Learning how to become more eco-friendly has become a greater concern for more and more people. As we step into a post-Covid future, where rebuilding the world as we once knew it has become a priority, the environment should not be left behind especially when it comes to achieving true sustainability.
But what does eco-friendly mean? With humans currently responsible for the release of 9.5 billion metric tonnes of carbon emissions each year and continuing to contribute to the 8 million tonnes of plastic floating in the ocean, learning how to be eco-friendly has never been more important.
Whether you’ve always been eco-conscious and careful to reduce your environmental impact or are just starting your sustainable journey and looking to save money, here are 5 simple steps towards a more eco-friendly future for your household and the planet.
Stop Using Single-Use Plastic
Did you know that the plastic waste littering our oceans is expected to triple by 2040 if our habits remain the same? Experts have predicted that nearly 600 million tonnes of single-use plastic will flow freely into the ocean in the next 20 years if we don’t learn how to be more eco-friendly.
From packaging to your household essentials, plastic is easy to make a pass on. Why not try investing in products with biodegradable packaging or better still, find eco-friendly alternatives to your favourites that can last use after use, such as reusable straws and cups, plastic-free razors, and bamboo substitutes that will reduce your plastic footprint.
Reuse and Upcycle Packaging
Before making that switch to your new eco-friendly alternatives, don’t just dispose of your plastic products. One of the first steps towards learning how to be more eco-friendly is to adopt the reuse and recycle rule.
Rather than simply throwing away your leftover plastic, why not upcycle that product bottle or reuse that plastic bag. Learning to put your plastics to good use around the household reduces plastic waste and can act as a reusable source of storage for new eco-friendly products.
Create an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
If you’re looking to create a greener household – from becoming more energy efficient to save on your energy bills to making sure you don't throw away any needless plastic – the kitchen is a great place to start. Filled with plastic containers, packaging and utensils, our kitchens are one of the biggest culprits for plastic waste.
Why not replace your favourite cooking essentials with eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo-based utensils and even green replacements for your food on the go. We recommend Sandwich Food Wraps, as a great alternative to clingfilm for reusable food prep and storage. This means you don't have to use clingfilm to keep your food fresh and avoid wasting food.
And don't forget to check out your options when it comes to a plant-based diet – another great way to live a healthy environmentally friendly lifestyle. Treat yourself to a visit to the local farmers' market, taking public transport or walking to pick up your essential fruit and veg.
Other great tips including water saves – saving 'grey water' from rinsing out cups instead of letting it go down the drain, and using it to water your plants. Great for your houseplants and a great way to cut down on bills.
Re-Read Those Product Labels
For beauty lovers, it’s time to take a look at your product labels if you want to learn how to be more eco-friendly. While they might be your favourite brand or that miracle moisturiser, products with harmful parabens and chemical-based ingredients can cause a great deal of harm to the environment and its inhabitants.
Switching to sustainably sourced alternatives is a great way to improve your natural skincare routine while reducing the number of un-biodegradable chemicals within the ocean.
When purchasing new products always read the ingredient list and look out for brands marked as vegan approved such as UpCircle and Beauty Kitchen. These products will contain all eco-friendly ingredients that are kind to both the skin and the planet.
Reading your beauty product labels is a good start, but going green when you clean is vital if you’re questioning how to be more eco-friendly.
Go Green With Your Cleaning Products
Many high street products contain strong stripping ingredients that are harmful to both your surfaces and the state of the environment. Chemicals such as preservatives, foaming agents, and washing detergents can seep into our ocean and harm the aquatic environment.
Switching to green cleaners that contain sustainably sourced ingredients and fewer synthetics are perfect for those who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and learn how to be more eco-friendly.
If you're looking to reduce the amount of plastic bottles in your home, then
Looking To Go Green?
If you’re ready to embark on your eco-friendly journey and are struggling to find where to start, why not check out our handy Shopping Tool Creator to help you find eco-friendly alternatives to your favourite kitchen, bathroom, and beauty products.