Are you unsure what to do for the environment beyond putting your rubbish in the right bin? The good news is that there are many easy ways to lessen your impact. From how you heat your home to how you wipe your bum, there are many simple changes you can start making today. We’ve only got this one planet to live on, so here are 10 easy ways to help protect it.
Save water
The average person uses about 140 litres of water a day, quite literally draining the water available for wildlife. A report from the Environment Agency says water shortages could hit England by 2050, so it’s time to cut back. Switch from a deep bath to a brisk shower. Turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before you use them and choose energy-efficient options such as shorter cycles and low-temperature washes.
Go vegan
Adopting a plant-based diet is a very effective way to reduce your environmental impact on Earth. According to a study from the University of Oxford, cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce your carbon footprint from food by up to 73%. Even if you aren’t ready to go meat-free full-time, you can consume less and less meat and dairy each week. There are many plant-based alternatives for your favourite food and drinks, so it’s never been easier.
Toilet paper
Did you know that more than 1m trees a day are cut down (pdf) to make traditional toilet paper? On the other hand, recycled toilet paper, such as the paper from Who Gives A Crap, is made from material that would otherwise be considered waste. If even for one day only, every Brit switched over to bamboo or recycled toilet paper, that could collectively save 33,330 trees (pdf) from being cut down. Plus, the company donates 50% of its profits to clean water and sanitation non-profits. Who knew wiping your bum could make such an impact?
Energy
How you heat and light your home goes a long way to determining your environmental impact. Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and electronics when they’re not in use, and consider installing a smart thermostat to manage energy consumption more efficiently. Insulation saves you from wasting both energy and money. It’s also a good idea to explore the use of renewable energy, such as solar panels.
The three Rs
To minimise your waste, practise the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. Reduce your consumption of single-use plastics, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials properly. There is some way to go: Greenpeace estimates that UK households throw away nearly 100bn pieces of plastic packaging a year, with just 12% of single-use plastic recycled.
Public transport
Road travel accounts for three-quarters of global transport emissions, with passenger vehicles contributing the lion’s share (45%) of this, so one of the most efficient ways of reducing your impact is to travel responsibly. Use public transport rather than driving, or walk to your destination if you can. Other good practices are car-sharing with neighbours, colleagues or friends, and choosing a hybrid or electric car next time you buy. If you holiday closer to home you can avoid adding to climate-sapping air travel.
Advocate
By learning core climate facts and sharing them with friends and colleagues, you can spread your positive influence. Stay informed about environmental issues and share your knowledge with others, using an upbeat and inspiring tone. At local and national elections, encourage candidates to take the issue more seriously and choose the one with the best environmental policies.
Repair and repurpose
Throwing out old clothes harms the environment because they spend years in landfill. So find new ways to use old garments. Take old socks – you can give them a second life by turning them into cleaning rags to use around the house. They can even be used to clean the car.
Shop ethically
Every time you spend, you have an impact on the planet. Purchase more eco-friendly products and support companies that use environmentally responsible practices. Look for items that have minimal packaging, or are made from sustainable materials, with recognised eco-labels. You could also consider buying used items – from clothing and books to appliances – or look into the options for renting or sharing them. Plan meals around seasonal, locally sourced produce to minimise food miles. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, so if you buy second-hand clothing you can help to reduce the impact.
Plant something
Green fingers make the world greener, so create a wildlife-friendly garden. Plant pollinator-friendly plants, have a go at growing something you can eat, or join up with local tree-planting initiatives. Trees are wonderful things: they absorb CO2, provide habitat for wildlife and look very pretty. It can be very satisfying to see trees in your neighbourhood that you planted yourself.
Shop for Who Gives A Crap’s 100% recycled or bamboo toilet paper today
