More and more people are becoming aware of the environmental consequences their actions have on the planet. And in response to this, people have started to adopt eco-friendly habits and behaviours in order to “do their bit” and help leave a positive mark.
From things like reducing waste to conserving resources, every small step we take contributes to a more sustainable future.
Did you know that these days funeral directors even offer eco-friendly funerals? It’s true, and a perfect way to celebrate the life of someone who cared for the environment.
In this guide, we’ll explore a range of eco-friendly habits that you can incorporate into your daily life, and don’t worry, it’s much easier than it sounds.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Following this mantra will ensure your way of life is eco-friendly…
Reduce – cut down on consumption of items, particularly those you know have links to negative environmental impacts.
Reuse – reuse anything you can if it’s appropriate to do so, this will avoid waste and also help cut down on consumption.
Recycle – recycle everything that you can, always put rubbish in the appropriate bins.
Doing each of these helps prevent waste from just ending up in landfills. There are around 20,000 old, disused landfills in the UK, with a quarter of them in areas with risks of flooding. That’s 5,000 landfills that aren’t even used yet could become a problem if a flood were to happen.
Following the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra also helps to save energy and minimise your carbon footprint. The good news is that the UK is getting better and better at recycling.
Add Sustainability to Your Diet
Look into your diet and research how the products you consume affect the environment. Incorporating more plant-based meals is usually recommended by professionals to help both promote your health and reduce the environmental impact of your food choices.
But don’t worry, you shouldn’t have to give up other foods completely if you don’t want to, whether you cut down or completely cut out things, it all helps.
Ditch Single-Use Plastic and Opt for Reusables
Stop buying single use plastic such as water bottles and plastic shopping bags and make sure you carry the reusable items instead.
There’s plenty of great reusable water bottles and containers to choose from that can keep liquids both hot and cold, so whether it’s coffee or just water, you’ll guarantee that you can quell your thirst in a pinch.
A bag for life will not just save you pennies in the long run but they will reduce waste, pollution and be handy to have. Keep one in your car at all times, you never know when you’ll need it. Travel utensils will also help reduce waste, for when you fancy a pasta tub or yogurt for your commute.
Become Energy Efficient
Save energy and money on bills by investing in energy efficient appliances. For things like TVs and fridges you can check their energy rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), so remember to look at this next time you need a new appliance.
You can also switch to LED light bulbs and make a habit of unplugging or switching off any electronics that are not in use. With smart devices like smart plugs and bulbs, you can easily do this remotely from your phone, or set up a timer.
Travelling Sustainably
Don’t feel bad about having to take the bus or train, it’s actually more eco-friendly! More people in one vehicle beats less people in more vehicles. One step better would be to travel via bicycle, which is becoming more popular.
Walking instead of driving where possible is also great for both the environment and your own health.
Eco-Friendly Funerals
As mentioned earlier, an eco-friendly funeral can be a thoughtful way to bid farewell to your loved ones. Many funeral directors now offer this as an option, also known as green funerals. They will provide biodegradable coffins and urns, as well as burial plots in sustainable locations.
Minimise Water Usage
We might sometimes take water for granted, but it’s important to take steps to conserve this precious resource. One thing you can do to save water is fix leaks promptly as you could be wasting litres, even gallons per day depending on the size of the leak.
Upgrading your plumbing appliances to more efficient models will also help, as will reducing the water you use when doing things such as showering or washing dishes.
Final Thoughts
Embracing eco-friendly habits is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a sustainable future. There are so many easy and fun ways to live an eco-friendly life, from shopping at sustainable brands to upcycling. Try incorporating some of these habits today.
Read more:
How to be Eco Friendly in Everything You Do
