The easy way to a GREENER LIFESTYLE

Simple sustainability wins for you to try at home

Making small changes to the things we do and buy can have big benefits for the environment. And helping your family to get into more eco-friendly habits could be easier than you think with these sustainability dos and don’ts.

1 DO CUT DOWN ON FOOD MILES

Aim to buy seasonal produce from the UK to reduce the distance that food travels to get to your plate, cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions from air and road transport. Kids can help with this, too, if you show them how to check food labels. It’s a great way to get them thinking about where food comes from.

2 DON’T BUY UNNECESSARY CLEANING PRODUCTS

Is your cleaning cupboard bursting with trigger-spray bottles? How many of them do you really need? Distilled white vinegar is an effective, green alternative to harsh cleaning chemicals and often works out cheaper than branded products. Half-fill an old spray bottle with vinegar, then top up with water and it’ll make short work of soap scum, watermarks, spills and splatters on bathroom and kitchen surfaces. You can use it neat to descale the washing machine, kettle and showerhead, too.

3 DO SWITCH TO A GREEN ENERGY SUPPLIER

Next time you’re shopping around for a better gas and electricity deal, consider green tariffs. They can save you money and, as the energy comes from renewable sources such as solar, hydro and wind power, they’ll also help save the planet. Involve your children too by getting them to check the lights are switched off when not in use.

4 DO DITCH SINGLEUSE PLASTIC

At the supermarket, look out for refill stations for dried groceries, and buy biodegradable household essentials, like organic cotton pads and bamboo cotton buds, whenever you can. You can also get the kids to choose loose fruit and veg instead of prepacked produce.