Day after day we hear about pollution, plastic in our ocean or snow in summer. We are told to use electric cars and to feel bad if we eat meat. It feels impossible to do the right thing. As much as I want to live a sustainable life, it can be challenging. That is why I did some research on how we can change our life with little effort but with a big impact. We all know that switching off the lights and taking less baths is good. We all know that the beef and dairy cattle industry is one of the main contributors to global greenhouse gasses and we should consume less. However, there are far more smaller choices we can make everyday that will help you and the planet. Remember, it will take time until you established a new sustainable habit, so be patient with yourself and don´t give up. (:
Sustainability – It benefits both, human and nature in a way that no one is harmed or let out of consideration, especially our future generations. It describes the process of maintaining as well as creating a sustainable impact of the earth’s natural resources.
1. Choose your Bank: Did you know that you have a big impact by simply leaving your money “laying” around in a Bank? Your money is one of the most powerful tools for sustainability! Whether you have a small amount or thousands.
Like every other business, banks invest your money. They might give someone a loan or invest in different banks. But they might also invest it in fossil fuels. So, it doesn’t matter how vegan your lifestyle is when you "support" the industries that destroy our planet. But here is the good news, there are Banks that support renewable energy or charities that support the Earth. A quick look into your Bank will tell you what you need to know or maybe change. Here are five Ethical Banks in the UK you might know:
- Triodos Bank
- The Co-operative Bank
- Ecology Building Society
- Charity Bank
- Reliance Bank
2. Newsletters and E-Mails: One E-Mail can emit up to 10g of carbon dioxide. So, by decluttering your Inbox and unsubscribing to all those newsletters you didn't even wanted to begin with, you will feel mentally relieved as well as do something good for the environment. The next rainy Sunday seems like the perfect day or maybe you´re bored now? Start with 100 E-Mails and work your way through them.
Another great way to save paper is to share the Newspaper or Magazines with your Neighbours. You just read them once anyways, why not share them.
3. Use Cold Water as much as possible: That is probably the easiest to implement into your day. Don’t wait until the water gets warm to wash your hands or use super hot water for your Dishwashers and laundry machines. The process of heating up water uses a lot of energy. The environment will thank you for it and so will your bills. If everyone would adapt to that small step, we can save a whole lot of energy. When it comes to water usage, we forget how much we actually consume. It can be difficult to keep this in mind, I know. But next time you are about to throw water down the drain because it's old drinking water, don't, I am sure you have a plant close by or use it while washing up.
Another small step closer to more sustainable living (:
4. Food: Don't judge food by its cover!
Sadly, we create a serious food waste problem by always wanting the best-looking veggies. But is it really necessary? The Supermarket Lidl for example launched an initiative by selling a 5kg Box of damaged veggies and fruits for 1,50 pounds. That saves you a lot of money! There are also Apps that tell you which restaurant, supermarket or bakery has leftovers for a really cheap pieces. Like the App "Too Good To Go".
Tip: When in doubt, freeze! If you feel you can't eat all the fresh vegetables or fruits, just freeze them and enjoy them later. A great way to enjoy Smoothies in summer!
When it comes to wrapping up foods that we didn't finish or we like to take to work, stop using Tin foils or plastic containers. Invest in long lasting glass containers or Beeswax Wraps. And to be honest, does your food always need a cover when it goes into the fridge? Just leave it on the plate until the next day when you eat it. Saves Water to clean more containers and your time. Before even having too much food, be mindful with the size of the portion, to minimize the risk of food waste.
Join a Community Garden: it is a great way to meet new people and learn from each other while connecting with nature and growing your own food.
5. Eco- Hour: Once a week, turn off all lights, unplug everything and don't use a single energy consuming item for one hour. No Kitchen, no TV and no Phone. It’s just you and your thoughts. Every Hour in a week cuts your carbon emissions by 0,6% annually. If you commit for four hours a week, that’s 2,4% and for a whole day, each week´s impact will be 14,4% a year. Simply go for a walk in nature and turn everything off. So many benefits in one hour!
6. Buy less but higher quality: Buying products that are of higher quality might be a bit more cost effective, though the benefit here is to enjoy it for longer. Everything from furniture to buying fast fashion trendy clothes; buy yourself Fairtrade products. These products are produced in a sustainable way, offer fair work conditions and eco-friendly packaging and shipping.
