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Earth Day: Let’s take it up a notch
Earth Day is our wake-up call to embrace greener habits and rally together for a healthier planet and a brighter tomorrow. While the UK has made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint in recent years, there's still a long way to go. The UK government has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. To contribute, why not take your efforts to the next step by going beyond paper straws and tote bags. Consider lifestyle upgrades in banking, shopping, eating, and general living.
Not sure where to start? Read on.
BankingAre you sure you’re not unwittingly fuelling climate change by banking with banks that invest in fossil fuels? You can check your bank’s status below, and if everything’s not coming up roses, switching over to a more sustainable provider is easier than you think.
Migrating current accounts can be done in minutes; many companies reward you for switching to them with gift cards and cash prizes.
And yes, because of credit checks your credit score will fluctuate, but it's only momentary, unlike the effects of fossil fuels on the planet.
Banks need our money, and they need us. By making our position known, we send a loud and clear message that we support providers that are better for us and the planet.
ClothingFast fashion is on its way to becoming the world's most polluting industry, second only to oil. Clothing manufacturing depletes land, pollutes rivers, exhausts water supplies, and harms garment workers. A few quick changes to how you shop can make a lasting difference.
Start by buying less, ask yourself if you will wear the piece at least 30 times, and if the answer is no, it has to go back on the rack.
Try thrifting. You can get some unique brands at half price, and some even have their tags still on, so you can ease yourself into the world of secondhand fashion.
For special occasions, why not consider renting? It's easy on the pocket and means you don't waste loads of closet space.
Stick to more sustainable materials like organic cottons, Tencil and recyclable materials.
RecyclingLet's go beyond the bare cardboard and paper sorting: know your symbols and recycle smarter, not harder. In fact, recycling should be a last resort; the world is currently producing more than it can ever recycle, so let's get to the root of it.
Opting for reusable bottles and coffee cups - you save yourself some Ps and reduce waste.
Packed lunches are the way forward; quick grab-and-go lunches contribute to major plastic manufacturing and increased carbon impact. You skip the long lunchtime queues, and the earth has less plastic waste. Win win.
Treat takeaways as precisely that: a treat! Limit them to weekend nights and switch to cooking at home, reducing packaging waste and fuel used for deliveries.
EnergyCheck yourself before you wreck yourself, precisely your energy supplier. Of course, in an energy crisisit's's advised not to switch because of rising costs, but iyou'rere already looking to changeit's's worth signing on with a greener providerHere's’s some tips beyond a switcheroo to reduce your carbon footprint.
Switch off your electronics fully, here's looking at the speakers and the playstation on standby. Switch them off from the socket to stop draining power.
Turn down the thermostat by a degree (or two). We love roaming around in a t-shirt at home, pretending we live in the tropics, but it's best to stay between 19-21 degrees. Put those jumpers to good use!
Ditch the tumble drying, with summer coming up we’re most excited to be able to air dry our laundry, or even better, SUN dry it. If that's not your cup of tea, why not check the best times in your area to use your dryer to save on your bill and reduce energy usage.
True kings and queens shower for 4 minutes or less. Get a 4 minute playlist going to enjoy your shower, but once the music stops, so does the shower. You’ll help save gallons of water, and you could go even further and reduce the temperature to save both water AND energy.
EatingDid you know that food is responsible for at least one-third of all global greenhouse gas emissions? By tracking and reducing the carbon footprint of the food we consume, we can reduce our impact on the planet. The best way to reduce your impact? Getting more plants in your gob. Below are some more food hacks to consider.
Eating seasonally is a brilliant way to enjoy a wide variety of flavours, textures, and nutrients while also supporting local farmers and reducing your carbon footprint.
Take stock of your food consumption habits and make easy changes like buying only what you need, composting at home and storing your food properly to reduce your environmental impact.
Sign up to a recipe delivery service like Grubby, (not a biased example at all) to help you get the hang of cooking more plant based meals. With Grubby, you receive pre-portioned ingredients, taste-tested dairy and meat alternatives, easy-to-follow recipe cards, and even a built-in impact tracker in the app to help you feel good about yourself.
Start eating more plants today. Get your mitts on Grubby recipes.
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