10 Small Things You Can Do For The Environment
Nowadays, we're all aware of the impact we are having on the planet. Most of us want to do our bit to preserve Earth's natural beauty and resources but we don't always have the time, money or ability to make the major changes necessary. However, as the old saying goes, "the small changes do add up to make a big difference". Don't underestimate the power that a few minor changes to your everyday could have. If we all pass the planet's issues off to someone else or a larger company or country, we'll be going round in circles until the end of the Earth. Change starts with you. Let's not get trapped in the visious cycle. Here's some suggestions of a few things you could do to do your bit for the greater good.
1. Use a reusable water bottle
Not only are there plenty of designs to choose from nowadays to tie your bottle into your style, but you'll be saving thousands of carbon emissions from being released and countess plastic bottles from ending up in landfill or the ocean. The plastic production process uses fossil fuels and a huge amount of water. By using just one every few years, you could be making a major difference. You could even collect stickers to cover your bottle or decorate it as you wish to make reducing your environmental footprint a bit more fun.
2. Check where your produce is from
Here at Motherland, we are always discovering and advocating the amazing products you can get here in India. Utilise the amazing local produce and traditional trades the country has and save on air miles by going local. It only takes a couple of seconds to check a label in a supermarket and make sure what your buying hasn't come from too far. But also why not spend some time discovering some local brands.
3. Go ethical with your clothing
The fashion industry is actually one of the most destructive to the environment. When you next need a wardrobe reboot, it's possible to reduce your impact by choosing something sustainable and organic. Check out our own range: https://www.shopbrownboy.com/
4. Try going organic
Organic food or materials mean that environmentally harmful chemicals have not been used. Although non-organic produce may end up growing faster or larger, it's all artificial. And the chemicals used can wash into water systems, harming animals and also humans! Some also say organic products are better for you.
5. Keep a reusable bag with you at all times
It's all common a scenario that you pop to the shops on your way out or back from somewhere and end up having to use another plastic bag. That bag produced a lot of emissions to be manufactured and won't decompose for hundreds or even thousands of years. There's an easy solution. Carry a reusable bag with you. You can get a cute design or even one that fits in a pouch for easy transport. You could try one in a jute material which is a durable natural fibre.
Something as simple as remembering to turn the lights off when you leave a room could save on a lot of energy. You could put a note next to the switch or the door so you remember.
While the weather is hot and rainy, it's difficult to suggest that everyone should be walking everywhere. However, one easier change you could make is car pooling so less cars need to be out on the road releasing harmful pollutants. When you're going somewhere, see who you could pick up on the way to save them driving in the same direction too. Apps like Uber also have a Pool option.
8. Plan when you shop
The land that we use growing food we don't eat would fill the whole of Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China. Think of all the people, trees and animals that could fill that space. Understandably, some things will end up going to waste sometimes but to reduce the amount of waste you produce make sure you plan properly. Think about how long things will last and buy with the certainty that you are going to be able to use the produce you are buying. Try a shopping list in the kitchen you can always update.
9. Drink loose leaf tea
Despite the fact that it's delicious and comes in many varieties, dropping the tea bag can save on a lot of unnecessary waste.
When using a washing machine, simply using a cold wash setting can make a huge difference. The washing machine itself is very energy intensive but any small change like the turn of a dial that could reduce the amount of energy it's using can make a major difference when you think about the amount of clothing washes you do. Your clothes will still come out clean... try it!
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By Josie Hart
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