In our pursuit of sustainable living, many of us are exploring train travel as a viable option for travelling between destinations. As we strive to adopt more eco-friendly habits, we are encouraged to leave our cars at home and embrace sustainable modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, or utilising public transport.
The logic behind this choice is quite sound. While cars offer convenience, they contribute significantly to pollution levels, which can have adverse effects on individuals with Asthma or respiratory problems. Moreover, their operational expenses can be quite high, and the unpleasant experience of being stuck in a traffic jam on a sweltering summer day hardly adds to the enjoyment.
When embarking on longer journeys, opting for train travel appears logical; however, in my experience, the cost of train tickets, forces me to reconsider this choice as a viable option.
The cost of train travel in the UK is eye-wateringly expensive. For many, it isn’t a cost effective option, regardless of the environmental benefits.
When I Was Commuter
Having commuted from Kent to Central London for nearly six years. The moment arrived for me to retire my season ticket for train travel as I ventured into self-employment. Throughout my time as a commuter, the expense of my season ticket consistently escalated each year. Culminating in a staggering ÂŁ6,776 for my final annual pass. This ticket not only covered my travel on the High Speed service, with a duration of 40 minutes each way, but also included a travel card for the underground network.
Although I loved my job, the annual increases were not something I was able to sustain in the following years. The cost of train travel was one of the factors of why I became self-employed. Today’s cost (Aug 2023) for the same ticket would be ÂŁ8,552.
For many commuters, public transport is the method of travel people opt for, despite the astronomical cost. We have to get to our workplaces to earn money.
Train travel for Leisure
A great way to save money for train tickets is by booking far in advance. Although, this is great in principal, it reality, life doesn’t always work that way.
I moved to Leicester at the end of 2022. I was looking at train tickets for myself, my partner and my 8-year-old daughter to travel to London for the day. For three of us to travel costs ÂŁ134.85 for an open return and ÂŁ150.15 to return on the day. That’s before you even think about grabbing lunch, venue entrance fees. It’s cheaper for us to drive from Leicester to Borehamwood, Barnet or even Cockfosters and travel on the underground.
With costs like this, what incentive is there to encourage people to use public transport?
Train Travel in Europe
Germany recently relaunched (yes! relaunched) their scheme where travellers pay €49 per month for unlimited train travel. The point of this? to promote sustainable travel!
In Spain, a train ticket from Valencia to Alicante, a 3-hour journey, is just €9 (£7.80).
France have banned internal flights where rail journeys are available and less than two and a half hours.
What’s the solution
Sadly, the rail in the UK was privatised a long while ago. Everyone’s financial situation is unique and, ultimately, you have to do what is affordable for you. If you’re in a position to book far in advance, you can really make a saving on your train travel.
There are many railcard discounts available – network rail card, disabled persons railcard. If you’r eligible for these railcards, they can go some way to making train travel a little cheaper.
If the UK want to encourage us to use public transport, the cost of train travel needs to be a lot cheaper than it currently is. The networks needs to be improved so people who live in small towns and villages are able to access them.
Let’s talk about Eco-Judgment. I’ve noticed it quite a bit since I started talking about sustainable living. Some can be quite loud about what they do and why others ‘should do it my way’.
In my opinion, judging someone who doesn’t make the same environmental changes as others is incredibly counter-productive and feel this level of eco-judgment is really unnecessary.
I consider myself as an imperfect environmentalist, I try to do what I can when I can. I care about the environment and I always say – start small, do what you can, build from there.
You’ll look at something and wonder ‘Is it eco conscious’ or ‘What is an eco-conscious lifestyle?’ This looks different for everyone, there is no right or wrong. For many, it is linked to finances but there are other barriers to sustainable living.
We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly – Anne Marie Bonneau
Let’s Ditch The Eco-Judgment & Work Together For A Better Planet
Breaking Habits
When you’ve been doing something one way for a very long time, it’s learned behaviour and to change this, your brain needs to re-learn and adopt the new way. There are some who can wake up in the morning and say to themselves ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’ and they don’t. I really admire anyone who has the ability to do this, but for a lot of people, this isn’t that easy.
I’ve read somewhere that it could take about a month to break an old habit and learn a new one. A month is a long time.
Finances
I mentioned this at the start. There are many sustainable products on the market but they come with a price tag, which can really take a chunk out of your monthly finances. Judgement needs to be left at the door.
