THE SUSTAINABLE(ISH) ‘BIG SIX’- IMPACTFUL THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY TO HELP THE PLANET – Sustainable(ish)

THE SUSTAINABLE(ISH) ‘BIG SIX’- IMPACTFUL THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY TO HELP THE PLANET

When it comes to the climate crisis and 'sustainable living' it can all feel a bit overwhelming. We're bombarded by all these things we should be doing, all the things we shouldn't be doing, all these 'green/zero waste' must haves we apparently need to buy, all the things we really shouldn't buy. There's a lot of noise, and sometimes it's hard to know where to start, or what to do for the best.

I've tried to distill all of the noise, all of the advice, into six simple actions, or places to start. So that if you're wondering where to start, or you've only got so much time and/or energy, these actions will give you big bangs (impact) for your buck. Or a good 'return on your investment'.
Of course, this is going to massively simplified, and I'm sure that my 'top 6' won't be the same as other people's, but I've tried to pick things that are easy, do-able, yet still high impact. Within each action, there's also a spectrum of how 'full on' you want that change to be, which will depend on where you are now, and how much time and energy (and sometimes money) you have to commit.

And no, six simple changes will never be enough, but they're a brilliant place to start - just imagine if we could get even 10% of the population taking action on these six things....

1. THINK SECONDHAND FIRST

60% of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of household consumption - the things that you and I buy, the choices we make, everyday.

The most sustainable version of anything is the one you already own, but if you want or need something 'new', then try looking for that thing secondhand in the first instance.

Challenge:

  • Can you commit to buying a certain percentage of your purchases secondhand?
  • Can you commit to a week/month/longer only buying secondhand?
  •  Can you commit to buying one thing secondhand for the next x months - whether that's clothes, or toys for the kids, or something else?

Some tips to help:

  • Get to know your local charity shops
  • Join your local Freecycle or Freegle group
  • Unsubscribe from all those tempting e-mails that drop into your in-box everyday!

Useful posts/podcasts:

2. REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE

50% of all food waste occurs in the home.

This is a shocker of a stat isn't it?
Food waste is a big driver of climate change as when in landfill, it rots and emits methane, a greenhouse gas 25-30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In fact, if food waste were a country it would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the USA and China. contributor. Add to that that growing food is responsible for 25% of all water consumption globally, and it's easy to see that this is an area where we can all have a really big impact.

Challenge:

  • Can you reduce your food waste by a quarter/a third/half in the next month/3 months/6months?

Some tips to help:

  • Do a food waste audit - save all your food waste for a week, and then don your marigolds to have a rummage. Weigh it, so you know how much there is, and identify the main culprits.
  • Meal plan - yes, I know it sounds super dull and boring, but this is one of the most useful things you can do! It doesn't have to take ages, and beans on toast has as much of  a place on a meal plan as a Sunday roast.
  • Take advantage of technology by downloading apps like Olio - a food sharing app, and CozZo - an app that helps you to keep track of what food you have and when it needs to be eaten by.

Useful posts/podcasts:

3. SWITCH YOUR ENERGY SUPPLIER TO A RENEWABLE ENERGY TARIFF


This one simple move could slash your carbon footprint by up to a quarter.

AND it could save you money. AND it will take less than 10minutes. 
I think it's what's technically known as a 'no brainer'.

Challenge:

  • Put a date and time in your diary when you've got 10minutes to do this, and then stick to it!
  • If you've already switched, share! See if you can persuade at least one friend/family member/work colleague to make the switch.

Useful posts/podcasts:

  • Check out Big Clean Switch for a free quote from their list of green energy tariffs - they've done all the research so that you don't have to!
  • Arm yourself with a recent energy bill, which will make it easier to get an accurate quote.

Useful posts/podcasts:

4. REFUSE SINGLE USE


One million plastic bottles are produced every minute

And it's not just plastic bottles.
The Big 4 most commonly used single use plastics are water bottles, coffee cups, straws, and plastic bags - all of which are used for minutes and then hang around in landfill for years.

Challenge:

  • Could you commit to eliminating just one of the Big 4 single use plastics over the next month?
  • Could you commit to eliminating ALL of the Big 4 single use plastics over the next 2-3 months?
  • Could you go beyond the Big 4, and starting working on other single use items? What would you choose? What specific action will you take?

Some tips to help:

  • Do a plastic audit - keep all of your plastic waste for a week and then have a look to see what's there. Pick ONE item to work on.
  • If you drink lots of bottled water, or lots of takeaway coffee, find a reusable bottle/cup that you love and are happy to use
  • Clip a reusable bag to your house keys!

Useful posts/podcasts:

5. EAT MORE PLANTS


Livestock farming accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Reducing consumption of meat and dairy is a really powerful thing to do for the planet. Buy less, but better is a good mantra to remember here.

Challenge:

  • Could you commit to one meat free day a week?
  • Could you go 5:2 - so 5 days veggie and 2 with meat?
  • Could you reduce your dairy consumption, experimenting with different plant based milks 

Some tips to help:

  • Check out the Meat Free Monday website for loads of meat free ideas and recipes
  • Substitute half of the mince in things like bolognese or chilli with lentils or extra veg

Useful posts/podcasts:

6. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD


3.5% of the population actively participating in protests can ensure serious political change

Challenge:

  • Have one conversation with friends or family in the next week
  • Share your thoughts and fears, and any changes you're making on social media
  • Write a letter to your MP 
  • Channel your inner Greta Thunberg and join a protest - join in with Extinction Rebellion, or the Fridays for the Future climate strikes

Some tips to help:

  • You don't have to be an expert to talk to other people about the changes you're making
  • When it comes to having conversations, pick the low hanging fruit first - strike up a chat with a friend who you think is likely to share your concerns
  • Find your tribe -it can feel lonely sometimes, so find like-minded people to support and encourage you, whether that's online or in person. If you haven't joined us yet, the Sustainable(ish) online community is a marvellous place to hang out!

Useful posts/podcasts:

Whether you're just starting out or well on your way, hopefully there's food for thought and actions to take - let me know how you're doing!

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