As individuals, it's important that we consider our environmental impact and strive to make eco-friendly habits part of our daily lives. Despite the current economical climate, there are many budget friendly and eco-friendly practices we can implement to reduce our carbon footprint and help the UK take steps towards a more sustainable future.
Reducing Food Waste
One of the biggest causes of waste in the UK is food. An incredible 10.2 million tonnes of food and drink are thrown away in the UK every year. This lack of portion control is hugely damaging to the environment, costing households £700 per year in food waste. Reducing food waste is one of the simplest and most cost-effective things we can do to help the environment.
There are a number of ways to reduce food waste, from making sure you store food properly and making use of your freezer, to planning weekly meals and using leftovers. You can also shop responsibly by only buying what you know you will use, such as buying fruit and vegetables in season and giving expiration labels more attention.
The hungry bear, located around the UK, also offers an easy and sustainable solution for reducing food waste by selling surplus food from local shops, dated just hours away from its expiration, at a fraction of the price of retail stores.
Conserving Energy
Another key factor to reducing your environmental impact is conserving energy. By using energy efficient appliances and reducing your electricity usage, you can make a big difference to your carbon footprint. Insulating your house is one of the most effective ways to cut energy costs and use energy more efficiently. Installing double glazing windows, replacing draughty doors and closing off unused rooms are all easy ways to conserve heat and reduce energy expenditure.
You can also reduce energy wastage by investing in energy efficient appliances, such as LED TVs, which use much less energy than traditional TVs. In addition, switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind, and investing in renewable energy providers is a great way to decrease your environmental impact and save money in the long run.
Recycling and Reusing
Recycling and reusing is a great way to reduce your environmental impact as it preserves resources and avoids the use of unnecessary packaging. Practicing this at home is relatively easy and can be hugely beneficial to the environment. Make sure you use your local council’s recycling service and keep any items in good condition that can be reused, such as clothes, books and furniture.
You can also get creative with upcycling – turning single-use items into something useful and stylish. Another great eco-friendly project you could invest in is building a composting bin. This process breaks down organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening and growing plants.
Sustainable Shopping
Supporting local businesses and stocking up on sustainable and eco-friendly products can help us make a positive impact on the environment. Buying fresh, in-season produce and supporting fair-trade products are excellent ways to invest in sustainable practices and invest in people.
More and more companies are becoming aware of the effect their products have on the environment and are starting to make changes. For example, online retail giants such as Amazon are now offering consumers the option to buy products made from recycled or renewable materials or products with reduced packaging.
Final Thoughts
By reducing food waste, conserving energy, recycling and reusing, and shopping for sustainable products, we can make a real difference to the environment and work towards a more sustainable future. And, with a little creativity and some financial planning, these eco-friendly practices are easier and more affordable than ever.