Fuzzable
TV shows like Blue Planet have transformed the way we think about the environment. The truth is that we’re all using too much plastic, throwing away clothing that is in perfectly good condition, and forgetting about the impact we each have on the planet. In today’s article, we’ve rounded up five of the most effective ways in which you can reduce your impact on the environment.
Recycle, recycle, recycle
It’s the most obvious point on this list, but it’s something worth pointing out nonetheless. If you want to help to reduce your impact on the environment, then you should start by making recycling part of your everyday life. Check with your local council or authority to see what can and cannot be recycled in your area, and make an effort to bring items home to be recycled if you cannot find a recycling bin on the go. Oh, and think about things such as packaging when purchasing sandwiches, ready meals and other foods, looking out for green alternatives instead.
Stop drinking bottled water
Bottled water is not only between 500% and 1000% more expensive than tap water, but it has a damaging effect on the environment. Indeed, almost 8 billion plastic bottles are consumed in the UK each year, with 90% of bottles containing microplastic contamination. Plastic bottles make up 50% of all plastic waste in the River Thames, and each bottle takes an incredible 400 years to fully decompose. What’s more, bottled water uses the equivalent of 160 million barrels of oil, so finding ways to cut back and drink more tap water instead makes sense. Buy a fancy cup and a water filtration system if necessary, and make the effort to switch. Not only will you save lots of money, but you’ll be protecting the environment and reducing your plastic consumption.
Dress ethically
Rather than shopping at fast fashion retailers that rely on sweatshops and use cheap fabrics, it makes sense to shop for ethical clothing UK based. Not only does switching from high street brands to more ethically sourced clothing help you protect the environment, but it means that your clothing will be better on your skin and won’t have been produced using toxic methods. The truth is that ethically sourced clothing is often more expensive than high street clothing, but the more of us that switch and start supporting independent businesses, the cheaper the costs will become – and the more likely high street brands will pay attention and create ethical clothing.
Reduce the amount of meat you eat
You’ve probably heard about this before, but we thought it was worth another mention. Whilst we’re totally not saying that you should become a vegan or vegetarian (who can resist a burger from time to time?!), eating meat can harm the environment, and so reducing the amount you eat is a great idea. The average cow consumes 16 pounds of vegetation in order to convert them into 1 pound of flesh, and raising animals for food also requires a great deal of water. A truly shocking statistic is that producing just a single burger uses enough fossil fuel to drive a car more than 20 miles, highlighting just how toxic it can be. Rather than cutting out meat altogether, look for ways to reduce your consumption, by having meat-free days and salads instead/
Give back in other ways
There are other ways you can give back, too. Think about signing up to a charity website to pledge some time, or donate money to green causes. You could take part in litter picking with your local community to clean up your streets and protect wildlife, or you could rent an allotment and grow your own vegetables and foods. Rather than driving, walk or take a bicycle, and turn your thermostat down by a degree or two to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat up your home. Finally, remember to turn off lights when you leave the room, as every little helps!
These tips won’t change the world overnight, but if enough of us try them out, we can make a real difference. Do let us know how you get on using @Fuzzable, and check back soon for more great tips and tricks on how to become a more environmentally friendly person. Speak soon!
