I think with everything that’s happened to our climate in recent years, we’re all taking note of being more sustainable and reducing our own impact on the environment. Some changes have been made in our household and I’m working on doing more to do even better. If you’re wanting to be more sustainable, then here are five ways that you can be.
*This is a collaborative post.
Grow Your Own Fruit, Veg And Herbs
This is one thing I would love to do when we eventually buy a house because at the moment, our apartment only has communal gardens. And as much as everyone would probably like a place to grow their own food, I wouldn’t want to try and attempt it in a shared garden. Not with my track record anyway. I think growing your own food is probably one of the best ways to save on the amount we end up buying and wasting in general when it comes to our supermarkets and local shops. As good as it is to support local food shops, the bigger commercial outlets are wasting food. So have a go at growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs. Start off with the basics and trust yourself that you can at least make something florish.
Recycle Everything You Can
Recycling – the possiblities are endless right? There has been a considerable improvement on how plastic is produced and reused as well as other materials that might have an impact on our environment. Try to have two bin sections, one for waste and one for recycling. There are some that have food waste, so if you’re given one of those, make sure you use it. I think when we move, even if we aren’t supplied one, as long as we have a bin for outdoor grass cuttings etc, I’ll buy a food bin. These small changes can really make a difference and I’m embarassed to admit that only a year or so ago did we actually make an effort to recycle. I know – shame me I deserve it. However, that’s all change and I’m reading and assessing every bit of packaging I get to see if it can go into recycling.
Cut Down On Plastic And Single-Use
Plastic is certainly not as prominent as what it used to be but there’s still a way to go until we’re able to get rid of plastic for good. As time goes on, there’s going to be more affordable and sustainable ways that businesses who mass produce packaged products, will hop on board with as soon as it’s cheaper to do so. However, what I’m trying to make happen in our home this year is to cut down on how much plastic and single-use items that we bring into and have in our home. Starting with single use items, you can use reusuable cotton pads for makeup removal. Bamboo toothbrushes instead of the plastic ones and making sure you actually use those bag for lifes that you get from the supermarket. Be stingey and don’t pay that 5p for a plastic bag. You’re saving money and the world at the same time.
Resell And Donate Your Old Stuff
There’s enough being distributed as it is in terms of everything we buy into, like fashion, homeware products, skincare and makeup. However, when we’re done with something, it tends to go in the bin but to help save the environment, resell and donate your old stuff. It’s probably going to do well in going to another home and if you can resell it, you at least make a bit of money back! Social media is a great place to sell your unwanted belongings too as well as being a good place to connect with people, like Douglas Healy.
Be Wary Of Energy Use
And finally, try to be resourceful where you can when it comes to your energy usage. Keep your heating off where you can, have quicker showers and switch off lights when you’re not in a room. This can all help to make your bills cheaper but to also reduce that carbon footprint. We might think we’re an insignificant contribution but if more people made this change to their energy use, it could really make an impact.
What do you do to try and be more sustainable in life? Let me know in the comments below.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post with Douglas Healy. All words are my own.
