In our last post, we introduced you to some fantastic young people who are doing some amazing things to help save the environment! Inspired by their selfless acts and dedication to bettering our future, we thought we’d take a look at some small but effective ways we can all help to save the planet.
You don’t have to be making headlines and leading marches to help the environment (although if you want to, go for it!) because there are little things we can all do every day that will help make a big difference. Believe it or not, your road to saving the world can start with your next trip to the supermarket!
- Fix don’t replace!
100,000 tonnes of e-waste would be avoided if we fixed just an extra 10% of perfectly repairable appliances!
- Use energy-saving light bulbs
LED light bulbs use only 2-17 watts of electricity, which is 1/3 to 1/30th of standard bulbs! Plus they can last up to 10 times longer.
- Use recycling facilities
According to the Recycling Guide, up to 60% of rubbish that goes into household bins could have been recycled.
- Turn your appliances off rather than leaving them on standby
Energy Trust claims that leaving your TV on standby all day not only wastes energy but can add up to £80 a year on your bills!
- Clean the back of your fridge
Yes, it’s another chore! But dusty fridge coils can increase energy consumption by 30%.
- Encourage recycling
Recycled paper produces 73% less air pollution than if it was made from raw materials!
- Drink tap or filtered water instead of bringing bottles in
Across its entire life cycle, bottled water can take 2,000 times as much energy to produce as tap water.
- Bring a mug for your coffee fix instead of buying polystyrene cups
6 billion disposable polystyrene cups are binned in the UK every year!
- Control the heating and cooling
Cutting down on air conditioning and controlling the temperature will reduce the power your heater and cooler uses by up to 10%.
- Get the brews in!
A constantly boiled kettle uses heaps of energy. Have a rota between the team and take it in turns to make the brews!
- Slow down!
Stick to the speed limits and choose alternative routes when you can. Driving at 50mph uses 25% less fuel than 70mph.
- On your bike!
Most companies have a cycle to work scheme that not only helps save the environment but saves you money too!
- Care share with colleagues
One car’s emissions is better than two! Car share with colleagues who live near you and have a good natter on the way to work.
- Plan your route
Always check for traffic updates before you leave for work or download an app that tells you the best routes for less traffic.
- Choose an eco-friendly car
When it comes to buying a new car, consider the car’s fuel efficiency. Energy-efficient cars help reduce pollution and smog by up to 50%.
- Reuse your bags
Every year an estimated 4.5 billion plastic bags are given away by UK supermarkets. Since the plastic bag charge was introduced in 2015, plastic bag sales in the UK have dropped by 85%!
- Buy local
Eating more local food reduces CO2 emissions by reducing food miles as well as preserving greener space for local farmers.
- Buy from companies with eco-friendly policies
Before you go to the supermarket, check out their policies online and switch to a more environmentally focussed food shop if necessary.
- Cut up the plastic rings from packs of beer
Plastic rings can cause havoc for sea creatures. Until there is a better solution, remember to cut them up to reduce the amount of harm they could cause.
- Plan your shop
Every year the UK throws away £13 billion worth of food. Cut down on food waste by making a list before you leave and never shopping on an empty stomach!