Plastic Free July might be far behind us, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to live more sustainably. In fact, by making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can reduce your carbon footprint significantly and make the world a much better place. Here are ten easy things you can do to remain eco-friendly.

 

Recycle

OK, we all remember the slogan, but the possibilities really are endless. By sorting and cleaning your household recyclables before putting them out for collection, you’ll be helping to cut down on pollution, save energy and conserve the planet’s resources massively. There may be some question marks over recycling’s effectiveness, but it’s still very important to do your bit. 

Besides, with evidence to suggest that recycling preloved aluminium is over 90% more efficient than creating products from this metal from scratch, there’s concrete proof that it really does work. 

 

Buy Second-Hand Products

Instead of frittering money away on impulse purchases, always aim to buy second-hand. Places like charity shops and social media groups are brimming with pre-owned goods, which will not only save you money but stop perfectly good items from entering landfill too. 

Make sure to donate anything you don’t want to friends, family or charitable causes as well. There’s so much value in giving your former possessions a second life.

Be Stricter Around Food

Did you know that 6.4 million tonnes of edible food found its way into UK bins in 2018? And that was considered to be an improvement on previous statistics! As the country tries to cut back on its food waste, you can contribute by being more careful about what you throw away. 

If you find you’re getting rid of too much, think more logically when you go shopping. Take active steps like planning meals, writing lists and only taking home what you really need. Remember to organise your kitchen so you don’t fall foul of use-by dates either. If that fails, lots of waste food can be turned into compost!

 

Walk (Or Take Public Transport)

Cars are definitely more convenient, but if you aren’t up against the clock or travelling a long distance, why not make other plans? Public transport promises less pollution, whereas walking or cycling will lower your emissions considerably. The latter two are also much better for your health, so don’t be afraid to break a sweat every now and again. It’ll be worth it.

 

Don’t Purchase Single-Use Plastic

Single-use plastics, such as drinks bottles and carrier bags, are a massive ecological problem. Although convenient, it’s when they’re disposed of inappropriately that they can cause the most damage. 

The introduction of plastic bag charges has done much to accelerate the adoption of safer, more  eco-friendly carriers, but there’s still a long way to go. You can do your bit by purchasing reusable bags and bottles, and lowering your reliance on disposables accordingly.

 

Wash Your Clothes Sparingly

You probably know that washing your clothes at high temperatures is bad for the environment, but washing machines can be damaging in other ways too. That’s because certain materials will shed microplastics, which contain harmful chemicals, when they are washed. These can end up in the ocean, causing significant problems for all of the food chain.

Take more responsibility here by only washing your clothes when they’re dirty as well as purchasing items made from more sustainable materials. Over-washed clothes will also need to be replaced more regularly, and that’s a process that can deepen your carbon footprint for sure!

 

Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Many traditional household cleaning products are packed with toxic chemicals that can be harmful to both humans and animals. Combat this by making the jump to more eco-friendly cleaners, which are just as effective as conventional alternatives. 

If you want to save money at the same time, you could even create your own cleaning solution by combining lemon juice, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Simple.

 

Change Your Lighting

Here’s a lightbulb moment. By switching over to energy-saving lightbulbs, you’ll be paying less and won’t need to fit replacements as often. LED lights are probably the most cost-effective option here and should be your preferred option as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

Did we mention that traditional lightbulb alternatives can also reduce your carbon emissions by up to 55kg a year? It really is a no-brainer.

 

Make Do And Mend

This might seem like a quaint idea, but there’s actually much to be said for repairing your old clothes. If something is ripped or damaged, instead of throwing it out see if you can fix it yourself. 

Even if you need to make some extra modifications – turning jeans into shorts, for example – that’s still better than binning your clothes and buying something new. Give it a try!

 

Buy Eco-Friendly Furniture

Recycled plastic furniture, like that produced by Eco Plastic Wood, can really show your commitment to the environment! Our eco-friendly range comprises plastic wood doors, bins, planters and so much more, to provide you with products that are guaranteed to stand the test of time. 

Explore our fantastic items in full by clicking here. And remember, just one purchase can make all the difference! 

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