The concept of living sustainably has slowly started to make its way into the mainstream; more people than ever are beginning to adopt eco-friendly lives as a way of reducing their own personal impact on the planet. However, it is important to remember that sustainability is not something that will happen overnight, so you mustn’t put too much pressure on yourself. Instead, you should start making small changes to the way you live as this will be a much easier process.
If you are someone who is wanting to start living more sustainably, then this article is for you. In this article, we will go over 6 ways that you can introduce sustainability into your life. So, if you want to make some eco-changes in your lifestyle, then keep on reading to find out our top tips.
Reduce Plastic Consumption
One thing you can do to start living more sustainably is to reduce your plastic consumption. The invention of plastic was revolutionary, and it really transformed the way we lived our lives. For decades, plastic was hailed as one of the best inventions as it allowed people to create products that could last. However, this optimism was short-lived, and the more we used plastic, the more people began to realize how damaging plastic can be to the environment.
Because plastic is not made from any natural materials, it does not biodegrade, meaning that any plastic you throw away will stay in a landfill for hundreds of years. We have now reached a point in our plastic consumption where microplastic is being found in the deepest parts of the ocean and it has even been found in the human body. So, if you want to do your bit for the environment, then reducing your plastic consumption is a must. Try your best to avoid plastic altogether or opt for a recycled plastic option where available.
Consider A Plant-Based Diet
Eating a plant-based diet is another thing you can do to live a more sustainable life. The meat and dairy industries both cause major damage to the environment, so integrating more plant-based meals into your diet is a good way of reducing your impact on the planet.
One major cause of climate change is greenhouse gases, specifically methane, which is largely produced by cows. The large demand for beef and dairy means that more cows are being bred, leading to more methane escaping into the atmosphere. In order to stop this demand for animal products, more people need to be adopting a plant-based lifestyle, so if you are wanting to make some direct changes to your life, then start by eating vegan once a week. If you have never cooked plant-based meals before, then it may be difficult to get started. However, there are plenty of beginner vegan recipes available online that you can take inspiration from.
Alter Your Mode Of Transport
Another way you can introduce sustainability into your life is by altering your mode of transport. If you only need to travel a short journey, then perhaps consider walking or cycling, as these are very eco-friendly modes of transport. Additionally, where you can, you should try and take public transport. If you find that you do need a car to get around, then an eco-friendly option is an electric car.
Electric cars have been around for years, but it is only recently that they have started to become more mainstream. While before electric cars were expensive and only accessible to the very rich, more companies have been investing in electric cars, meaning they are accessible to more people. If you are considering investing in an electric car for yourself, do some research beforehand, so you can buy the right car for you. You can find the ultimate electric car guide from ElectriX and browse through the guide to help you make the right decision. Buying any new car is a big decision, so it is important that you do proper research before you invest any money.
Research Products Before Buying
Since the idea of living sustainably has made its way into the mainstream, more companies are starting to introduce products that are eco-friendly. While this does make buying eco-friendly products much easier, you will still have to research and read labels before you buy them, to ensure they are sustainable. If you’re not used to reading labels before you buy a product, then it can take some time to get used to.
A great way to learn what products are eco-friendly is by doing a simple search online. There are countless articles that will list in detail which companies are sustainable, so use that as a starting point. Once you have a general idea of what sustainable products are available, you will then find shopping much easier. You could even join some sustainable online communities to get updates on what products are coming out.
Avoid Fast Fashion And Shop Second-Hand
As technology has continued to advance, it has meant that we now have access to anything we want at any time. One major thing that has evolved with technology is the fashion industry and online shopping. Now, whenever you want a new outfit, you can simply go online, order what you want, and have it delivered the very next day. While this certainly is convenient, the demand for fast fashion has meant clothes are being produced to a lower standard and are being disposed of after only a few years. These clothes then end up in a landfill, which causes major damage to the environment.
If you want to start living sustainably, then you should try your best to avoid buying fast fashion and instead buy clothes second-hand. The UK is very lucky to have a wealth of charity shops, so this would be a good place to start. Alternatively, if you do enjoy the process of online shopping, then perhaps shop on websites like Depop or Vinted, as you will still be buying pre-loved clothes.
Switch To A Green Energy Supplier
Switching to a green energy supplier is another great way of introducing sustainability into your life. Although sustainable and renewable energy is not a new concept, it still has a long way to go. In terms of revenue, renewable energy companies do not make nearly as much money as the other energy giants, so you could make a difference by putting your faith in the sustainable option. Investing in a renewable energy company is a great way of being sustainable as you are putting your money into a company that wants to make a real difference. Take some time to research what renewable energy companies are available for your area and choose one that is right for you.
If you have the money, you could even invest in some solar panels for your home as this will generate your own renewable energy. While they may seem like an expensive purchase, they will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. Solar panels have come a long way since their invention and installing solar panels has never been easier. If you are dedicated to living a sustainable life, you could start putting some money aside in savings to eventually buy some solar panels.