I’ve seen myself that a glass jar of mayonnaise will likely be more expensive than the single-use plastic bottle or a tube of toothpaste will be cheaper than toothpaste tabs. There’s no need for any eco-judgement here. You can only do what you can do.
There are going to be some areas that don’t offer the products / facilities as other areas.
At the end of last year, my family and I moved from the South East of England to the East Midlands. Where we used to live, all residents were provided with a food caddy where food waste could be stored and taken away on a weekly basis. My new district council do not offer this facility. I assumed this collection would have been the same up and down the country, that’s not the case. Because of this, I have started to compost some food (there are things you can’t put in your compost) and the rest of the food waste ends up in the refuse bin.
I’m doing what I can, that’s the point. Eco-Judgment shouldn’t be a factor when it’s out of your control.
Ignore the Eco-Judgment and do things your way
I like being different and it’s something I embrace. I’ve had friends and family look at me at times and wonder whether I’m a few sandwiches short of a picnic and it makes me laugh.
I have worn the same dress to three different weddings. It didn’t matter to me that people have seen it before. It’s a lovely dress and I love wearing it. I’m going to another wedding next year and many of the same people at previous weddings will be there too. I’ve seen trends where people are now re-wearing an outfit to a wedding more than once. There tends to be quite a bit of judgement around this and I don’t understand why; it’s cheaper, it’s better for the environment (less consumption) and you get to wear a dress you love over and over again. Even celebrities re-wear outfits.
Another thing I do that makes people raise their eyebrows is wearing odd socks. The reason is that if one sock has a hole in it and can’t be repaired, the other one is discarded even though it still does its job – which is a waste. Does it really matter if you’re wearing matching socks?
Some people think wearing odd socks is good luck (I haven’t found this) but something that is important is that International Down Syndrome Day is celebrated by wearing odd socks.
Maybe you could wear odd socks for Down Syndrome Day 2024 and show your support.
There is something we can do all and you need to find what works for your situation.
Start with something small, I’ve got loads of tips to help you get started.
You can also have conversations with friends and family to see what they do, that could give you some inspiration and potentially adopting that practice into your lifestyle. You may be surprised at how many people buy second-hand.
If you’d like to practise self-care the eco way, check out this download.
It feels that we just need to be kinder to each other and forget about the eco-judgment. After all, we are all working towards the same goal, just in different ways.
Are you looking for the best DIY toilet bomb recipe? I’ve got you covered!
This toilet bomb recipe can help get your cleaning done in no time and they’re easy to make.
When it comes to cleaning, the toilet isn’t always the favourite place to clean but it does need to be cleaned.
Many household cleaners contain nasty toxins that are no good for your health nor the environment.
It’s something I never realised before. I’m mean, why would I? I’ve never looked at the side of the bottle scanning the list of ingredients. I needed. a products to clean something and I will see what’s available.
I bet if you have a look at the ingredients on some of your cleaning products, there will be words that you may not even be able to pronounce, let alone know what they do.
Just breathing in these chemicals can’t be good for our lungs and no one wants to have to wear a full set of PPE when cleaning.
Since I opted for a more eco-friendly way to live, I’ve been looking into ways I can ditch harmful cleaning products in favour of ones that are more sustainable and kinder to the environment (and they could work out cheaper too)
One of the ways I have achieved this is to create my own toilet bomb recipe.
I even got my happy helper (my daughter) to help me.
Wanna know more? Keep reading
DIY Toilet Bomb Recipe
Here’s what you need for your Toilet Bomb Recipe…
1 cup of Bicarbonate of soda
1/4 cup of Citric Acid
Silicone molds ice cube trays (we’ve got various shapes)
30 (ish) drops of essential oil (I chose lavender)
Small spray bottle filled with tap water
Method
Firstly, mix the bicarb soda and citric acid together in a bowl.
Once mixed well, add drops of essential oil and mix well.
Spray every so often and keep mixing. You want it to see some of it sticking together but not too much as it will start fizzing.
Carefully, spoon the mixture into the molds and ensure you firmly press down so the mixture can compact, if it’s not compacted, it will fall apart.
Once you’ve used up all the mixture, leave them in a dry place to let the set.
I tend to leave it for 24 hours to ensure they are fully set.
Place them in an airtight jar.
Here’s a video, if you prefer that instead
How to use the toilet bombs
When it’s time to clean your toilet, all you have to do is drop one or two of these into your toilet and let them fizz away.
