20 WAYS TO GO GREEN

We all need to take action and make a difference. Try these easy, free, feel-good ways to do your bit for the planet, says

Take action and make a difference with these easy tips for a more planet-friendly lifestyle.

This decade is undoubtedly a crucial one when it comes to saving the planet. In terms of climate change, the next 10 years are crucial if we’re to avoid irreversible ecological collapse from rising global temperatures. When it comes to our beloved wildlife here in Britain, with a mere 2% of ancient woodland remaining and only 3% of natural bee and butterfly habitat left, we’ve got our work cut out.

But despite the urgency, saving the world doesn’t need to be overwhelming. From small steps to giant leaps, making planet-positive changes can be a lot of fun. Here are 20 ways you can make a difference today.

1. Give back with Good Gym

Good Gym is a community running initiative that connects you to local projects. It also ticks all five scientifically proven ways to improve personal wellbeing: connect with others, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. From running to helping out at allotments to litter-picking, Good Gym is a greener, happier version of going to the gym. 0203 432 3920, goodgym.org

2. CREATE BEE-FRIENDLY SPACES

If you have any outdoor space at home or work, plant it up with bee-friendly flowers, such as lavender and borage.

3. CYCLE MORE

Over half of all UK car journeys could be made on a bike in less than 20 minutes.

4. BORROW A DOG

Having a cat or dog adds a massive chunk to your home’s carbon footprint. Share your neighbour’s pet instead!

5. Switch to green energy

One of the most impactful things you can do to save the world is to opt for a green energy tariff. It can even be cheaper too, but do your research online and check the fuel mix to see just how much renewable energy your green supplier really uses.

6. CHOOSE A STAYCATION

Instead of flying abroad, opt for a holiday closer to home. If Europe beckons, try going by coach or rail. And if you can pledge to not fly this year, sign up to FlightFree2020 (flightfree. co.uk) and be counted.

7. Wash clothes at 30°C

Save energy and money on laundry day by choosing a 30°C wash instead of 40°C. One study found that if every Londoner switched to 30°C, they’d save enough energy between them to rotate the London Eye 2.3 million times.

8. SWITCH YOUR SAVINGS

A financial services company report found that moving your pension and savings to a sustainable fund can be 27 times more efficient in reducing your carbon footprint than eating less meat, using public transport, reducing water use and flying less combined. Nest offers ethical pensions (nestpensions.org.uk).

9. BANK ETHICALLY

Many banks invest in companies that are involved in fossil-fuel extraction, deforestation and mining. Switching to an ethical bank ensures your money isn’t funding this. Websites such as ethicalconsumer.org offer sound advice.

10. Cook some vegan meals

Reducing your meat and dairy consumption is one of the best things you can do to save the world; meat-eaters are responsible for almost twice as many food-related greenhouse-gas emissions a day as vegetarians, and about two-and-a-half times as many as vegans. Borrow some cookbooks from the library and get inspired, be creative and go predominantly plant-based.

11. Use reusable beeswax wraps

Around 1.2 billion metres of unrecyclable cling film is binned in the UK every year. Try reusable beeswax wraps instead. You could try making your own; see countryfile.com/how-to/crafts/make-beeswax-wraps

12. GET A WATER BUTT

Save water by diverting rain running off your roof and use it to water your garden and indoor plants.

13. JOIN A LOCAL BEACH OR RIVER CLEAN

Get outside and do your bit to stop plastic getting into the ocean.

14. Learn to forage

Fruit, herbs, mushrooms and leaves can be used to make preserves, jellies, medicines and meals. Be sure of identification!

15. POWER DOWN AT NIGHT

Turning off gadgets at the socket saves energy and could cut around £80 a year from your bill.

16. Ditch single-use plastic

Download the Refill app to fill up your reusable water bottle for free from over 35,000 refill stations. refill.org.uk

17. GET MILK DELIVERED IN GLASS BOTTLES

Avoid plastic containers! Some home delivery companies offer plantbased milks in glass, too.

18. BUY ORGANIC

We’ve lost half the world’s topsoil in the past 150 years and at present rates of erosion, it could all be gone in 60 years, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Choosing organic food is the most powerful action you can take to look after our soil and insects.

19.SHARE YOUR CAR OR RENT IT OUT

Check out BlaBlaCar and Getaround to rent your car out when it’s not in use. Or jump in with someone else. According to Liftshare, the UK’s biggest lift-sharing scheme, the average commuter who shares a car could save over £900 a year. Bye-bye road rage, hello good times, new friends and clean air.

20. Buy nothing new

Slow fast-fashion down by only buying second-hand clothes this year. Rummage around local charity shops, find a dress agency or use online auction sites. This goes for furniture, too – sofas are for life, not just for Christmas. If you have to get rid of a piece of furniture, Gumtree or Freecycle can give it a second life. Natalie Fee is an awardwinning environmental campaigner and author of the best-selling How to Save the

World for Free (Laurence King, £12.99). She’s also the founder of City to Sea, which campaigns to stop plastic pollution.