HomeA beginner's guide to sustainable living 

A beginner’s guide to sustainable living 

Increasing talks of climate change and global warming has sparked fear in many people to change their way of life. You may not think your individual contribution will change anything. However, if every person made one small pro-environment change, this could have a significant impact. To see how you can help do your part, take a look at these top tips which will help you lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. 

sustainable living

Make your home eco-friendly

When embracing a sustainable lifestyle, you may be unsure where to start, although most people find that the best place is in the home. You could try reducing your energy usage by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or turning off the lights when you leave the room. While these may seem easy to do, once you’re in a routine of doing it, it becomes a lifelong habit. To prevent wasteful practices, you should consider investing in smart systems, such as smart heating or sensor taps, which will allow you to become more eco-conscious and do your part for the planet. 

The majority of modern properties are now fitted with eco-friendly features, such as smart lighting. There are different types of smart lighting, although the most popular is sensor lighting, which automatically switches on when movement is detected and turns off after a specific amount of time. Companies like RWinvest utilise this technology in their off-plan developments to help investors and tenants reduce their carbon footprint and also lower their energy bills.

Go plastic-free

One of the most talked-about topics is going plastic-free, as large businesses such as Starbucks are aiming to eliminate plastic straws by 2020, along with supermarket giants like Morrisons who are now trialling paper bags. While you cannot commit to a massive operation like this, you can change your shopping habits to aid the planet. This could involve using your own carrier bags or investing in a canvas bag to fit all your groceries in.  

Some companies are now encouraging people to bring their own tupperware, which prevents plastic waste and also significantly reduces costs for the business and the customer. Glastonbury’s organisers also called for a ban on single-use plastics entering this year’s festival, and no plastic was sold throughout. Instead, they sold reusable stainless steel water bottles which could be filled up for free at any time. This prevents a significant amount of waste in comparison to previous years, so the plastic-free initiatives should definitely continue in the future. 

Change up your travel methods

If you drive to work, you are contributing to 26% of the UK’s greenhouse emissions which are released into the atmosphere. This is not to say that you should completely give up driving. However, you should try to use it less, especially on your commute to work. For example, if you don’t live far you could cycle or even walk to avoid, which will help the planet and help you save money on petrol. 

If you live far away, you could opt for public transport, which may not completely eliminate carbon emissions, however, it will make a small difference if you use the bus or train. Bus companies like Arriva are now using electric to power their vehicles which is an excellent step to improving the eco-effectiveness of public transport. 

Heather Jones
Heather Jones
Hello! I'm Heather Jones, a dedicated writer and expert in the fields of DIY projects, home improvement, and emergency preparedness. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, I'm committed to sharing practical tips and tricks to help you make the most out of your home and life.

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