There has never been a more critical time to talk about our environment.
With so much conversation around the topic, it can be very difficult to know how you can help by doing your part and where to start with it all. It can be extremely overwhelming, so the first thing to remember is many small changes can have the same impact as one massive change.
Here’s our guide to small easy changes that you can make to become more environmentally friendly:
1. Become more aware of your water use at home
Water is such a precious material. It’s something that we need in order to survive, so we need to keep it around for as long as possible. Because it’s so readily available to us, most of us probably don’t even realise when we go overboard with our water consumption. But that’s about to change because we have some useful tips on how to lower our water consumption.
While we might all love to settle into a nice warm bath it’s not the best for the environment. According to Super Bath UK, an average bathtub needs between 135-165 litres of water to be full. To put this into perspective, it’s recommended that we drink 2L of water a day. So the amount of water it takes to fill an average bathtub is enough water to keep us hydrated for approximately 82 days! Let’s keep the baths for stressful days where we particularly need them, we’ll probably appreciate it more anyway.
Another simple way to save water is while brushing your teeth. On average most people spend two minutes brushing their teeth twice or three times a day. That is a LOT of water down the drain if you don’t turn off the tap. If you’re used to leaving the tap running turning it off will take some getting used to but it will be worth it in the long run.
2. Buy a reusable bottle or cups instead of using single-use ones
This is a really simple but very effective one, and it has the bonus of saving you money over time!
Let’s be honest we all know by now that plastics are detrimental to the environment as they don’t break down over time and often end up in our oceans and littering our shores. By opting for a reusable bottle, you’ll play your part in cutting down the use of single-use plastics.
And the best part about using a reusable bottle is that you can do it in style! Many retail shops and even supermarkets such as Penneys, TK Maxx and Lidl have an array of fashionable water bottles on sale at an affordable price point, so why not have a look next time you’re out shopping?
If you’re a tea or coffee drinker, it might also be a good idea to pick up a reusable cup. Sometimes coffee shops even charge you less for your drink if you have a reusable cup. So you’ll be saving money and helping out the environment!
3. Skip the high street and visit the thrift store or charity shop instead
Have you ever been in a situation where you are looking in your own wardrobe for something to wear, and you see one of your favourite dresses, but then suddenly remember that you wore it last week, took pictures in the dress AND posted them on your feed, leading you to put the dress back down? Because we know we have been guilty of doing it!
But here’s the thing, wearing outfits more than once is not a bad thing. It shows that the items are good quality and you are getting your money’s worth out of them.
However, if you really love to shop, try to steer clear of high street shops and maybe try a charity shop instead. And look we know that’s not always possible due to size inclusivity amongst other things, but even if it’s only to buy accessories, you are guaranteed to find some unique items that no one else has, and you can have enjoyment in knowing that you played a small but crucial part in helping the environment through your outfit.
4. Always bin your rubbish and if you can’t find a bin bring it home with you!
There’s nothing better than meeting up with you’re friends for a catch-up and getting something nice to snack on/ drink along the way. If you get a takeaway coffee or you bring a picnic to the park, make sure you clean up after yourself. It’s so important to protect our surroundings. It not only keeps our outdoor amenities looking great, but it also helps our environment too!
These are just some of the many things you can do to help our environment. Even one small change could make a difference. And if everyone does their part we can live in a much more sustainable and healthier environment.
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