Concerned about our impact on the planet? Wondering how you can make more of a difference at home? 

Whether it’s a small change like using recyclable water bottles and coffee cups or a big investment like switching to renewable energy, there are little things all of us can do to help make our homes a lot more eco friendly.  

Here are 8 simple steps to live a more sustainable lifestyle.  

 

Cut down on plastic

Carry reusuable water bottles and coffee cups, swap plastic straws for paper or metal, buy loose fruit and veg, switch the clingfilm for beeswax wraps, and consider having milk delivered in glass bottles.

Waste not, want not

Around eight per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from food waste. Try to reduce yours by checking your fridge before you shop, use meal plans and only buy what you need, and use fruit and vegetables that are past their best in smoothies and soups. Some food waste is unavoidable but turning it into compost prevents it going to landfill and gives you free fertilizer for your garden.

Bright idea

LED bulbs save both money and energy. A typical bulb lasts for around 50,000 hours and using LED lighting throughout your house can reduce your lighting bill by up to 90 per cent.

Grow your own

Consider growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs. Create a vegetable plot in your garden, or just grow herbs on your kitchen windowsill.

 

Switch off

Don’t leave lights blazing during the day or when you aren’t in a room and switch off electrical appliances instead of leaving them on stand-by.

Natural solution

Replacing cleaning products with organic alternatives can be expensive, but it’s easy to make your own using natural products like vinegar, lemon and bicarbonate of soda. Check out our Journal post on Fresh Ideas for Spring Cleaning.

Old favourites

Buy refurbished or second-hand furniture and have fun giving it a fresh new look.

Go wild

Help the bees, butterflies and wildlife in your garden by creating a mini wildflower meadow. The animals and insects will love it – and it will look beautiful, too.