If you want to do your bit for the environment but don’t know where to start, this article might be what you need. Even the smallest of changes can make a positive impact, so we’ve put together a list of 11 things that you can do to help the planet.
Switch things off when not in use
Although leaving your appliances and electrical items on throughout the day will individually only use a minimal amount of electricity, it all adds up. Instead, switch them off when you are not using them. The same thing applies with lighting – if it’s not needed, switch it off! As well as helping the planet, you will save on your electricity bills too!
Walk rather than drive
Although jumping in the car to do the school run, go to the shops or head to work is the easiest and fastest option, consider whether you could walk instead. You will reduce your carbon footprint and get a bit of exercise too. If walking isn’t an option, public transport is another greener alternative.
Grow your own produce
Growing your own produce is a great way to help the environment, and in return, you will get an abundance of delicious fruit and veg. If you want to take it a step further, why not look into purchasing some drip irrigation supplies? Drip irrigation allows you to grow and maintain plants using far less water and is much better for the environment.
Stop using plastic food wrap
Plastic food wrap might be versatile, but it’s terrible for the environment. Instead, look into using beeswax wraps, glass containers, or compostable sandwich bags. After a little while, you will get used to no longer having it around the home, and using greener alternatives will become second nature.
Switch to a vegan diet
Cattle farming is one of the leading causes of deforestation, so why not give up animal protein and switch to a vegan diet? Given its popularity in recent years, there are more choices now than ever before, and it’s also proven to be far better for your health, so it’s a win-win.
Make do and mend
We are all guilty of throwing clothes away when they get ripped or look a little worn so instead of disregarding them – fix them. Adding patches here and there, making rips look intentional, or doing a bit of sewing can give your clothes a new lease of life.
Carry a refillable water bottle
Disposable water bottles may be convenient, but single-use plastic is terrible for the environment. Carrying a refillable bottle with you will vastly reduce your plastic consumption and save you a bit of cash at the same time.
Meal plan
Food waste is a huge problem these days, and while many people will compost their waste (which is another brilliant eco-friendly idea), others throw it in the trash, so it invariably ends up in landfill. Meal planning will vastly reduce the amount of waste you generate and help you get more organized. If you are new to meal planning and need some guidance, you will find many helpful hints and tips online.
Buy eco-friendly appliances
Appliances will usually come with an efficiency rating, so if you are about to buy new ones, bear this in mind. The higher the rating, the better they are for the planet and the more efficient they will be. It should also reduce your household running costs, so although they may be a little more expensive to purchase, the savings you should make over the years should even it out.
Recycle
Recycling has never been easier, so if it’s not something you already do, now is the time to start. Plastics, cans, cartons, and paper waste can all be recycled, and doing so will make a massive difference to the planet. What your local authority will collect and what they won’t may vary depending on your location, so do some research first and start recycling as soon as possible.
Switch to LED bulbs
LED bulbs use far less power than standard bulbs, so if you haven’t already made the switch, have a look into it. Although they used to be a bit more expensive than regular bulbs, their popularity has made them a lot more affordable nowadays, so it’s worth making the switch as soon as possible. Your electricity consumption will be a lot lower, so you should be able to make some noticeable annual savings.
