In 2022, we all need to make changes to our lifestyles so that we can protect our planet from the damage we are causing. Becoming more eco-friendly means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment we live in – and to do this, we must make small changes to reduce the negative impact we are having on the world. This can be anything from switching to reusable shopping bags, paper packaging rather than plastic, or being sensible with your electricity usage. If you’re looking for ways to make sustainable changes this year, read on for our ultimate eco-friendly guide!
Eco-friendly packaging
With more of us becoming conscious of the impact we’re having on the planet, companies are starting to introduce eco-friendly, bio-degradable packaging. This is a great way to ensure that any food containers can degrade back into the earth naturally if they aren’t disposed of properly. Choosing eco-friendly packaging like takeaway salad boxes and products packaged in paper means that you can reduce your use of plastic. More companies choosing to switch to sustainable packaging also means that less waste will end up in landfill sites that pollute our planet.
Choose an electric car
The way we travel has a huge impact on our planet. The fumes released from cars contribute to CO2 emissions in the air and cause global warming. Electric cars are becoming more popular with drivers to combat this problem. These electric vehicles are powered by battery, rather than petrol or diesel, which means reduced emissions. There are also hybrid cars available that use both fuel and battery, switching to fuel when their charge is running low, a measure that means you can still get to your destination.
Switching to an electric vehicle is not only great for the planet but comes with a huge list of benefits for drivers. Electric cars are cheaper to run because you don’t need to spend money on fuel. They are also a good way to get around in cities as they are exempt from or incur lower congestion charges.
Cut back on single-use plastic
Being more eco-friendly starts with cutting back on single-use plastic. You can find this in items like plastic carrier bags, plastic straws and bottles used for water, shampoos, and cleaning products. As mentioned previously, a lot of companies have started to make more conscious choices when it comes to packaging, but there are swaps you can make in your daily life too.
You should switch to reusable shopping bags – taking this small step means that you can reduce your plastic use by around 300 bags a year! It is a great way to reduce the amount of plastic polluting our oceans. Switching to paper straws or reusable metal straws will also help to reduce pollution. There are so many alternatives to plastic available to us these days, so it’s up to us to put them to good use.
Use electricity wisely
With energy bills rising rapidly, there has never been a better time to try and save energy where you can. Wasting energy by leaving lights on, leaving devices on standby or running when you’re not using them contributes to climate change, not to mention increases your carbon footprint! When it comes to being more eco-friendly, there are a few simple things that you can do to make sure you’re not wasting electricity.
You can take simple steps to reducing the effect your energy usage has on the planet by remembering to turn lights off when you leave a room and switching to energy-saving bulbs. Turn off devices like computers, televisions, and game consoles when you’re not using them – avoid leaving them on standby because this can still drain energy. Another great gadget that can help you to determine if you’re using too much energy, is a smart meter. You can install these to find out how much energy you’re using in a day and decide if you need to cut back.
