We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.
– Chief Seattle
Last week at COP27 US President Joe Biden spoke about global warming and how it posed an existential threat to the planet and promised that the United States would meet its targets for fighting it. It is on the heels of this summit that we wanted to share more about environmental sustainability and the power of one in helping to save it.
While you might believe that it’s too hard to make an impact on the environment. Small changes can make a difference and if we were all to make small changes together in the ways we eat, recycle and reuse it can and will have a positive effect on our environment. We know that if living more environmentally friendly was easy everyone would be doing it but there are a number of ways you can be more environment conscious without causing any hassle or issues.
What are the benefits to being more environmentally friendly?
- You cut down on household waste. This can mean there is more room in the wheely bin so that spring clean won’t take too long to clear out.
- It will have a positive effect on your overall outlook and perspective on life. Just knowing you are doing better for the environment has a calming effect on the body.
- You will reduce your carbon footprint – which can in turn help you reduce your energy costs.
What is a carbon footprint?
Your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases you create in the day-to-day of life. This can be from burning fossil fuels when you drive, use electricity or heat the home. The good news is that there are ways you can help to reduce yours and it can be with:
- Growing your own fruit and veg – help save money and give you a new exciting hobby.
- Plant trees in your garden – they release more oxygen.
- Recycle more and correctly.
- Eat less meat – try out new recipes that can help you go meat free 1 or 2 days a week.
There are a few more changes you can make at home to be more environmentally friendly below:
Recycle & Reuse:
Doing your bit for the environment can certainly make you feel happier and there are many ways you can jump on the ‘Reduce, Reuse & Recycle‘ band wagon. Here’s how you can:
- Reuse your plastics: The Chinese food containers are great and can be reused over and over.
- Recycle old clothing: Whether you dust off the old jean jacket or tear it up to use a rag, recycling or donating old clothing is great for the environment.
- Reusing Glass Jars: There are 1000’s of ways you can reuse an old jam jar. Whether it’s to preserve fruit/veg you’ve grown yourself, storing nails and screws in the shed or using it as a decorative tea light holder. The possibilities are endless.
- Scrap cardboard: While cardboard is recyclable, you can save space in your recycling bin by using it in your garden. Cardboard is great for drainage and if you grow your own fruit/veg, they will be delighted.
Grow Your Own:
Growing your own is certainly a rewarding experience whether you grow your own herbs on the window or have blocked off a section of the garden for your own fruit and veg. It’s a great hobby and something to do with the kids or the grandkids. There are numerous benefits to growing your own like:
- It will help you save money.
- It’s a great activity for you and the whole family.
- Your own is always healthier and fresher and if you are like me, they could look a little wonky but it adds to their charm.
Go Wild for Wildflowers:
If growing your own fruit and veg is too daunting an idea right now, why not try out a wild flower path? It requires very little effort but comes with multiple benefits. When its a flower patch you have sectioned off or a raised flower bed so you can still cut the grass with no issue. A wildflower patch will help:
- Sustain pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Filter pollutants and help to regulate the air quality around you.
- Attracts wildlife to your garden.
- Helps to feed natural wildlife.
- Easy to grow and need little to no maintenance.
Every little helps and we can all make a difference on this world whatever challenges we may face.
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