Did you know that each person produces around 1,000kg of greenhouse gases a year in the western world, which is the same as three Statues of Liberty? Too many greenhouse gases in the environment leads to heat getting trapped in the atmosphere, warming the earth and our oceans. This, in turn, leads to severe weather conditions, like flooding which we’re experiencing more frequently in the UK than ever before.
More people are becoming aware of the effect humans are having on the planet so, as the battle for sustainability continues, it’s becoming more apparent that protecting our planet today is the only way we can save our future.
However, there’s a common misconception about the cost of green living, and how you can actually end up spending significantly more on items just to “do your bit” for the environment. But we’re here to tell you that living sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, we’ve put together some easy ways you actually can save money whilst reducing your carbon footprint.
Gas, Water & Electric Wastage
Your gas and electricity are an essential expense that allows you to live a comfortable life, whilst it’s important to remember to switch lights off when you’re not in the room or put on a jumper before turning on the heating, there are also plenty of other ways you can save money whilst reducing your energy consumption. Here are a few things you can try:
- Check to see if your property is properly insulated – speak to your landlord if you’re renting as it can save you up to £225 a year on bills.
- Switch to LED bulbs – to light up your home more efficiently. Also, LEDs last double the amount of time than a standard incandescent bulb and could save you around £150 a year.
- Don’t restrict your radiators – as it can block the heat from properly warming the room.
- Opt for a smart meter – nowadays, most come with a built-in energy budget helping you to improve your habits and lower your energy bills.
Sustainable Clothing and Household Items
The number one way you can reduce the environmental impact of fashion and homeware is to stop buying it. Obviously, this is not a long-term solution, as you will require clothing replacements in the future. However, you can counteract your impact on the environment by purchasing clothes from sustainable brands.
Better quality clothing generally lasts longer too, so you won’t need to spend as often replacing older items that are past their best. However, if you’re worried about the price tag that tends to come with better quality clothing, you can always hunt for second-hand clothing using apps like Vinted, or visit charity shops – plus, you’re more likely to find something unique that not many others will have in their collection this way.
👉 To discover more about sustainable fashion, check out our guide about why you should invest in quality clothing.
Ease Up on Your Meat Consumption
Meat? What’s that got to do with anything? Well, meat consumption is actually responsible for releasing BILLIONS of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year only accelerating the impact of global warming.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, meat consumption is one of the biggest threats to our planet with animal agriculture producing more greenhouse gases than all of the world’s transport combined. After all, animals require land which involves deforestation, food, and water. Plus, untreated animal waste can pollute rivers and streams.
Due to the cost of raising a farm animal, meat is also fairly expensive to purchase. In fact, according to research from Finder, meat-eaters spend on average £2,002 a year per person on groceries, whilst a vegetarian diet costs around £1,545 per person, per year. So, skipping meat from your meal can be both good for the environment and your wallet.
Making Positive Steps Towards a Greener Future
You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle in huge ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be greener – but if you can save money whilst doing it, that’s just another advantage.
The world’s leading primatologist (chimpanzee expert) and conservationist, Dr Jane Goodall, fittingly said in an interview that “what you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”.
So, the next time you’re at the supermarket or thinking about buying some new clothes, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect and think about the impact you would have to make on our planet.