Leave for about five minutes or so and, using your toilet brush, clean your toilet as usual.
As we’re approaching the last quarter of the year, there are still plenty of Environmental Days left in 2023.
A friend of mine is a primary school teacher and suggested I list the remaining 2023 environmental days. She wanted to include some in her lesson plan for her students ready for the start of the new academic year.
As I said to her – “your wish is my command.”
If you’re thinking about any sustainability events at your school, workplace or community, here are some dates you’ll want to add to your calendar.
Led by Oxfam, Secondhand September is a campaign where we are encouraged to buy second-hand throughout the month of September.
I’ve written quite a lot about second-hand I’ve made myself and I’ve found some real bargains along the way.
Indeed, sharing your second-hand purchases on social media using the hashtag #SecondhandSeptember is a great way to spread the word and show off your preloved items.
For 2022’s campaign, Oxfam said ‘26,413 people pledged to say yes to less, by buying only second hand throughout September 2022. And 1,300 people shared your #SecondHandSeptember tips and experiences on social. That’s thousands of people consuming less, looking out for people and planet, raising money and awareness to fight climate change and end poverty.’
Organic September – 1st September to 30th September 2023
This campaign is led by the Soil Association working tirelessly to raise awareness of the benefits organic farming brings. Not just for our health but to the climate too. This environmental day is one for the diary.
I’ve recently learned about the devastating effects artificial fertilisers are having on our soils. It’s depleting the nutrients in our healthy soils and eventually won’t be able to grow anything. I remember somewhere in the textbook it said that you can’t grow anything in dirt.
Additionally, they care about the welfare of farm animals and it’s better for us too.
Their Pledge for the Planet ‘Together, our small collective actions add up to make a real difference. Whether we’re supporting local organic farmers and independent shops, growing our own nature-friendly veg at home, or taking steps to reduce our waste, making a pledge for our planet can help to build a more sustainable future’
The Great British Beach Clean – 15th September to 24th September 2023
This annual event helps the Marine Conservation Society to raise awareness and brings attention to their important conservation work.
We’ve all seen the images of the awful effects litter has on the oceans and wildlife.
Moreover, litter collected is recorded and their website states ‘Our data has been used to make a positive impact on our ocean – including the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.’
I’ve taken my daughter litter picking at the beach and I was so astonished at how much rubbish we found.
It’s a great way to get the little ones involved in caring about the environment, they can see they’re making a difference and, besides, who doesn’t want some fresh air in their lungs?
I’ve always had a soft spot for dolphins so when I watched a programme a while back where over 1,400 dolphins were killed in one day, I was completely horrified by what I was seeing (link contains graphic images!). I’ll never forget how the water just turned red – it was heartbreaking.
You can sign up to their mailing list to join the movement.
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 16th September 2023
This is an important environmental day in history of when the the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1987.
‘As the treaty turns 35 on Ozone Day, we will remember how the Montreal Protocol ended one of the biggest threats ever to face humanity as a whole: the depletion of the ozone layer. When the world found out that ozone-depleting gases used in aerosols and cooling were creating a hole in the sky, they came together. They showed that multilateralism and effective global cooperation worked and they phased out these gases. Now the ozone layer is healing, allowing it once again to shield humanity from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.’
I was a child when this was adopted and recall hearing about CFCs and the Ozone Layer. Even as a child, this showed me what global nations can do if they work together for a common goal.
If we’ve worked together before, surely we can do so again?
This is Recycle Now‘s Flagship event held every year to promote and encourage recycling up and down the country.
Each year there is a theme and this year’s is ‘The Big Recycling Hunt – focuses on “missed capture”: the items that can be recycled but are commonly missed in the home. ‘
They’re really keen for children to get involved and like to focus on schools to take part. Primary schools in England and Northern Ireland can sign up for the Action Pack Recycling Challenge competition – this is a great way for teachers to get their students involved in recycling. Plus, who doesn’t like a bit of competition?
Their website is packed with a wealth of resources for teachers and community leaders to get the little ones started.
This month-long campaign aims to create awareness to improve the health of our sewers, drains and seas. This campaign was first launched in 2019 and since then, thousand of Britons have made pledges to change their kitchen and bathroom habits.
So much of what we put down our drains have a wider effect on the environment and their website will help how you can change your habits.
