10 easy steps to be more sustainable at home now

With the visible impact of climate change, sustainability is not just a trendy choice. It should be the lifestyle norm. So, what is it all about? Living sustainably means making choices that minimise the damage we cause to the environment in our everyday lives.

Some may think that taking a step towards sustainability is too complicated or intimidating. But it can be really easy if you start small. In fact, you can begin right now in your own home!

Here are some simple, practical ways you can kick off your sustainable lifestyle:

1 TAKE A QUICK SHOWER INSTEAD OF A LONG BATH

Baths are luxurious but showers can help you conserve more water and energy. If a family of four each took a five-minute shower instead of one bath a week, that would save them up to £20 a year on their gas bill, according to the independent organisation, Energy Saving Trust.

6 RECYCLE

Be familiar with the kinds of materials that can and cannot be recycled, like paper and plastic bottles. Sort your waste in properly labelled bins then sign up for recycling pick-up in your housing complex or neighbourhood. If that’s not possible, find local spots where you can drop off recyclable materials.

WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE A FULL LOAD BEFORE DOING YOUR LAUNDRY

Wait until you have a full load before doing your laundry. Then wash your clothes at 30 degrees or use an eco-wash setting. When that’s done, hang your wet garments on a rack or clothes line to dry instead of using tumble driers that use up a lot of energy.

7 SHOP FOR CLOTHES IN SECONDHAND OR VINTAGE STORES

As the fast fashion industry tries to keep pace with ever-changing trends and consumer demands, it uses up natural resources for mass production and distribution, with unsold clothes being discarded or incinerated. Don’t get caught up in this vicious cycle – purchase high-quality clothing that will last. Repair old pieces or pass them on to someone who can upcycle them.

3 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEATING

Take charge of your heating. Why not put on an extra layer of clothing instead of turning on your heater? Or turn down your thermostat by just one degree. Energy Saving Trust says that one move can save you around £55 every year.

8 BUY FOOD FROM YOUR LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS

Buy food from your local farmers’ markets. This offsets excessive environmental transport costs. Or better yet, try growing your own food. You don’t need acres of land for this. Just plant a few seeds in a container on your windowsill or porch. That’s enough space to grow herbs to cook with. Then slowly work your way to planting your own fruits and vegetables.

CONSIDER INSTALLING A HEAT PUMP IN YOUR HOME

It uses electricity to capture heat from outside and move it indoors. Because electricity is being sourced from more renewable energy sources instead of gas and coal, heat pumps are a great low-carbon heating option and a major way you can contribute to the UK’s net-zero target by 2050.

9 START COMPOSTING 5 RESELL OR DONATE UNWANTED ITEMS

Extend the life of items that you no longer need by reselling them through a consignment retailer or donating them to a charity shop. You’ll also feel great about getting extra cash or helping those in need.

It’s one of the best ways to have a positive impact on the planet. Use your leftover fruits and vegetables as fertiliser to grow plants. This will also decrease your contribution to landfills where food waste emits greenhouse gases like methane. Did you know that the UK produced 9.5 million tonnes of food waste in 2018? Imagine how much of that you can prevent if you set aside a bin or a small space in your yard or garden to compost!

10 CYCLE TO WORK INSTEAD OF TAKING YOUR CAR

If your office is closer to your home, go for a walk! That will cause less pollution, save you money and get you to do more exercise!