A new year is the perfect time to make a fresh start, and it’s also an ideal opportunity to adopt some sustainable habits that will help save the planet. From ditching single-use plastic to switching to reusable face wipes, here are some easy eco-friendly changes you can start making in your life today.
The goal of sustainable living is to reduce your impact on the Earth’s natural resources by minimizing energy use, waste production and purchasing goods that are produced sustainably. This means avoiding products that are made with fossil fuels and opting for those with an ethical supply chain – like those bearing the Marine Stewardship Council or Aquaculture Stewardship Council logo. It also encourages you to buy second hand goods, rent or borrow rather than purchase, and reuse or recycle everything you can.
One of the most significant impacts you can have is on the energy you use in your home. You can cut your electricity usage by using LED lights, air drying clothes and turning off appliances when not in use, as well as installing solar panels or water heaters. You can also help to reduce your carbon footprint by driving less, and using public transport or carpooling when necessary.
Another area where you can make a big difference is in the food you consume. Most supermarket produce travels hundreds if not thousands of miles before reaching you, and this creates unnecessary carbon emissions during transportation. Shop locally at your local farmer’s market or community supported agriculture (CSA) program instead, and choose organic foods when possible to avoid pesticides and other chemicals.
It is also important to recycle as much as possible, and this can be done by separating your waste into different bins for paper, glass, plastic and metals. You can also reduce your energy use by insulating your home, choosing energy-efficient appliances and turning off the lights when you are not in the room. You should also consider eating a plant-based diet, reducing meat consumption or choosing sustainable seafood to minimise your environmental impact.
Lastly, you can support sustainability in the workplace by requesting that your company use recycled stationery, encourage employees to ride their bikes or take public transit and only using digital copies of documents when possible. You can also use a sustainable office supply shop, such as The Good Stuff, that provides products with an ethical and ecological ethos.
When it comes to sustainable living, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and that your individual actions won’t have a large enough impact. However, it is the cumulative effect of everyone doing their bit – from buying a reusable water bottle to calling your local representative – that will have the most significant impact on our planet.
As we move into the future, the need to protect our planet’s precious resources will only become more pressing. It’s our only home, so it’s imperative that we take care of it. By incorporating sustainable living into our lives, we can preserve the environment for generations to come and ensure that future generations can enjoy its beauty as much as we have.