How Can You Be More Sustainable?
A recent study in a McKinsey US consumer survey found that 80% of US consumers find sustainability important. Individual improvements in sustainability can be achieved through a conscious effort to reduce carbon footprint. This can include cutting plastic consumption, using renewable energy, and shopping second-hand. Further from the environmental benefits, a sustainable lifestyle can help an individual save money.
This guide will provide you with simple tips and tricks to improve your sustainability.
Why Should You Become More Sustainable?
Human activity negatively affects the environment through pollution, deforestation, overpopulation, and the burning of fossil fuels. Living sustainably minimizes the negative impact of our lifestyles on the global environment. Individual efforts can inspire others and contribute towards healthier choices which can combat climate change.
10 Tips To Become More Sustainable:
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Cut Plastic Consumption
80% of American plastic is sent to landfills. The health and beauty industry is increasingly tasked with lowering plastic consumption to align with sustainability goals. Some changes to traditional health and beauty products include shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and menstrual cups. These products, once rare, can now be found across high street stores.
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Bring A Carrier Bag
The Center for Biological Diversity found the average American uses 365 plastic bags per year. Like reducing use of plastic products, bringing carrier bags to stores can reduce our single-use plastic consumption. Reusable bags save the earth from the conventional plastic bags that take hundreds of years to decompose.
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Consider Car Shares And Public Transport
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 28% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by transportation. The pollution caused by individual commuting can be reduced by car sharing with colleagues. Less cars on the road equals less global greenhouse gas emissions. This will also help save on petrol or diesel during an era of unprecedented fuel costs.
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Shop Second-Hand
Browsing local charity or thrift stores can help to reduce the harmful effects of fast fashion. Similarly, shopping on apps such as Flyp, Lucky Sweater, and Vestiaire Collective can help refresh your wardrobe without contributing to clothing waste. Shopping second-hand is often cheaper than buying products from fast fashion brands.
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Have One Meat-Free Day Per Week
It takes 16,000 liters of water to make 1kg of beef. The vegan diet can lower carbon footprint but is not easily accessible to people of all income groups. Experimenting with some plant-based or vegetarian recipes once or twice a week can be a simple method to increase your sustainability.
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Switch To Renewable Energy
Switching to renewable sources of energy, such as solar panels, can reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. Not only will this choice help to reduce your carbon footprint, it will also help you save on energy bills. Solar panels can help you save around $1,500 per year on electricity bills.
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Reduce Food Waste
According to The Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations, we waste a third of all food produced for human consumption. This wastes the significant amount of water, land, and labor that produces our food. Save money and reduce your carbon footprint by using leftovers to create more meals and composting food waste in the garden.
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Recycle
Recycling a single 500ml aluminium drink can save enough energy to power a TV for four hours. You can recycle soda cans, paper products, and some plastics. Recycling reduces the products that end up in landfill and allows for the reuse of materials. This helps to reduce the carbon footprint and conserve energy.
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Conserve Water
According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, only 1% of Earth’s water is safe to drink. Conserving water is essential for the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Reducing water usage saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Conserving water similarly helps to save on household bills.
Easy ways to conserve water include turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth or washing dishes, taking less baths and shorter showers, and watering plants with a watering can rather than a hose.
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Conserve Energy
If switching to renewable energy is not possible, choose instead to reduce electricity use in the home to lower carbon emissions and save money. The PBS research team found that over 20% of U.S. energy emissions are attributed to household consumption.
Turn off lights when possible, unplug electronics when not in use, and hang laundry instead of using the drier.
Conclusion
Sustainability can be supported on an individual level through greater consciousness of energy use, plastic consumption, and waste. Improvements towards personal sustainability can be made easily and contribute towards global attempts to reduce climate change.