This annual campaign encourages us to refuse a disposable cup and instead use a reusable cup. Disposable cups really are unnecessary and alternatives are so much better for the environment.
Their website states “Daily in the UK we use more than 7 MILLION DISPOSABLE CUPS – 500,000 are dropped on the floor! UK is one of the worst in the World in disposable cup waste using 2.5 billion cups a year – this would create a pile of disposable cup waste as big as the Albert Hall in London!
We have 4 times more cafes in the UK as there were in 2000. Branded coffee shops have grown from around 600 to nearly 7500 outlets. Around half the coffee we drink is from a disposable cup! Recycling or compostable cups are not the answer! STOPPING is the answer!
We don’t need to use any disposable cups ever. It is very simple to carry a reusable cup with you. It is also very simple for coffee shops such as Starbucks, Costa, Cafe Nero and Pret to stop serving coffee in disposable cups and make reusable take-away cups more obviously available and cheaper in price.
Or better still, make your own coffee before leaving the house 🙂
Unlike many environmental problems this one is not hard to fix – it can be fixed overnight!”
International Walk to School Month – 1st October to 31st October 2023
Living Streets have a month-long campaign to encourage parents and children to walk to school. Promoting travel habits that are better for the environment, awareness for road safety and the joy of exercise, there are may ways to get involved.
In addition to this, it will help improve air quality near the school and ease congestion. Do what you can.
There are some fabulous #WalkToSchoolStories on their website from the UK and around the world
This is an Environmental Day for 2023 that many people can get involved in.
International E-waste Day – 14th October 2023
Initiated by the WEEE Forum, International E-waste Day is to shine a spotlight on the increasing concern surrounding electronic waste and advocate for the conscientious management of e-waste.
Their website states – “This year’s edition will run under the slogan “You can recycle anything with a plug, battery or cable!” highlighting the issue of invisible e-waste – the electronic items that often go unrecognised and are not properly recycled within the appropriate waste stream. While e-waste is often associated with discarded gadgets and devices, a significant amount of electronic waste remains hidden in plain sight.”
I recently wrote a blog about ways to lower your digital carbon footprint, check it out here
Led by the Tree Council, National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration. Each year, thousands come together to plant trees to mark the start of tree planting season.
Their website states “Trees are heroes of nature. They sustain wildlife, create oxygen, purify our air and are absolutely beautiful. National Tree Week is the perfect time to celebrate our trees and remind everyone about all they do. After all, learning more about all the incredible things trees do is an important first step on our journey to a tree-filled future. So, any way you can, whether its sharing the campaign on social media, an email to colleagues, taking part in our competition, or just talking to friends, let’s celebrate our trees!”
Check out their website to see how you get involved in this great Environmental Day for 2023.
Held annually on 5th December, World Soil Day focussed on directing awareness towards the significance of fertile soil and championing the sustainable handling of soil assets.
Healthy soil is crucial to food production, biodiversity and intense farming over the decades has depleted a lot of the nutrients needed for food security.
That’s a load of key Environmental Days for 2023 to keep you busy, if you get involved with any of these, do let me know, I’d love to shout about it for you.
A little something else I wanted to share is that my blog is in the Top 15 of the ’15 Best UK Eco Friendly Blogs and Websites’. Woo Hoo!
Fast fashion refers to the trend of producing cheap, disposable clothing at a fast pace to meet consumer demand, usually done to keep up with the latest fashion trend. Regrettably, the extensive and wide-ranging consequences of fast fashion on the environment are substantial, encompassing various aspects such as air and water quality, as well as climate change.
The biggest impact of fast fashion
According to reputable sources, fast fashion exerts a substantial environmental influence primarily through the immense volume of waste it generates. Renowned studies indicate that fast fashion companies produce an astounding quantity of garments annually, with a significant portion ultimately finding its way into landfills or being incinerated. Startlingly, the fashion industry is estimated to contribute approximately 10% of the world’s total carbon emissions, and it generates an alarming 92 million tons of textile waste each year.
We must not underestimate the consequences of clothing decomposition in landfills. As garments break down, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to the acceleration of climate change. Therefore, the environmental impact of fast fashion extends well beyond waste generation, directly contributing to the worsening of global warming.
The production of fast fashion requires staggering amounts of water and other natural resources. The most commonly used fabric in fast fashion is cotton. This crop requires a large amount of water to grow, fertilisers and pesticides used when growing cotton contributes to water pollution which has wider health implications.
