5 sustainable actions that cost nothing
With all the ways to help the planet and reduce our impact, it’s no wonder we often feel frazzled and overwhelmed, and more often than not - guilty.
So many of us fall into the trap of believing we need to own all the best eco accessories to be doing it right. We shop like mad on the zero waste stores and subsequently chuck everything made of plastic out of sight. Which is of course the opposite of what the world needs.
Elizabeth L. Cline recently wrote a thought-provoking piece on ethical consumerism, and our tendency to think we can consume our way to progress (read it here), throwing open the question of how as individuals we’re best to tackle climate change and social injustice to see real results. (She also raises the important issue of social and economic inequality when it comes to ethical living.)
There are important things we can do without spending money. And in many ways, it’s better we don’t. Our focus is best placed on simple mindset changes and developing new habits; prioritising resourcefulness and ingenuity over ease and convenience, and perhaps throwing ourselves into public activism on a more community-powered sphere.
But in our own private space, we can find ways to need less, use less, and align ourselves with nature. All of which bring many more benefits to our lives - like improved health and wellbeing, better relationships, creativity, and yes, finances.
So, put your bank card away - here are 5 eco actions that come at no cost and could all be started today…
Change your washing habits
Whether it’s bathing or showering, washing dishes, doing our laundry - most of us wash far more that we need to. Showers are the largest use of water in the average UK home (followed by toilets), with approximately 840 billion litres used each year for washing our bodies. By reducing our daily shower by just 1 minute, we could save a massive £215 million in energy bills a year nationwide.
The optimum shower time is 4 minutes, so either time your shower with a clock or your phone, or try keeping it to the length of a song. Check out this Waterwise shower playlist for inspiration.
Turn off the tap while washing dishes and cleaning teeth. Make sure the dishwasher’s full before putting it on, and reduce the frequency of your laundry. Try to do more spot washing and freshen up clothes with little homemade spritzes of white vinegar + water + essential oils or lemon. Hang clothes outside or by a window to air, and use colder wash cycles where possible.
Time your showers and save energy and water
“The greatest opportunities for saving water can be found in the bathroom.”
2. Choose seasonal
Buying local and seasonal food brings with it a host of advantages beyond the basic fact it tastes better! In-season produce is likely to be homegrown, meaning it’s less travelled and has a lower carbon footprint. And as more than half of food waste occurs along the supply chain (ie before it’s even got to the shelves), buying local helps us reduce food waste.
It’s good for our health too. By basing our meals around seasonal, hero ingredients, our dishes become focused on the veggies and their best companions in the herb and spice world rather than meat. It forces us to consider where our food comes from and connect more with the natural world. And because we consume the produce at its most fresh and peak stage of life, it’s higher in nutrients. Plus of course, it allows us to support our local farmers and growers.
In practise, it pays to have a seasonality chart somewhere for quick reference. Keep in mind what’s in season when shopping and always check the origin labels on foods. Websites like eattheseasons.co.uk, theseasonaltable.co.uk and themothercooker.com are all great resources.
“The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces.”
3. Walk or cycle
Throughout lockdown, in efforts to avoid public transport and boost our wellbeing, many of us got more into walking or cycling. In fact here in the UK bike sales went through the roof and most distributors were sold out across the country by June 2020.
But it’s something we need to sustain beyond the pandemic. Transport is the biggest source of air and noise pollution in the UK, with road transport accounting for 22% of total UK carbon emissions.
Whether its getting to work or running errands locally, ditching the car for shorter journeys in favour of walking or cycling can help lower carbon emissions and cut down on air and noise pollution.
Look for opportunities to car share, work remotely more (which you may already be doing) or take the bus.
4. Use natural cleaners
So many household cleaning supplies are environmental pollutants, loaded with toxic chemicals that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the air in your home. These can contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions, headaches, eye and throat irritations and have been linked to cancer.
A far safer and earth-friendlier option is using homemade natural-ingredient cleaners, which are easier and more effective than most people realise.
If you have white vinegar, baking soda and access to some lemon or orange peel then you’re in business, and need nothing new at all. Combine these, along with some distilled water, in a spray bottle and use for cleaning surfaces, sinks, floors and glass. Add a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil if you have some handy, and include sea salt for a homemade oven cleaner or where scrubbing is required.
5. BORROW, LEND OR SHARE
So many of us default to buying new instead of calling on friends, family and neighbours for tools, homewares and equipment. Social media and community apps make it easier than ever to connect with others, and there is a heart-warming number of strangers out there keen to donate and find new homes for things they no longer need. Neighbourhood apps like Nextdoor or local Facebook groups can be absolute godsends for sourcing furniture, tools, fashion items and kids wear.
Consider organising clothes swaps amongst friends. Fashion is an unsustainable, resource-intensive industry, and with over 150 billion garments produced annually, we have no choice but to move towards a reduce, repair, recycle mentality. Swapping with friends is a great way to quell any niggling need for new fashion items, and gives you the added satisfaction of seeing old, unwanted clothes put a smile on someone else’s face.
Source: Fashion Revolution
While on the subject of sharing, don’t forget your local library. As well as books and magazines, the library can often offer up movies, exercise DVDs, museum passes and other items you might not have realised.
What other sustainable actions that cost nothing would you add to the list?
Here are a few more…
Go paperless for all your bills
Refuse plastic produce bags and always carry your reusable
Unplug devices when not in use
Make use of sunlight for drying clothes
Join a community garden
Make your own coffee
USE YOUR VOTE