Easy Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Become More Environmentally Friendly
Trying to live more sustainably can feel overwhelming when there are so many things you could change. But you don’t need to replace everything you own or get every decision right. A few practical changes that fit your everyday life are a good place to start.
Here are five ways to reduce waste and use fewer resources at home.
Reuse What You Can, Then Recycle
Before putting something in the recycling bin, ask whether it could be used again. Clothes, books and unwanted home decor could go to a charity shop, be passed on to someone else or be sold online. If something is broken, a repair may give it a few more years of use.
Old phones, tablets and other electrical items need a little more thought. If they still work, consider selling or donating them after removing your personal data. If they’re beyond repair, look for a suitable electrical recycling point rather than putting them in your household bin. Some councils collect small electricals, but arrangements vary by area.
For everyday packaging, check what your local council accepts. Having a quick look at the rules can help you avoid putting the wrong items in your recycling bin.
Use Less Water Without Making Life Difficult
Small changes in the bathroom can reduce both water use and the energy needed to heat it. Try shortening your shower by a minute or two, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth and fixing dripping taps when you notice them. If you’re replacing a shower head, a water-efficient model is another option.
A short shower will often use less water than a bath, although a long shower can use more than you might expect. There’s no need to buy a gadget to time yourself – a clock or a favourite song can do the job.
If you’re updating your bathroom anyway, you could also look at a dual-flush toilet if you don’t already have one. There’s no need to replace a working one solely for this change; start with the simple habits that cost nothing.
Cut Energy Use at Home
You don’t have to take on a major renovation to use less energy. Switch off lights in empty rooms, avoid leaving devices on standby when it’s practical to turn them off, and look for gaps around doors and windows where warm air escapes.
Draught-proofing can make a home feel more comfortable and reduce heat loss. Just be careful not to block vents that are needed for ventilation.
When an appliance eventually needs replacing, compare its energy use as well as its purchase price. Keeping a working item for longer can also be a sensible choice, so there’s no pressure to replace everything at once.
Give Composting a Go
If you have a garden, a compost bin is a useful way to turn some kitchen scraps and garden waste into something you can use on your plants. Fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, leaves and small amounts of plain cardboard are good starting points. A mix of softer, wetter materials and dry materials helps the compost break down.
Leave meat, fats and pet droppings out of an ordinary home compost bin. If composting isn’t practical where you live, check whether your council offers a food or garden waste collection instead.
Buy Less and Choose Things You’ll Use
It’s tempting to make sustainable living a shopping list of new products, but the most useful swap may be to keep using what you already have. Finish the cleaning products in your cupboard, use the storage boxes you own and carry a reusable bag if you have one.
When something does need replacing, think about how long it will last and whether it can be repaired, refilled or bought second-hand. Reusable face cloths, for example, may be a simple change if you currently get through lots of disposable wipes. Choose things that suit your routine, rather than buying a collection of “eco” products that end up sitting unused.
Being more environmentally friendly doesn’t have to mean changing your whole lifestyle overnight. Pick one habit that feels manageable, stick with it, and build from there.
