Rethink
The first step is to change our mindset. We need to understand that although the society we live in prides itself on being able to get everything we want and need now, that isn’t sustainable and our planet has limited natural resources. Now, while it is true that 71% of global emissions come from one hundred companies, we sometimes push companies to change for the better by being informed consumers. This could be anything from the food we consume or throw away, to our travel habits, to the heating in our home, or the clothes we buy. All of these factors contribute to our carbon emissions. To see how your carbon footprint compares to the average UK person, you can fill out the WWF Survey.
Refuse
Now that we have started to consider our impact and understand how our choices affect the world, we then need to find ways to lessen our carbon footprint. The first step you could take is to refuse! This could be anything from deciding not to buy broccoli because it's in plastic wrap, to refusing to buy any new clothes from fast fashion brands. This doesn’t mean you have to give up those things altogether, but it may mean you need to find a different source. If you manage to find a store that sells loose veg but they then supply plastic bags, remember to bring your own produce bag and then you can avoid the plastic all together! Better for you, and better for the planet. If none of your supermarkets have a plastic free option, consider trying your local veg market or stall and see if they have a better option. Fast fashion is another harmful industry for the planet! If you want a new cardigan or a new pair of jeans, but don't want to contribute to fast fashion, consider trying a charity shop, or look on a second hand app like depop or vinted.
Reduce
It’s not easy to cut plastic out completely because it's so common, but there are a few really good examples on the Less Plastic website that make it easier. Maybe you don't have access to food that isn't wrapped in plastic, but if you bring your reusable bags or even just reuse the plastic one you got last time you did a shop you are reducing your plastic consumption.
Other great examples are:
- Using cloths instead of paper towels
- Buying things packaged in glass or metal instead of plastic (glass is much more easy to recycle and can be recycled again and again)
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging
- Reusable sanitary products
And if you want more ideas, you can also check out the Green Education Foundation's article.
Reuse
Unfortunately, we now also need to be aware of greenwashing, where companies make products that seem to be environmentally friendly in an attempt to seem relevant or fashionable. Remember - you don’t need to have a brand new metal water bottle or lunchbox! The plastic box from a takeaway you had last night will work just as well and save you some money too. Keep using the things you have around the house. My flatmate has a jar that she uses to drink water every day - it may not look like the pretty one on that zero waste instagram you follow, but once you give it a good clean, a mayonnaise jar works just fine, I promise! My favourite glass in an old candle jar that I have been using for years.
Repurpose and Repair
This is probably my favourite of the 7 Rs, as it's a great opportunity to get creative with things around the house! Got an old pair of jeans that don’t fit anymore or have a tear in the knee? Make a bag! Bored of your white t-shirt or have a stain that you can't get out? Try dying the fabric with natural dyes. Now I must confess I haven’t tried all of those colours yet, but I did use turmeric to create some yellow dye and it worked REALLY well, without all of the harmful chemicals typically in fabric dye. Ever ruined your favourite jeans with a massive tear or managed to melt a hole in a top because you put the iron on the wrong setting? No, me neither, never done that… Well before you panic or throw anything away, consider mending them with some simple sewing tricks.
Furniture is another opportunity to get creative, it's amazing what some sandpaper, varnish and paint can do!
Recycle
If you are unable to reuse, repurpose, repair or regift and need to throw something away then it's time to talk about recycling. There are many different rules on recycling and it will vary based on where you live but your local Recycling Plant is a great place to start! Some things are easier than others - glass can go in glass recycling, paper in paper, but what about batteries and lightbulbs? If you have an item you don't know how to dispose of, try the A-Z Recycling Guide, it's got pretty much everything you can think of. Now, depending on where you live, you will be able to recycle some things at home, but if you’re ever unsure check with your local recycling center. Unfortunately putting things in the recycling and hoping for the best can sometimes backfire as if there is too much non-recyclable material then it will all end up in landfill. So refuse and reduce where you can, reuse, repurpose and repair when you can’t, and if that fails, try to recycle. This brings us to our final “R”...
Rot
Now, I know it sounds a bit grim, but rot really just means compost - turning food waste back into nutritious soil to grow more plants. However, just because it's a natural process doesn’t mean it should be our go-to. In the UK a lot of food goes to waste and the process of that food rotting or composting has a big impact on climate change. So, again, try not to waste food; instead try making a list to make sure you know what needs using up in the kitchen first. There are also little tricks like adding leftover coffee grounds to soil for plants that like acidic soil. When it comes to food, aim to use everything, donate what you can, feed to animals or put in the compost bin what you can't dispose of any other way.
I hope this blog has helped to give you some ideas on how you can be more environmentally friendly in your everyday life, and if you have an amazing idea you want to share, or if you have any questions, please drop a comment or message us on Facebook or Instagram to let us know!
Author: Alesha
Comments
Post a Comment
What are your thoughts? Let us know!