Helping the environment is more than just avoiding plastic bags. It is about making changes to your lifestyle and the items you invest in to help make a difference.
As climate change remains at the forefront of most discussions, more Brits are becoming environmentally conscious with each passing year. Everyone wants to find more ways that they can help the environment. Investing in solar panels is not something everyone can afford, but more minor changes we can make in our daily lives and homes can help.
Whilst switching plastic bags for reusable bags will help cut down the use of plastic, there are more ways to help the environment. These are some alternative ways you can reduce your carbon footprint listed below.
Switch To Energy-Efficient Appliances
Every year electrical appliances are becoming more efficient. Although the initial cost of energy-efficient appliances is costly, they are a worthwhile investment. They help to reduce your monthly bill costs and lower your carbon footprint.
The next time you upgrade appliances, look for those with a high energy star rating. When you need new light bulbs, choose energy-saving light bulbs. Making these switches can help you to make your home eco-friendlier. When you are not using any of the appliances, ensure that you turn them off and unplug them.
Keep Using Your Old Phone
The biggest phone manufacturers release their latest version of their much-beloved device every year. It leads to millions of consumers purchasing or investing in a new monthly contract that will enable them to get the latest phone.
After your contract has run out, consider keeping your phone. If you have no issues with it, continue using it. It means that you will not have an unused phone in your house, and you can find a more affordable SIM only phone plan. The Lebara SIM- offer a vast selection of options. There is an excellent selection of texts, minutes and data options, making it likely to find one that suits you.
Alternatively, look into phone recycling programmes. Most phones are recyclable, so you can avoid sending them to a landfill or leaving it in a draw to collect dust. In addition, many charities are accepting old phones, whether they work or not.
Utilise Your Recycling And Compost Bins
If you have a recycling bin, likely, you will already be conscious about recycling paper, plastic, cardboard, glass and other recyclable items. However, for those without a recycling bin, consider investing in one. It will help you be more conscious about what you do with items made from specific materials.
In addition to a recycling bin, look at utilising your compost bin. A compost bin can help you throw away any of your leftovers and provide you with free fertiliser in return. You can use the fertiliser for your plants and your vegetable garden if you have one. Compost bins have been designed to be tidy, neat and, most importantly, odour-free. They are also a great way to help you reduce your household waste.
Be Conscious About Clothes
Fast fashion has become a buzzword in recent years. It describes affordable, fashionable clothing that mimics celebrity culture or catwalk designs and is turned into pieces available on the high street. The turnaround process for this is rapid, as the fashion industry aims to meet the demands of consumers. The reason is to put the latest style on the market as soon as possible. Consumers who want these trending items can purchase them and wear them during the peak of the item’s popularity. When the trend passes, and the thing is no longer wanted, these pieces are discarded after only being worn a handful of times.
These unwanted clothes are either thrown away or donated to charity. The clothes that do not get sold or are unwanted will go to textile recycling companies and be exported overseas and sent to landfills.
To reduce your carbon footprint, along with your waste and pollution, be conscious about how you buy clothes. Try to reduce the amount of clothing that you buy. If you want to buy a new piece of clothing, consider buying second-hand parts or find an eco-friendly company with items you like. Changing the way you buy clothes can help you to reduce your carbon footprint and impact the environment.
Consider Other Modes Of Transport
The average carbon dioxide emissions by cars in the UK are 141.8 grams per km. Cars are one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse emissions. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, look into using other modes of transport. In particular, look for ones that do not rely on fossil fuels, as it will help you in your mission to reduce your carbon footprint.
When you are only making a short journey somewhere, consider walking or cycling instead. If you are going to work and it is further away, look into what public transport is available. Additionally, if you and a colleague live near one another, why not car share instead? Doing this means that you will be taking one less car on the road.
There are numerous ways that you can live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. It could be implementing some of these approaches or finding alternative ways to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, you can wash your clothes in cold water or use a dishwasher instead to wash your plates and cutlery. It could also be as simple as hanging your clothes outside or on a drying rack instead of using a tumble dryer. You may even decide to make a bookcase instead of buying a new one.
Making changes, from how you get to work, products you buy or the items you reuse can make a difference. Some of these changes will not only help you to reduce your carbon footprint, but you can also reduce the amount you are paying each month. Your changes can help your savings and the environment.
