume and it’s a really nice break to sit down and eat rather than eating on the go. Give your feet a break, reduce your waste and tick off that mindful eating everyone’s been raving about.
World Environmental Health Day is observed on 26 September and the world has been challenged like never before, in ways that make it more difficult to participate in ethical ways of living that benefit our planet, and each other. Find out why this matters more than ever and what you can do to help.
The ocean makes up over half of the Earth’s surface and contains 97% of the world’s water. Now is the time to act to be able to better our understanding of a healthy marine ecosystem that is integral for our lives, and the future generations, as well as the simple steps you can take everyday to do your part in reversing the damage that’s been done.