Embracing a More Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Studies suggest that almost 80% of us want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Making small changes can have a huge impact on the environment, especially if everyone jumps on board. If you’re looking to go green and embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle, here are some top tips.
Reduce energy consumption
Energy consumption is a hot topic at the moment due to the fact that prices are rising and people are worried about paying gas and electricity bills this winter. Reducing energy consumption is beneficial not only for lowering bills and cutting costs but also for protecting the planet. Track usage at home and look for ways to lower consumption. Examples include using smart appliances and energy-efficient lighting, setting a thermostat to control the temperature and insulating your home. Insulation is important for reducing heat loss and preventing drafts. You can improve insulation by investing in loft or cavity wall insulation, replacing old windows with double glazing and using simple, effective solutions like draft excluders and door and window seals. It’s also important to turn the lights off and switch electrical appliances off when you leave a room or you’re not at home. A UK study revealed that the average household wastes 9%-16% of the electricity they consume on powering appliances that are left on standby.
Energy consumption can also be attributed to what you’re buying from the supermarket. Buying more eco-friendly goods can also help reduce your energy consumption. Things like Raw Unfiltered Honey instead of regular honey are not only eco-friendly, but also better for you because of the natural substances found in it. Consider switching to more eco-friendly products!
Switch to renewables
Renewable energy is greener and cleaner than fossil fuels. As well as helping to lower carbon emissions, it can also save you money. If you’re thinking about installing solar panels at home, use a solar calculator to figure out costs and savings. It’s also worth exploring community initiatives and searching for companies that provide energy from renewable sources. In some cases, it may be possible to access financial help or incentives that lower installation and maintenance costs.
Think about how you get around
How often do you drive a car, catch flights or use trains, buses or other modes of transport that generate emissions? Many of us drive to work, we take vacations and we use trains and coaches to get from A to B. Traveling is essential in some scenarios, and in others, it provides a great deal of joy. You don’t have to cut out vacations or stay at home all the time to embrace a greener way of life, but it’s beneficial to be mindful of the impact of the journeys you make. If you’re only going a short distance, and you don’t need to drive, walk, run or cycle instead. Share lifts with colleagues or family and friends and look for eco-friendly transport options. Many towns and cities now have electric buses and coaches, for example. Search for airlines that run green initiatives, including carbon offsetting.
Recycle and reuse items
Many of the items we buy and use are recyclable. Recycle products made from plastic, glass, cardboard, paper and metal and try to reuse items that have life left in them. Instead of throwing away furniture you don’t like or need anymore, for example, donate it or utilize your creative talents to upcycle it. Give clothes you don’t wear anymore or toys your kids have stopped playing with to others. Try to cut down on single-use plastics. Take a reusable cup to the office with you, use canvas, cotton or paper bags instead of plastic bags and drink water from a flask instead of buying plastic bottles.
Shop sustainably
Globally, 85% of people have become more aware of sustainability when shopping in the last five years. If you’re keen to embrace sustainability, it’s beneficial to prioritize quality over quantity and think carefully about the products you buy and the brands you choose. Ask yourself if you really want or need items before purchasing them and look for brands that use sustainable materials and employ green schemes. Some businesses plant trees when customers buy a product, for example, or they create products using recycled materials. Read about different brands, find out more about them and learn about environmentally-friendly measures and initiatives.
Reduce food waste
As a global population, we waste more than 2.5 billion tons of food per year. Reducing food waste will save you money and it’s also important for lowering greenhouse gases, which are released when food breaks down in landfill. If you tend to throw food away, adjust quantities when you write your grocery list, make use of your freezer and be creative when it comes to using leftovers or rustling up new dishes using items you’ve found in the fridge or pantry.
Many of us are eager to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. If you’re keen to go green, following simple steps can make a huge difference. Reduce household energy consumption, switch to renewables and think about how you travel. Recycle and reuse items, shop sustainably and try to reduce food waste.