Toxic dyes
Naturally, the process of dyeing the clothes in various colors will likely be necessary. Some dyes used in textiles can be toxic and harm aquatic life through polluting the waterways. Let’s not forget about the energy and water needed to heat/cool these machines, which carry their own carbon emmissions.
Transportation
Then there’s the transportation of these products. Countries where environmental regulations are not prioritised often serve as major production hubs for fast fashion clothing. The pollution generated from factories can have a detrimental impact on the residents who live near these factories.
The fast fashion industry also has significant social and ethical implications. Producing clothes in developing countries keep costs low but this also allows some companies to exploit their workers. Many workers receive incredibly low wages and frequently endure harsh working conditions.
What can you do about fast fashion?
Thankfully, there are steps we, as consumers, can take to reduce the impact fast fashion has on the environment. The easiest step is to buy less clothing and opt for clothing that high quality that will last a long time. Another great option is to purchase second-hand or clothes swap with friends or family.
Take a closer look at the materials used in clothing and actively choose sustainable options, such as organic cotton or recycled fabrics. These materials require less water and resources to produce and often have lower environmental impacts than traditional fabrics.
Another option is to support companies that prioritise sustainable fashion and ethical production practices. Many brands are looking at their environmental impacts and it’s our responsibility to dig a little deeper to ensure they’re doing what they say they’re doing.
There’s always something we can do do. We, as consumers, have more power than we think we do. If we started turning our backs what some fashion brands are doing and opt for brands to genuinely care about the environment and workers rights, more brands will follow. Money talks!
These are my opinions and some ideas that work for me but may not work for everyone. Here are my terms & conditions for further reading
As people have become more aware of the environmental impacts of their purchasing habits, conscious consumerism has started gaining popularity in recent years.
At its core, conscious consumerism is about being mindful of the products and services we choose to buy and use. Thinking about the impact those choices have on the environment, society, and the economy.
The concept
Every purchase we make has an impact, whether it’s a positive one or negative one. By choosing products and services that are produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way, we can help create a more sustainable world. From opting for products that are made from sustainable materials to supporting businesses that puts fair labour practices at the forefront.
It is a growing awareness of the environmental and social impact of consumerism. A great example of this is how many people are now aware of the negative impact of fast fashion has on the environment and the lack of fair labour globally. By choosing sustainable clothing and supporting ethical brands, we can lessen fashion’s negative impact
Similarly, the food industry has also come under much scrutiny in recent years. Many people are choosing to purchase locally sourced food or organically to support sustainable agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint of their diet. By buying local produce and supporting sustainable farming, we can reduce our food’s environmental impact.
Conscious Consumerism starts with taking responsibility for your own impact on the world around us. By consciously choosing our products and services, we can shrink our carbon footprint and build a sustainable world. This can include reducing disposable plastics, using energy-efficient appliances, and supporting sustainable transportation
One of the key challenges is the sheer volume of products and services available on the market. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which products and services are truly sustainable. This led to certification programs, informing consumers about their purchases
However, it’s important to note that certification programs are not perfect, and there is still a lot of debate about what standards should be used to define sustainable and socially responsible practices. Although, some critics argue they are too lenient, and that they don’t do enough to hold businesses accountable for their actions.
Additionally, this can involve researching products and services and keeping an eye out for greenwashing. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, check out my blog.
Conscious consumerism involves a holistic approach to our consumption habits, considering the impact of our choices on the world around us beyond just buying sustainable or socially responsible products and services
These are my opinions and some ideas that work for me but may not work for everyone. Here are my terms & conditions for further reading
As a busy mum, I’m always on the go and have so much in my head to remember; making sure everyone else has what they need when they need it. I have to remember so many things but one thing I tend to put on the back burner is myself. Reconnecting with nature is an easy place to start for me to look after me.
Taking a little time for ourselves just to reconnect helps us to keep going and can help with focussing too. It doesn’t have to necessarily be a hot bath or curl up with a good book. I’m talking about getting outside and reconnecting with nature and yourself.
When was the last time you had time to yourself – no kids, no partner, no chores, no work? Just you?
It’s probably been a while.
Going to a park isn’t just about a green space found in nature, for me, helps me to reduce stress and boosts my mental health allowing me to reconnect with nature, myself and gives me some much needed clarity if I’m stuck on a project or a problem. There’s likely to be somewhere you can go nearby, or even in the garden, and won’t cost you any money.
