It’s clear to pretty much everyone that we have to make some changes if we’re going to avoid the worst of the effects of climate change. While the bulk of the responsibility lies with the big companies that emit carbon into the atmosphere, we should all do our bit to ensure that future generations get to enjoy the planet as much as we can. If you haven’t yet begun the transition towards living a more sustainable life, then fear not: it’s not as tricky as it sounds. In fact, there’s a host of extremely easy things that anyone can do that’ll have a positive impact.
In this blog, we’ll run through some of these easy-to-enact options. Make them part of your life, and you’ll be well on your way to living an eco-friendly life!
Ditch the Car
OK, when we say ‘ditch the car,’ we don’t mean ditch it forever and ever. We just mean reconsider if you need to use it as much as you currently do. Many people automatically get into their cars as soon as they leave their homes, but there will likely be other options available. For instance, could you walk, cycle, or take public transport? All of these options will have additional benefits, too. If you walk or cycle, you’ll get fitter. If you take public transport, you’ll be encouraging investment in the infrastructure, which will mean more people will use it, too.
Invest In Your Home
Most people’s biggest carbon footprint impact comes from the energy they need to run their house. We all want to be warm in winter and cool in summer, after all. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re not using more energy than is really necessary. All too often, the cool/warm air we pump into our homes ends up getting lost in the atmosphere, all because of the home’s infrastructure. Switching to solar, or solar-powered energy providers, could also result in being a hugely beneficial step to making your home a greener space in the long-run. Among all energy sources, solar energy has the least detrimental effects on the environment. It does not damage the water or release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In contrast to nuclear power plants, for example, which need 20 times more water, it also uses a very little amount of water for maintenance. Since many solar installations, including household solar panels, are located in metropolitan areas, the fact that solar energy production produces no noise is a significant advantage. On top of that, you will need less electricity from the utility provider if you generate it yourself. Your energy bill will immediately decrease as a result of this. Additionally, you can profit by returning the excess electricity you’ve produced to the grid: the more energy you produce, the less you will need from the supplier which will increase your energy self-reliance. If you can add double-glazed windows and insulation, you’ll find that your home conserves energy much better — and that your energy bills are cheaper, too.
Your Meals
The food that you’re eating may be having a bigger impact on the environment than you think it is. It’s always important to buy ingredients that you know have been produced with a care for the environment in mind. For your meat and dairy products, look at getting them from a company like Superior Farms; they always keep one eye on sustainability. You should also avoid food that contains palm oil; that’s one of the most environmentally destructive products out there!
Reduce Consumption
Finally, perhaps the best way to push yourself towards a more eco-friendly way of life is to reduce your consumption. Every product you buy has a footprint. The less that you buy, the smaller your carbon footprint will be! If you do have to buy things, then take a look to see if you can buy a second-hand version first. That’ll have next to no environmental impact and it’ll also be a lot nicer for your bank balance, too.
