Overwhelmed by the environmental crisis? Turns out small changes actually have a big impact.
Chances are that you have seen a number of headlines and read various articles about the importance of living a more sustainable lifestyle. We are often bombarded with information about the worrying state of the environment, which can make us feel disheartened and overwhelmed. As a result, we may not be aware of the ways in which our everyday choices can impact the world around us. However, there are many small changes that you can implement today, which can help you reduce your environmental footprint. These examples of manageable changes can inspire you to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
According to Eunice Jung, Head of Partnerships at FutureCard Visa card, a green spendings reward card, sustainability can take a number of shapes, especially when it comes to fashion.
“It can look like thrifting, not partaking in large hauls, selling your clothes in the circular clothing market, wearing a piece forever, and finding ways to prevent your clothing from going into landfill like upcycling, gifting, or sending it back in a Take Back Bag with For Days. There are so many ways to practice sustainable fashion,” she says.
1. Eat fewer animal products
Two of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions are food waste and animal agriculture. This means that what you eat can make a difference in reducing emissions and protecting the environment. Most importantly, you don’t need to make major changes to achieve a positive effect. For instance, you can choose to go meat-free one day of the week or reduce your dairy intake by swapping regular milk for almond or oat milk. As a result, you may not feel like you are changing much, but in reality, your efforts can go a long way.
2. Go electric
Switching to an electric car can be a great way to reduce local air pollution, as electric vehicles are kinder to the environment. If you are wondering what other answers there might be to the question ‘why go electric’, check out LV Electrix where you can find everything you need in one convenient place instead of searching the web for hours. The company can help you learn more about leasing an electric car, finding a great deal, and taking out electric car insurance.
3. Create a sustainable wardrobe
Your clothing choices are another aspect of your life that can have a positive impact on the environment. Instead of buying pieces that you are only going to use once, make sure you go for something that you plan on using more times. Thankfully, there are now many affordable sustainable fashion brands that you can buy from, as long as you take some time to research and find the right choice for you. Opt for more eco materials, too, such as vegan leather made from mushrooms or natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, and Tencel.
“Ask yourself if you are going to get at least 30 wears out of an item,” Jung says. “A lot of impulse purchases come from shopping for an event, a vacation, or a costume. If you know that you will only wear an item a couple of times, borrowing/renting is a good option to try new pieces and keep them circular. Plus it is much cheaper as well.”
Jung also recommends shopping your own closet to deal with the urge to shop or buy something new. She says revisiting your own closet and rediscovering pieces you haven’t worn in a while may satisfy that need for newness. “I love to think of a fond memory associated with items in the closet and think of creative ways to style them with my ever-revolving wardrobe,” she says.
4. Reduce waste at home
Reducing the amount of waste that you create in your home can help preserve natural resources, protect the environment, and prevent pollution. Before “you buy, think about where it will end up after,” Jung says.
Although it might look difficult at first, there are a few simple ways to reduce waste at home, such as using reusable bottles, cups, and grocery bags, shopping at local farmers’ markets, buying things in bulk, and opting out of paper mailings. Before you buy something new, consider looking for second-hand items instead, such as used furniture, which can later be donated or repurposed.
5. Use less plastic
Plastic can be found in many areas of our homes, from the food that we eat every day to our bathroom products. Therefore, it might be helpful to look at eco-friendly alternatives. For example, you can focus on buying loose fruit and vegetables or making your own food, such as bread, jam, condiments, and soup. Switching to reusable toiletries, bamboo toothbrushes, and using a sustainable razor can all help as well. Consider using reusable straws or no straws at all when having your favorite drinks.
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