With more people beginning to discuss and actually understand the effects of carbon emissions and climate change on the environment, many are choosing to try and live a more sustainable lifestyle in a bid to reduce their environmental impact.
While some people commit themselves to a completely sustainable lifestyle, for many of us this just isn’t possible. But there are still many small lifestyle changes you can make to assist in preserving the environment for future generations.
So what can you do? Here are our top ten tips on how to live a more sustainable life- you don’t have to rush out and do every one, but just remember - every little bit counts!
1. Reduce Your Driving
Walking or biking where possible will not only cut down your carbon emissions drastically, but it’s also great exercise! Carpooling or using public transport is also a great way to cut down your carbon footprint. So grab your helmet, (no bike pants necessary), and pedal your way to work- your butt will thank you!
2. Say No to Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are responsible for causing significant environmental damage across the globe. Switching to reusable or canvas grocery bags for shopping will help to eliminate the amount of plastic bags that end up in landfill. Plus, they are far more convenient than flimsy plastic bags!
3. Go Paperless
Cut down on your waste by opting to go paperless. We are in the digital age, so going paperless is easier than ever before. Choose to have bills and invoices sent via email, and use your phone or other devices where possible for things such as shopping lists etc.
4. Buy Locally
The carbon footprint impact food transportation has on the environment is overwhelming, so buy local where possible. There are plenty of family farms and farmers markets available with lots of delicious ware- and stimulating the local economy is always a positive!
5. Clean Green
Instead of using harsh chemicals for cleaning the house, make the switch to eco-friendly or all natural cleaners. Or even have a go at making them yourself- there are plenty of great and effective homemade cleaning solutions available! Baking soda, lemons, white vinegar and essential oils are all great natural cleaning agent ingredients!
6. Switch it Off!
Just by simply turning off the lights and fans when you leave a room, or switching off appliances at the wall when they’re not in use can have a huge effect on your power bill and save a lot of energy (and money!).
7. Get Growing!
Got a little bit of room in your backyard and fancy yourself to have a bit of a green thumb- why not try your hand at gardening! Growing your own food is both a fun and rewarding experience, and great for the environment. Do your research and check what will really thrive in your area for your best chance at gardening success. A big fresh salad, followed by pavlova with home grown berries is enough to have us running for the rake and trowel!
8. Compost is Key
To keep that garden of yours thriving, you will need a quality fertilizer, and making your own compost is a great solution. By composting food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels and skins, meat scraps, tea bags, egg shells and coffee grounds, you can reduce what goes into your rubbish bin, and consequently into landfill- not to mention, your thriving garden will be the talk of the town!
9. Recycle or Reuse!
Don’t go throwing away things willy nilly- most times objects can have a second or even third life! Turn old glass jars into tealight holders or for storage and old clothes make great cleaning rags. Recycling is another great way to make a step towards sustainable living. If you don’t already have a recycling bin, ask your local council how you can go about getting one, or where you can locally recycle.
10. Keeping Chickens- Of Course!
By far our favourite sustainable living practice, keeping backyard chickens and having your own eggs, helps to reduce the impact food transportation has on the environment. Chickens also make great pets, are a great learning experience for young children, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of farm fresh eggs- store bought eggs just do not compare!
By making just a few changes to the way you live can have a significant impact on helping to preserve the environment and its resources for many years to come. Even the simple things like switching off the lights can help generations to come live a more harmonious life!
