While it’s easy to point to our homes and travelling as the largest contributors to our carbon footprints, our smaller everyday choices can also have an impact.
Single use plastics
Reducing the amount of single use plastic you buy is something you’ve probably already heard about.
Even though some plastic can be recycled, it still leaves a carbon footprint, so trying to lower the amount you use is better for the environment.
Using reusable water bottles and supermarket ‘bags for life’ are two easy ways to reduce the amount of plastic we waste.
Food waste
Cutting down the amount of food you waste is another way to lower your carbon footprint.
Emissions are created all along the food chain, from producing the food to transporting it to your plate.
So try to resist the temptation of supermarket offers and only buy what you need.
Recycle what you can
Recycling plays an important role in reducing the emissions often associated with the manufacturing process.
Glass can be recycled into a new glass-based product, meaning there’s no need to start over again with fresh raw materials and the emissions associated with processing them.
The same goes for other day-to-day materials, such as cardboard and paper.
Reducing your household waste
Reducing household waste could help you to save money by spending less. Find out what other things you can start doing today to waste less and help the environment too.
Love second-hand
Reusing is fairly similar to recycling. Every time a product is made, it produces emissions. So trying to prolong the life of the things you own and buy is one way to help the environment and save money.
This might be as simple as buying secondhand clothes or a used bicycle. Or giving something old a new lease of life, such as painting an old chair a vibrant new colour.
Try before you buy
Before you even get to the point of reducing, recycling or reusing, it’s now easier than ever to look at the impact before you buy them.
Often a quick look on a company website will tell you what you need to know about their commitment to the climate and social challenges too.
For example, creating garments from entirely recycled fabric or powering factories from renewable energy sources.
Check the label
Taking some time to look into what goes into making something, might just change your mind about what you choose to buy.
For example, garments made from entirely recycled fabric or powering factories from renewable energy sources.
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Ideas for travelling more sustainably
Whether you’re exploring new lands or staying local, sustainable travel provides new ways to see the world that could even save you money too.