10 small things you can do every day to help the environment

The earth has always provided us with everything we need, from medicines that come from plants to the freshwater that quenches our thirst. But right now, this beautiful planet is struggling, and it’s time for us to step in.

The constant stream of negative news headlines is more than enough to drag our spirits down and make us feel gloomy about the state of the future. Let’s not let it stop us from taking action. I find that channelling my eco-anxiety into making change and setting an example clears my head and relieves that dreaded stress. It shouldn’t be down to consumers to change the world; large corporations and governments need to get involved, too. But there are small changes that can help. We can do our part in the smallest of ways. So let’s make a start, shall we?

Cut Back On Shopping Trips

The things that we buy impact the planet, whether it’s from greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water pollution, etc. By reducing the amount we buy, we can reduce our individual carbon footprints. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, head out to charity shops or second-hand shops instead.

Avoid Palm Oil 

Palm oil is a silent menace that often goes unnoticed during conversations about the planet. It’s a product that you likely use every day without realising it - it’s everywhere. You’ll find it in products in the supermarket, from the snack aisle to the cleaning aisle. Due to its versatility and because it’s cheap to make, this vegetable oil has become one of the leading drivers of deforestation. Deforestation is not only a threat to wildlife, but it also releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere. So the next time you’re doing your shopping, look out for palm-oil-free products. 

Make A Shopping List

Being organised with your food shopping is a super-easy way to reduce food waste. So before you go shopping, check your fridge and pantry for what you need, then make an informed list - and stick to it! My top tip is never to go food shopping hungry; otherwise, your trolley will be full of stuff you don’t need!

Try Plant-Based Alternatives

Intensive animal agriculture is destroying the planet. It’s one of the leading causes of global warming, and it takes up an unsustainable amount of land. The earth isn’t big enough to sustain the population’s growing appetite for animal products. We can all massively reduce our impact by reaching for plant-based options now and then. If you can’t commit to going vegan or vegetarian, look into reducetarianism or flexitarianism!

Arm Yourself With Reusable Bags

Plastic bags may seem minor in the grand scheme of saving the planet. However, every effort helps! These seemingly small items wreak havoc on the natural world, posing risk to wildlife, clogging drains, and they even manage to end up in our food system. Plastic bag production is also terrible for the planet as they’re made from oil. Reusable bags will save you money in the long run as they last for a lot longer. 

Ditch Makeup Wipes 

If you’re a frequent makeup user, it’s time to ditch the disposable makeup wipes! According to Business Waste, we are throwing away 11 billion wet wipes every year, and they can take up to 100 years to biodegrade. Not only are they bad for the environment, but it turns out they’re not great for your skin either. Many conventional makeup wipe brands contain harmful chemicals and fragrances. So your best bet is to go old school and enlist the help of a washcloth along with a makeup removing solution. 

Grow Flowers For Pollinators

The benefits of growing your own plants are endless. Flowers, in particular, are a wonderful choice because you’ll be feeding pollinators. These tiny creatures are crucial to human existence because they pollinate our crops. Anyone can start a flower garden, even if you have no experience with gardening at all. Aim for native plants such as foxgloves, lavender, sunflowers, and butterfly bushes, as they’re hardier and will benefit wildlife more. 

Love Your Leftovers

Life is busy, and so many of us are guilty of wasting food sometimes. You shouldn’t be hard on yourself when food goes to waste but instead try your best to avoid it. Start by sticking to shopping lists and only buying what you need. If you have leftovers, freeze them or invite somebody over for dinner! 

Buy Second-Hand Books

Making new books means making more paper, and making more paper means trees must be cut down. However, we can all do our best to prevent more deforestation from happening by purchasing second-hand books. You can also do book swaps with friends or visit your local library. 

Spread The Word 

My favourite way to spread the word is to lead by example. Show your family and friends how simple it is to be conscious of your impact on the planet, and you will inspire people in no time. It’s also important to know how to approach activism, for example, recognise which times and places are appropriate for serious discussion and which aren’t.