Now that I’m spending a lot more time at home and travelling less and less as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve started to realise just how much of an impact I was having on the environment beforehand. From regular flights to lots of single-use plastic, I don’t think I lived a very sustainable lifestyle.
While I have a long way to go, the pandemic has taught me that change has to start at home and now that I have the time to research sustainability and to work on things internally, I have made a number of changes to start being a lot more eco-friendly in my day-to-day life at home. To inspire you to do the same, I thought I’d share just a couple of those with you today.
Try To Go Plastic Free Where Possible
One of the hardest things I have found to do while trying to make better decisions is to cut down on my plastic usage. Everything you buy seems to have a considerable amount of plastic and if you’re not consciously looking for it, you may not realise just how much you’re using. While I know I can’t cut this down completely when the facilities are not available to me locally, I am doing what I can to ensure I’m not using single-use plastic just because I can. From cutting out water bottles to reusing plastic Tupperware from the local takeaway, I’m really trying my best.
Turn Off Running Water When You’re Not Using It
I’ve always been told to turn off running water when I’m not using it, so this is something I have been doing for as long as I can remember. From brushing my teeth to washing the dishes, you don’t need to have a continuous flow of water at all times.
Recycle As Much As You Possibly Can
Another thing I have always been taught to do is to recycle and now that it’s a Government-run scheme in the UK, it makes it so much easier. From recycling bits of cardboard to getting rid of tins, it’s important you’re doing your bit to help reduce the amount of waste you’re contributing to landfills.
Consider Eco-Friendly Window Options
Although this may not be the first things on your mine, eco-friendly window options are a great way to make better choices at home. Double glazed windows can reduce carbon dioxide emission to up to 680kgs per year and in terms of heating your home, you can reduce the amount of energy you’re using during the colder months. The best part is, you no longer have to sacrifice the wholesome look by choosing double glazing as there are traditional sash windows available.
Think About Your Energy Usage
Another great way to become a more eco-friendly household is to consider your overall energy usage. By simply unplugging appliances and turning them off at the end of the evening, you can be sure you’re not using electricity for absolutely no reason at all.
Educate Everyone And Get Them Involved
Finally, if there’s more than one of you in the household, you should educate everyone and get them involved too! The more, the merrier!
Although it can be incredibly hard to change habits you’ve had for a lifetime, it’s important we’re all doing what we can to be as eco-friendly as possible. There are changes I’m slowly implementing over time and while it is hard not to put pressure on myself, I know that I’m just one person and I’m doing the best that I can.
