1. Support Local Business And Brands
Supporting your local and sustainable brands, businesses and markets is a great way to limit your carbon footprint and get involved in your community. Especially around Christmas with the increase in gifting – smaller brands are usually higher quality and always come across as more thoughtful as a gift than the bigger, generic brands. If you struggle with supporting local brands in your area try and support companies and brands online that have an eco-friendly conscience and are mindful of their impact on the environment.
2. Limit Plastic Use
Plastic is an issue that is hard to escape, especially as a consumer but it is one of the more important things to try and limit your consumption and be more mindful of. Try going to farmer’s markets for food or just ensuring to get your fruit and veg from the loose section of the supermarket. There are lots of great zero-waste stores where you can shop for pantry goods and cleaning products without the issue of plastic. Look for products or packaging created with natural fibres like wood, bamboo, linen, glass, organic cotton or hemp.
3. Find Ways To Make Your Hobbies Sustainable
Some items are harder to ensure are eco-friendly, especially if they are specialty items you need for a sport or hobby. Try to purchase items either second-hand or borrow them from a friend. Alternatively invest in sustainably made and eco-conscious products to support your hobby. A wonderful example of this is a sustainable golf company which focuses on creating sustainable golf tees and other golf accessories. If you are into practicing yoga, try to buy accessories and mats that are made from sustainable materials. Thinking outside the box and either getting things secondhand or ensuring that you purchase from a company that prioritises sustainable living is always an excellent place to start.
4. Grow a Greener Garden
Start gardening! Probably one of the easier ways to be a little more sustainable in your day-to-day life is by starting a little herb garden or growing any vegetables you love and have room for of course. Consuming your homegrown produce is a wonderful way to reduce your carbon footprint. Alternatively, planting native flowers, bushes or trees is a great way to get involved with this too.
5. Ride A Bike or Take Public Transport When Possible
As we all know, driving cars and catching planes does more harm than good, even though it is essential at times – when the opportunity to take the bus, train, or go for a nice bike ride arises, take it. It makes a huge difference and is great for your health too. If you don’t have a bike, you can hire or get subscriptions. Bikes are always up for sale secondhand – keep an eye out on your local marketplace. This is an easy sustainable step to be mindful of and incorporate when you can.