How To Be More Eco-Conscious This Summer

The Covid-19 lockdown restrictions spurred me to spend more time in nature than I ever have before, and I'm sure many of you can relate! Although challenging, the lockdown opened my eyes to the beauty of simple walks in green spaces and the countryside, and this time spent in nature played an important role in maintaining my mental health during the toughest times of the pandemic.

Now that life is slowly but surely returning to normal, we all are presented with the opportunity to step back and look at how our lives might be negatively impacting the natural world. There are many small changes that we can make to live more environmentally-conscious, and with the sun shining down on us in solidarity, summer is the best time to start!

You can save money and help the planet by using water wisely. It's expected that everyone will use more water in the summer, which is fine, however, be sure to only use what you need. Here are some tips for saving water:

Most sunscreens have harmful chemicals in them that can be bad for your skin and the environment. Look out for brands that sell safer, cruelty-free, and vegan sunscreens such as Green People and Glossier. 

Agriculture is responsible for 9% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. It takes a lot of time, energy, and water to raise fruit and vegetables from seed and then get it to the supermarket shelves. By growing produce yourself, you are minimising your carbon footprint as toxic chemicals and transportation needn't be involved. Also, nothing beats the sense of achievement that you feel from growing your own food!

Cutting down on single-use plastic is such an important step in your journey to leading a low impact lifestyle. First of all, the process of manufacturing plastic uses up a lot of fossil fuels, and then after one usage, they end up in landfills, the ocean, or littering streets. By using reusable items like stainless steel water bottles, coffee cups, and steel straws, you are not only saving your own money in the long-term but also the planet. Although these items might seem expensive at first glance, they have a long lifespan if looked after well, so see them as a long-term investment.

Instead of jetting off for the summer, opt for a staycation or go somewhere by train. Flights burn a considerable amount of fuel for each journey; specifically, taking a long-haul flight generates more carbon emissions than the average person produces in a whole year. Although you shouldn't feel bad for taking flights occasionally, keep in mind that it's much more environmentally-friendly to go by train - so if there's an option, take it!

Did you know that the average UK household does 270 washing machine loads per year? Imagine how much water and energy that uses just in the UK... just for washing clothes! Fortunately, there are ways that you can make your washing routine greener:

We're not saying that you have to go fully plant-based, but swapping meat for plant foods now and then does wonders for the planet (and not to mention your health). Getting meat onto the supermarket shelves uses an enormous amount of resources, so if we all eat it less, then we'll be lowering the demand. If you enjoy the taste of meat, then we challenge you to try out all of the wonderful vegan alternatives out there! Trust us, there's a vegan alternative that suits everyone's taste, and there are more coming out every day.

Starting or joining a beach clean-up is a win-win situation. You get to spend time by the seaside with friends or family while saving the ocean from being polluted. All you need is a pair of gloves and a bag, and you're good to go!