Trying to be more sustainable and eco-friendlier can be tough.
While switching your energy supplier, turning the lights off, and reducing your food waste are all good steps, there is plenty more you can be doing in everyday life.
A lot of the things we do are subconscious and almost like second nature, but your daily routine is probably not as eco-friendly as it could be.
Thankfully, being sustainable is all about making small switches for a big difference. And here are five things to try:
Invest in a decent water bottle
It’s only natural to reach for a bottle of water in the fridge when the weather is hot or to grab a drink while on the go. However, single-use plastic bottles only add to the battle against microplastics, as a lot of these bottles – despite being recyclable – end up in landfills or the ocean.
Investing in a reusable bottle that’s perfectly sized to fit in your bag is a great solution. Plus, it’ll save you a pretty penny, as most places will let you refill from the tap for free.
Small swaps: shampoo bars
Even if you’ve got your bathroom routine down to the recommended 4-minute shower, the way you wash your hair could be impacting the environment.
Shampoo and conditioner not only come in single-use plastic bottles but can also contain toxic ingredients that wash down the plug and into the sea.
When shopping for bath products, check the label for non-synthetic ingredients to be on the safe side. Or, ditch the plastic entirely and opt for a shampoo bar. These are just as good as their liquid counterparts but are usually biodegradable and wrapped in paper.
Conscious gift wrapping
Since gift wrap is just to hide the surprise, there’s no real reason it needs to be expensive, shiny wrapping paper.
Millions of trees are used to produce gift wrap, and without removing all the tape from it, it cannot be recycled.
Be conscious when wrapping gifts by using environmentally friendly packaging or using what you have around the house: recyclable paper, newspaper, or even toilet paper will do just fine. It’s the thought that counts with gifts, not how neatly presented they are.
Hybrid and electric cars
Of course, replacing petrol or diesel cars with electric or hybrid options is a great way to live that little bit more sustainably. Petrol and diesel are big contributors to CO2 emissions.
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, and hopefully, this will continue to drive the price down. Swapping your car is a massive investment, so it’s understandable if you can’t quite afford a new one. Until you can, you could always try to use more public transport or walk to different destinations.
Thrifty, recyclable clothing
It’s no secret that fast fashion is having hugely damaging effects on the environment. But who doesn’t love treating themselves to a new wardrobe from time to time? With the need to become more sustainable being a popular topic at the moment, there are now plenty of reputable brands looking to do their bit.
You can now buy more sustainable clothing items or recycled clothing from your favorite stores. Alternatively, head to your local thrift store to grab some bargains, save the planet and donate to a good cause.
Infographic Created By Clover – Award-Winning Restaurant POS Systems And Solutions
