Most of us are doing a pretty good job when it comes to being environmentally responsible. We have all seen the news stories about climate change, rising temperatures, and the extreme weather events around the world. Even before the United Kingdom saw a record-breaking heatwave back in July, most people were doing their very best to be conscientious. But the fact is that climate change is here to stay, and the planet risks greater and greater danger with each passing month. It is no longer just enough to be doing the basics. Everyone needs to think bigger.
It can feel overwhelming when faced with something this enormous. This is an issue that affects everybody. When you know that at the same time that you are doing your best to reduce your water waste, you are reading stories about how mega corporations are greenwashing their practices and how big stars are taking private jet flights that last minutes, it can feel a bit hopeless. But every little thing that we do helps, and every step that we take is a step in the right direction. If you are wondering how you and your household can take bigger, more decisive steps towards going green, here are a few things that you can think about.
Cut Down On Your Meat Consumption
One of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases is animal farming. It takes a huge amount of energy and water to farm the amount of meat that our society consumes on a daily basis. Now, there has been a lot of discussion about whether going vegetarian or vegan has a different impact on the planet, but cutting down on the amount you are eating will make a dent.
The good news is that there are far more veggie options on the market now than there used to be. If the last time you tried a meat alternative was at a friend’s barbeque a decade ago, pop down to your local supermarket and have a look at what’s there. You may be surprised! And if you are struggling to think of things that you can cook, why not have a look for vegetarian recipes online. You are far more likely to stick to a diet that has less meat in it if you are enjoying what you are eating, after all!
Think About Changing Your Driving Habits
There has been a lot in the news about the steps being taken to reduce the amount of pollution caused by traffic. You may have seen the speed restrictions on UK motorways that are specifically designed to improve air quality. But there is more that you can do beyond simply following the legal guidelines that have been set out for you. To start with, think about how you can cut down on the amount of driving that you are doing. Drivers will tell you that short-distance trips tend to be bad for your car anyway, so why not think about taking public transport or walking for your commute or trips to the shops?
If you know that you cannot afford to give up your car completely, then it is time to think about going electric. There are so many reasons why an electric car is better for the environment, but the most important one to think about is the fact that it does not produce exhaust fumes. The main reason why they have not hit the market as completely as they might have done is that purely electric cars can be expensive to buy outright. This is why leasing an electric car is a better option. This way, you have predictable monthly costs for a car that is helping you to drastically minimise your carbon footprint. If you want to learn more about how to lease an electric car, visit LV ElectriX. They can help you get behind the wheel of an electric car in as little as twelve weeks and are there to help you to get grips with everything from costs to charging.
Recycle More Thoroughly
Most people out there are pretty good when it comes to recycling. A lot of us have grown up with the messaging about how important it is, and it second nature to us at this point. But there are plenty of items that simply do not go in the household recycling bin, at which point a lot of people will shrug their shoulders and pop it into the general waste. This is one of the reasons why electronic waste, or e-waste, has become such a massive problem globally.
It takes much more effort to recycle our used electronics properly, from kettles to laptops and phones, and a huge amount of these items end up in a landfill. The metals and plastics used in these items do not break down naturally. If you have an appliance that still works but no longer wants, take it to a charity shop or see if there are any local organisations that could use a functioning laptop, for example. If it truly is beyond repair, then find out where there are electric recycling facilities near you. It is more of a hassle but if you want to go greener, this is a big step for individuals and households to take.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Right now, everyone is thinking very carefully about spending any of their hard-earned money. But at the same time, everyone is very worried about how much their electric bills are going to be over the winter. One of the biggest drains on your home’s energy can be old appliances. This is because they may have been made to old efficiency standards and are using more than a new one would. It is also the case that appliances such as washers and dryers become less efficient over time.
You will no doubt be familiar with the problem of a dryer that can never seem to get your clothes perfectly dry no matter how many times you put them through the machine. If you pay to upgrade your appliances, you will be incurring a cost upfront, but you will be saving money in the long run. And when it comes to your dryer in particular, try to use it as little as possible. Energy efficiency experts have pinpointed it as one of the biggest users of energy for households.
Get Involved With Local Charities And Initiatives
At a certain point, there is only so much that you can do around the house to go greener. You can cut down on the amount of electricity and water you are using and upgrade to energy-efficient lightbulbs, but if you want to make a real impact beyond your own four walls, you should think about getting involved on a bigger scale.
There are so many local charities and initiatives out there which are dedicated to helping communities be more environmentally friendly. You could also think about getting involved with raising money for a charitable organisation. Whether it’s signing up for a marathon or thinking outside of the box with something creative and wacky, this is always a great way to raise awareness of an issue and to get people on board who may not otherwise have thought about it.