Sustainable Fashion brands in the UK:
1. Komodo:
Creating clothes that use organic, natural eco fibers. Using green PU and recycled PET from plastic bottles. Most products are Vegan, and all are cruelty free.
2. E.L.V. Denim:
All products are up-cycled from unwanted post-consumer waste denim. (it takes 10.000 litres to make a new pair of jeans, E.L.V. only uses 7 litres)
3. Bagmaya:
Slow fashion/long lasting, each bag has been handcrafted by underprivileged people, sustainable hemp and natural cotton
More and more people buy second-hand products, either online or privately from friends and family. The market for second-hand items is huge and a whole new trend. Making their own clothes, repairing cupboards or switching with neighbours. You will always find someone who is glad to get rid of their stuff or would love to have yours. All it takes is a quick Facebook search, an App like Vinted or the weekly Flea Market. There are endless possibilities and none of them is more of an effort to you than shopping from all the big Brands.
7. Beauty products: Start with one product at a time, it can be overwhelming, especially when you stand in front of the endless shelf of beauty products. Just keep in mind that all of them want to sell to you that their product is the best, don´t get unmotivated by so much input. Many Brands today have an eco-friendly certified logo on their product, which makes it easier for you to recognise them. Studies have shown that more and more people buy organic, green products, so why not use it to advertise the eco-friendly product bright and clear to gain more profit of it. Whatever motives the company has, it benefits our environment. When it comes to buying these products there are a few things you can check. Such as:
1. Recyclable packaging
Look not only for the packaging that can go to your recycling bin, but also products that are made from recycled packaging. This means that materials that could have ended up in landfill or our ocean has been reused for that product.
2. Organically certified
Look for Eco-Cert written inside an oval- shaped symbol. You can be assured that the ingredients follow environmentally friendly and socially conscious practices.
3. Renewably sourced
Renewable raw materials come from natural sources produced by agriculture and forestry. When renewably sourced, it means that there is no over farming of these ingredients and therefore a reduced impact on the environment.
4. No ammonia
Ammonia is a common chemical found in hair dye. Sadly, it can also be persistent in the environment and has an impact on ecosystems long after is has been washed out.
5. Marine Extracts
Swap Argan Oil (would help against desertification if not cut down) to Abyssinian oil (fast growing flower) and look for marine extracts like Algae. (Algae reduces Co2 while turning it into oxygen) By buying products that use Algae you support the further growth.
Also consider to check if the product is cruelty free, meaning no animals had to suffer or get used in the product. It is super easy to recognise through a logo on the product or you can type the name of your brand into the PETA search list and it will tell you if it is a cruelty free product.
When it comes to Beauty products try to stay as natural as possible and be aware of what you put on your hair or your skin, after all it can only benefit you to change to natural products.
A few examples of Beauty Brands that meet the standards are:
-Dove
-The Body Shop
-Lush
-Garnier.
8. Cleaning: When it comes to cleaning we are all different and everyone has his/her particular standards. Some need it extra clean while others don't bother too much. But what we all have in common is that we use tons of chemicals every day and they just got tossed down the drains. Now imagine the little water pollution we would had if everyone would stop using chemicals in their household. Unthinkable? Not if you know how to make your own natural cleaning products that disinfect, clean and smell good. All it takes are 4 ingredients.
¼ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 litre hot water
½ a lemon
1. In small bucket combine vinegar, baking soda and hot water
2. Squeeze in the juice from half a lemon, then drop the rind in as well to infuse the cleaner
3. Stir well to dissolve the baking soda and allow to cool. Remove the lemon rind.
4. Transfer into a spray bottle and label. Your homemade cleaner is ready!
There a million of DIY´s on the Internet and so many alternatives to standard cleaning products. Even if you can't get rid of all of them at once, try and start to introduce one natural product and see how it works for you. It is easy and creative to do.
I hope you enjoyed my post about sustainable living and next time you are about to spend your money on a product, ask yourself how much effort was put into it so that you get to enjoy it. Was it produced in a fair way? Do you like the ingredients that you will consume and give to your body? But most importantly, be grateful to all the resources and all the manpower behind that product. We all can make a difference by choosing to support the right products. (: