As the new year approaches please take a second to consider our planet and the dire mess we have made it. Earth is ill and we all need to act now and do our part to help slow the process of climate change. While wildfires rage and storms tear apart our homes, some countries have homes underwater due to floods and others live in periods of widespread drought. Multiple species of animals are becoming extinct each week, sea levels are rising and the world we know is disappearing.
Some do more than others but there is something everyone can do to reduce their carbon footprint and help to save our planet, even at no cost to you. To be fair, many of the items on this list will save you money...
Conserve Water by Not Flushing!
I think on this subject you are either a hard for or against, but hear me out. You know what is coming, 'if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down'. Seriously. A toilet uses about 6 litres of water per flush, so consider how many times you pop to the loo every day and night, then consider the number of people in your home. That is a heck load of water just going down the drain.
It will do you no harm to leave it a couple of visits before flushing!
On the subject of water conservation, there are plenty of simple things you can do to stop wasting water:
- Turn the tap off when you're brushing your teeth.
- Fill up a tub with water to rinse your dishes in after washing them instead of having the tap run.
- Have cooler, shorter showers.
- Install a water butt outside to collect rainwater for use during gardening.
Use a Water Filter
Rather than buy countless plastic bottles of water, make your tap water healthier to drink by using a water filter. There are many options that do not require disposable plastic filters but even a normal Brita filter causes a lot less waste than water bottles.
Stop Standby
Turn off all switches that are not in use at the wall! From TV sets, games consoles and printers to phone chargers, baby monitors and lights all still have electricity running through them even when not in use if you do not switch off at the wall or unplug them. It not only costs you extra money but wastes energy unnecessarily.
Wrap Up!
Instead of having the heating on full blast, non-stop throughout the winter and sitting in a t-shirt, just pop on a hoodie or jumper and cosy up under a blanket while sitting on the sofa so as not to contribute to excess fossil fuel use. Unless, of course, you are lucky enough to have solar power!
Eco Mode
Eco mode is available on a variety of devices now, though in particular, I am talking about your washing machine. Either hit that eco button or use a cooler temperature and in turn cut your CO2 emissions.
Air It Out
While we are talking laundry, ditch the dryer! For the majority of the year, most of the country should be able to take advantage of the wonderful wind and let your washing blow in the breeze to dry. We don't own a tumble drier at all, so obviously in winter when we are unable to use our washing line or on particularly rainy days mid-year we have clothes airers that can be set up inside. Also in winter, drape things on heaters to get a two for one deal when the heating is on - warming the house and drying the clothes!
Recycle!
Surely this is the most obvious, simple, easy thing on this list. Almost all homes in the UK have a recycling bin so it should be something most people could partake in. Sadly, not all recyclable materials can go in the general council recycling bin. However, you can visit the
https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB website to find drop off locations for a whole host of other recyclables including but not limited to; crisp packets, bread bags, medicine packets and contact lenses.
Additionally, make use of clothing, glass, battery and more, recycling receptacles at supermarkets and check your council website for information regarding recycling villages where larger waste can be taken.
Donate
So many household items end up in the bin when they could be donated and reused or sold by someone else. Old towels and blankets that are clean and still functional can be used by animals shelters, toys, games and books could be given to hospitals and care homes, clothes and furniture would be accepted by charities helping people starting out in a new home, perhaps getting off the street or escaping a bad family situation.
Always give a quick google to see where your unwanted things could find a better home or donate to charity shops that can raise funds for their respective charities through those donations.
Make Do and Mend
Sew up that hole, repaint that cabinet and get creative. Turn old things into new things giving them new life and stopping them from ending up in landfills. Learning skills like sewing, crocheting, knitting, woodworking and other DIY skills are great to have and put to use to fix broken items or bring them up to date or your taste!
End Food Waste
Only buy what you need. Check your fridge and cupboard often and cook meals to use up things going off. Freeze things that can be frozen and won't be used in time. Start home composting cut-offs and waste.
Until next time....
