‘Doing your bit’ for the earth is a great goal to have, and it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. With small, efficient, changes, you can minimise your environmental footprint and do better for the planet.
If you’re looking for simple and convenient ways to go green, these eight handy tips will help get you off to a great start:
1. Send Waste To The Right Place
Far too much household waste goes to landfill when it could be recycled, composted, or otherwise repurposed and saved from polluting the planet for years to come. As a wannabe eco-warrior, waste management is an easy way to reduce your environmental impact day to day.
Unsure how best to dispose of renovation waste, hazardous materials, or large amounts of clutter responsibly? Look for rubbish removal near you, and bring in the professionals to get the job done right.
2. Travel Green
Walk or cycle, switch to an eco-friendly vehicle, or use public transport. It’s an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, and, if you’re cycling or walking, you benefit from a daily dose of nature, too!
Best of all, many governments and local councils around the world are starting to offer incentives for purchasing and using e-bikes, electric vehicles, and other sustainable options. So Google what’s available in your area. If there’s nothing yet, it might be time to petition your local member of parliament!
3. Embrace Good Tech, Not The Latest Tech
The technology industry is responsible for up to 7% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. If your current phone or laptop works well—stick with it. By avoiding the temptation to pick up the latest model, you keep your own carbon footprint down.
4. Try Vegan
Veganism is known to be one of the easiest ways a person can drastically reduce their impact on the environment. It takes two gallons of water for every pound of beef produced industrially. Meanwhile, dairy produces around three times the greenhouse gases of plant-based milk and uses up to twenty times more fresh water.
Even reducing your meat and dairy consumption can help if you can’t go completely vegan.
5. Embrace Second-Hand Style
Fast fashion creates nearly 10% of global carbon emissions. It also consumes a huge amount of water, second only to the thirstiest industry in the world—agriculture. By avoiding fast-fashion retailers and embracing second-hand finds, you can be stylish and enjoy a clear conscience to boot. You’ll also get to enjoy that special dopamine rush that comes from discovering a brilliant second-hand item that’s a perfect fit.
6. Stay Natural At Home
So many paints, cleaning sprays, gardening products and other home maintenance products that we use at home are packed full of toxic chemicals. Where possible, stick to natural solutions like vinegar or baking soda for cleaning, or companion planting for garden pest control. You’ll avoid exposing the earth, and your family, to horrible chemicals that are known to do damage.
7. Support Those Doing Better
A lot of companies, charities, influencers, entrepreneurs, and organisations are striving to do better when it comes to being more eco-friendly. Where possible, support them. With social media interaction, donations, word-of-mouth—however you can. Cheerleading those who are leading the way is a fantastic way to spread your eco-enthusiasm further.
8. Influence
Nearly 80% of Americans say they want to learn how to live more sustainably. You can help your loved ones be more green by giving eco-friendly gifts, sharing tips, and offering resources. Creating and nurturing an eco-conscious community is one of the best ways to learn, share, and grow as you strive to do better for the earth.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Being an eco-warrior is much more achievable than many people think. With the tips above, you can make waves in your effort to do better for the planet. If lots of us make small changes, we can change the world in big ways.
