Top 10 tips from our employees on being sustainable at home
As the world transforms at an unprecedented pace, we are consistently seeking new ways to have a positive contribution on the planet, a collaboration of small changes leads to a big sustainable difference. Taking inspiration from our employees, here’s our top ten ways that you can become a #sustainablehero….
1) Go Vegan - even if it's for one day a week...
By cutting out meat and dairy products from your diet, an individual’s carbon footprint can be reduced up to 73%. We’ve been told that the “Rainbow Plant Life” is a great starting point, in particular check out the video: “If I could only cook one dish for a vegan sceptic”.
2) Become an allotment owner...
The National Allotment Society state that a properly managed allotment produces enough fresh fruit and vegetables to supplement a family’s weekly shop, over a year. It also provides an ideal opportunity for composting helping to reduce landfills filling up prematurely. According to our colleagues, allotments have not only heightened their mental wellbeing but are also helping to educate the next generation on their food choices.
3) Get yourself a Water butt (or two)...
Living in the UK, the chances of rain are always high! So, why not take advantage of this? According to the Consumer Council for Water, the average UK household could collect enough rainwater for 450 water butts. Not only is this a brilliant way to conserve water and cut your household’s carbon footprint, simultaneously, you’ll reduce your water bill. We think that’s worth the investment!
4) Re-use the plastic from your food packaging...
Half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once – and then thrown away. This is particularly the case when purchasing food from our supermarkets. In fact, a major contributor is the packaging of our everyday essentials – milk and bread! But it’s all about being innovative. Check out these two ideas to cut down your plastic wastage:
- Grab your empty bread bags and reuse them as freezer bags.
- Take your used plastic milk bottles, pierce multiple holes in the lid and you’ve got your very own watering can.
5) Start renting your clothes...
Fast fashion’s popularisation has led to a “see now, buy now” culture. UK adults admit to wearing just 44% of the clothes that they had purchased within a 12-month duration. We completely understand the ‘I need a new outfit’ dilemma but next time why don’t you just rent an outfit? Sign up for a monthly subscription with Onloan and grab yourself 2-4 items each month to spice up your wardrobe.
6) Switch up your hobbies...
Get rid of plastic in the bathroom and reduce your overall carbon footprint! Shampoo and conditioner bars are an important and simple swap to get you started. If you use 1 bottle of shampoo per month per person from the age of 18 to 80 you would be using a total of 744 plastic bottles just on shampoo alone. Furthermore, a single solid bar of shampoo or conditioner has been found to last 2-3 times longer than it’s liquid counterpart.
7) Download the Olio App (you could even become a food waste hero)...
Between 33-50% of all food produced globally is never eaten. Believe it or not – reducing food waste is the number 1 solution to fighting the climate crisis and OLIO is a step in the right direction. OLIO connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away. OLIO provides lots of opportunities to volunteer – why not become a food waste hero like our employees Rachel and James.
8) Invest in an electric car...
We know this isn’t a simple swap – it does require a weighty investment. But, in the long term it’ll certainly pay off. Quite simply, electric cars support the reduction of pollution, each vehicle saving a yearly average of 1.5 million grams of CO2. Plus, it helps provide cleaner air for cyclists and pedestrians, particularly essential in cities.
9) Wash on a low temperature...
On average, about 90% of the energy the washing machine uses go towards heating the water. Opt for a lower temperature – not only to cut down on CO2 emissions but also to prolong the quality of your clothing. 30° is noted as an ideal low temperature to wash your clothes effectively whilst conserving energy.
10) Sign up to the Fairphone network...
The Fairphone network is about being transparent. From announcing supply chain details to advocating workers’ welfare. Fairphone’s goal is to prolong the lifetime of a phone thereby reducing its environmental footprint. A digital investment that goes along way.
