Carbon Footprints are something we hear a lot about. As consumers, we are used to seeing brands showing off their eco-credentials but choosing green packaging materials, or planting trees to offset their carbon usage. However, what we hear less about is what we can do in our daily lives to live more sustainably.
So what can the average person do to reduce their carbon footprints and what are the benefits of them doing so?
Reuse and Recycle Anything You Can
Reusing items is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. You can do this by shopping at second-hand stores, getting hand-me-downs from friends and family, or repairing items instead of buying new ones. Not only does this save resources, but it also saves you money.
Similarly, by making your unwanted items available to other people, you can find ways to offload unwanted items without just throwing them in the bin. There are a few different websites that allow people to offer unwanted belongings for strangers to collect free of charge! If you are looking for items then these sites are obviously a great way to find something you need. However if you have things that you are considering taking to the tip, then this can be a great way of decluttering your home whilst being super sustainable about it.
Cut Down on Food Waste
Food waste is a huge problem, not just in terms of carbon emissions but also in terms of the amount of money we waste as consumers. It’s estimated that households in the UK throw away around £700 worth of food every year. When you consider all of the resources that are required to produce, transport and store food before it even gets to us, then it becomes obvious why food waste is such a big issue. This doesn’t even mention the issues of world hunger and food sustainability. One thing we will say though is that if you do need to throw food away, why not try composting. When it comes to food waste, this is better for the planet than sending it to landfill. There are also compostable packaging materials that are safe to include in your pile too.
A great way to start cutting down on the amount of food you waste is to plan your meals ahead of time. By working out what you will eat in the week ahead, you know what you need to buy and only buy what you need. This also gives you the opportunity to use what you buy in creative ways, so you may end up trying some new recipes.
Batch cooking is another benefit of planning your food in advance. Making more of what you are preparing allows you to portion up meals and refrigerate or freeze them for later. This is a super sustainable move that will mean you are cooking things more efficiently! You will also save time on cooking meals and washing up every night during the week!
Switch Off Unused Electronics
We are all guilty of leaving appliances on standby or forgetting to turn lights off when we leave a room. However, leaving devices on when we are not using them is costing money and adding to your carbon footprint. While it might not seem like a lot, leaving these things on can really add up! In fact, the Carbon Trust estimates that standby power accounts for 5% of the average domestic electricity bill, so try to remember to switch things off at the wall if it is safe to do so.
Use Less Water
we are talking about washing up, it is worth mentioning water consumption too. It’s possible to save a lot of water when you really try. It can be as simple as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, or taking a quick shower instead of running a full bath. When you consider the energy required to heat water for washing it shows how we can be more sustainable in the bathroom (without needing going with the whole ‘when it’s brown, flush it down’ vibe).
There are some relatively cheap and effective ways to get free water, like installing water butts on your drain pipes. You may not want to drink it, but it can be great for watering plants and washing cars. You could also invest in some water-saving devices for your home, such as low-flow shower heads and taps. By restricting the amount of water that is able to pass through, these devices can save up to 25% of the water that would pass through without them. When it comes to things like washing up and showering, you may not notice the reduced flow, but you will notice the lower bills!
