Many of us are looking for quick and easy ways to help the environment. We know the planet is precious and we want to find ways to help, but we can also easily become overwhelmed or discouraged. That’s where these handy tips come in!
Whether you’re at home or at work, wherever you spend most of your time, there are small ways you can still make a big impact. If everyone makes a small change, we will get big results.
Read the tips and advice below and see how many green changes you could make, whether at work or just at home.
AT HOME
1. subscription
Composting can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to make food waste environmentally friendly. There are now compost bins in a variety of styles and sizes, meaning they can be kept indoors for easy use.
They no longer have to interfere with your décor, cause a bad odor, or be kept outside, and are therefore less likely to be used. Compost bin designs have evolved to fit a more modern and environmentally conscious lifestyle!
They work by breaking down food waste in a way that means they can be used to greatly enrich the soil or disposed of more safely. Not only does food going to landfill increase waste, it can also lead to large emissions. Composting is a great way we can help at home!
2. Use more ecological products
The cleaning products we use can have a profound impact on the environment and even our health. While some products have been specifically designed to be sensitive or hypoallergenic, others that achieve great results can still come at a high cost.
They can aggravate skin conditions, respiratory problems, or cause toxicity in the water supply and oceans. Switching to greener alternatives, such as those that are natural, recycled, or at least don’t use additional toxins or microbeads (plastic particles) is a better option.
3. Use leftovers
Food waste is one of the biggest areas of waste in the home, and beyond. You can contribute positively to the environment by taking advantage of your leftovers and reducing food waste.
There are now a wide variety of delicious recipes that are specifically designed to use up common leftovers, as well as affordable storage options that keep food fresh longer.
You can also extend this approach to other materials, such as electronics and clothing, by reusing, recycling, or reusing them instead of just throwing them away. You can share with family and friends, sell online, or transform a fabric into something new. Be creative!
AT WORK
1. Travel ‘greener’
The daily commute to work can contribute significantly to pollution and harmful emissions around the world. So much so, that many governments have discussed alternatives such as incentives for the use of electric cars, construction of new bike lanes and more.
But you don’t have to wait for them! You can get started right away by evaluating your own switch. Is there a way to make it more environmentally friendly or even beneficial to health? Perhaps walking or cycling to work is an option, even just a few times a week.
You may also consider switching to an electric car or group ride options. Many companies are even supporting and encouraging remote work throughout the company. This is for a variety of reasons, but it also happens to be more environmentally responsible as it greatly reduces the number of people commuting.
Find out what would be the best option for you and act even small!
2. Purchase of second-hand items
If you own your own business, you may have the option to purchase key materials, supplies, or appliances that are second-hand. This reduces the number of items going to landfill and often costs a fraction of the cost of new items. It’s more profitable and greener for your business!
If you’re not self-employed, you can encourage your colleagues and bosses to buy second-hand items when possible or switch to items like recycled paper or reduced plastic. Where only small changes are possible, even implementing a recycling system or recycling bin can be a great way to start.
3. Turn it off!
When you and your colleagues are out of a room, be sure to reduce energy costs by turning off light bulbs, water, power sources, and anything else that uses unnecessary energy.
It may also be possible to make the switch to more energy efficient light bulbs and alternatives.
With small but effective changes and a proactive approach, you can make a positive difference in the environment, whether at home or at work.
