While it’s easy to point to our homes and travelling as potentially the largest contributors to our carbon footprints, our smaller everyday choices could also have an impact.
Reducing the amount of single use plastic you buy is something you’ve probably already heard about.
Even though some plastic can be recycled, it still leaves a carbon footprint, so trying to lower the amount you use is better for the environment.
Using reusable water bottles and supermarket ‘bags for life’ are two easy ways to reduce the amount of plastic we waste.
Cutting down the amount of food you waste is another way to lower your carbon footprint.
Emissions are created all along the food chain, from producing the food to transporting it to your plate.
So try to resist the temptation of supermarket offers and only buy what you need.
Recycling plays an important role in reducing the emissions often associated with the manufacturing process.
Glass can be recycled into a new glass-based product, meaning there’s no need to start over again with fresh raw materials and the emissions associated with processing them.
The same goes for other day-to-day materials, such as cardboard and paper.
It can be confusing knowing what can and can’t be recycled, with a range of different symbols used on packaging.
Most local authority websites will have information about what can be recycled in your area, so have a look if you’re unsure.
Reusing is fairly similar to recycling. Every time a product is made, it produces emissions. So trying to prolong the life of the things you own and buy is one way to help the environment and save money.
This might be as simple as buying secondhand clothes or a used bicycle. Or giving something old a new lease of life, such as painting an old chair a vibrant new colour.
Before you even get to the point of reducing, recycling or reusing, it’s now easier than ever to look at the impact before you buy them.
Often a quick look on a company website will tell you what you need to know about their commitment to the climate and social challenges too.
For example, creating garments from entirely recycled fabric or powering factories from renewable energy sources.
Taking some time to look into what goes into making something, might just change your mind about what you choose to buy.
For example, garments made from entirely recycled fabric or powering factories from renewable energy sources.
Donating to charities that aim to combat climate change or promote forms of conservation is another way to make a difference and feel good about it at the same time.
From projects that seek to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, such as tree planting, to charities that provide climate-based education, your help can go a long way to helping to reduce our impact on the climate at home or further afield.
Whether you’re exploring new lands or staying local, sustainable travel provides new ways to see the world that could even save you money too.
