5 Easy Tips for Living More Sustainably

We should all be doing what we can to act more sustainably, and build a cleaner, greener future for the generations to come. However, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice and information currently out there surrounding the subject of sustainable living. To help simplify things, we’ve put together 5 simple tips, to help you start living more sustainably.

Start composting your food waste
Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste you create at home, reducing your greenhouse gas emissions and preventing unnecessary waste from ending up in landfill. If you have a garden, compost is an excellent way to fertilise and enrich your soil, helping it to retain nutrients and water, encouraging growth and reducing the risk of potential disease. If you don’t have an outside space to enrich, your local council should provide you with composting bins or a compost collection service.

Reduce your energy usage
Keeping an eye on your energy consumption is not only kinder to the planet, but also better for your budget! Remember to switch your lights and appliances off when you leave a room, turn your thermostat down a degree and put on an extra layer, only turn on your washing machine and dishwasher when you’re gathered and full load, and hang your clothes out to dry if you can! Next time you need to change a lightbulb or replace an appliance, opt for an energy efficient choice.

Re-Purpose, donate or responsibly dispose of pre-loved items
Are you guilty of throwing away old clothes, textiles, furniture and homeware when they become broken, damaged or you don’t want them anymore? Next time you go to get rid of something, ask yourself (or google) if there is any way you can re-purpose the item and give it a second life. Furniture can look brand new with a fresh lick of paint or wood stain, clothes and textiles can be re-made into something new, or simply cut up and used as cleaning cloths. If you feel as though you won’t get anymore use out of an item, consider donating it if you think someone else might, or dispose of it responsibly by taking it to a recycling centre or clothing/textile bank.

Support small, local businesses that are doing their part for the planet
Where you can, buy products and produce from local shops and markets, to reduce carbon emissions and cut down on waste. Be mindful of and support business that are doing their part to reduce carbon emissions and create a cleaner, greener future for us all. Try to choose a carbon neutral option when using home and garden services, like the Willow Alexander garden maintenance subscription.

Reduce your use of single-use plastics
Single use plastics are everywhere, and in this day and age, relatively hard to avoid completely. But making a conscious effort to reduce your use of single-use plastics is an excellent step in your sustainability journey. Buy fabric shopping bags you can use over and over, opt for refillable cleaning, and beauty products, and visit your local re-fill shop when you need to stock up on dry goods like rice, pastas, flour and oats, plastic-free!