Here are some ways of reconnecting with nature
Tip 1 – Walk barefoot – Revive
I’ve started with this as it’s one of my favourites. Go somewhere like a park, sandy beach, lake or even your garden and just walk barefoot. Shoes can be quite restrictive so let your feet get some freedom and wiggle them around. Walk around and let your feet feel the ground beneath them and just breathe. Feeling the grass under my feet is one of my favourite feelings and helps me relax.
If walking barefoot isn’t your thing, find a quiet spot somewhere outside, and sit on the ground with your eyes closed. Focus on your senses – What do you hear? What can you feel on your skin? What can you smell? How are you feeling? Let your senses do their thing. If you’re restricted on time, put a timer on your phone so you can focus on yourself. Give yourself a good ten minutes.
I’ve done this before at the park and, at first I felt a bit silly, but it was a really nice day and quickly stopped thinking about the people in the park. Lying on the grass was something I hadn’t really done since I was a child. I lay there and just looked up at the sky, trying to see what shapes I could see in the clouds, something else I used to do as a child. Looking at birds flying around or planes carrying their passengers.
When we forget about looking after ourselves, we end up burning ourselves out but it’s still business as usual until our bodies say “nope, I’m not going to do anything until I’ve had some rest”. When something goes wrong, we always find the time to manage whatever crisis we are trying to avert.
Why can’t we find time for ourselves?
Here’s a great article from BBC for further reading
If you’re ready to start taking care of yourself while being kind to the environment, grab the 8 BUSY MUM ECO SWAPS SELF-CARE EDITION download packed with tried and tested DIY recipes, cost comparisons and money-saving voucher codes
These are my opinions and some ideas that work for me but may not work for everyone. Here are my terms & conditions for further reading
In today’s world, where environmental issues are at the forefront of global concerns, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and make sustainable choices. One such choice that can have a significant impact is recycling. Recycling not only helps conserve natural resources and reduce pollution, but it also plays an important role in combating climate change. In this article, we will explore six good reasons why you should recycle more. From preserving our precious ecosystems to creating new job opportunities, recycling offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond just being environmentally friendly.
Recycling contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
When waste decomposes in landfills, it produces potent greenhouse gases, such as methane, that contribute to climate change. Therefore, recycling materials instead of sending them to landfills can significantly reduce the amount of methane released into the atmosphere. Moreover, recycling certain materials, such as aluminium, can have a greater impact on greenhouse gas emissions, since these raw materials require a significant amount of energy during extraction and manufacturing process. When aluminium is recycled, it can be easily melted down and repurposed, requiring only a fraction of the energy used in primary production. Another great example is recycling paper waste requires less energy than producing paper from virgin pulp. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling one ton of paper can save approximately 4,100 kilowatt-hours of energy, which is enough to power the average home for six months. It helps conserve natural resources In addition to reducing energy consumption, recycling also helps conserve natural resources. Many materials used in everyday products, such as metal and wood, are finite resources that can take a long time to replenish. Recycling these materials helps to extend their lifespan and minimise the need for extracting new resources. For instance, recycling one ton of aluminium saves having to extract approximately 8 tons of bauxite ore—the primary source of aluminium.
Contrary to popular belief, recycling is not just good for the environment; it is also good for the economy. The recycling industry creates numerous job opportunities, ranging from rubbish collection and sorting to processing and manufacturing. These jobs can also span various sectors, including waste management, manufacturing, and research and development. According to a 2020 report by Statista, the global waste and recycling services market had a total size of $55 billion, which is projected to reach $88 billion by 2030. As such, supporting recycling initiatives can not only help protect the environment, but it also contributes to job creation and economic growth.
It reduces landfill waste
One of the most significant benefits of recycling is its ability to reduce landfill waste. Landfills are not only unsightly, but they also pose environmental and health risks, especially to nearby communities. As waste decomposes in landfills, it releases greenhouse gases, toxins, and leachate, which can contaminate our soil and water sources. Recycling materials helps to divert our waste away from landfills, thereby reducing the amount of waste that ends up in these facilities. Moreover, this not only helps to mitigate environmental damage, but it also extends the life of existing landfills, delaying the need for new ones.
Recycling isn’t always possible, but proper disposal is necessary
While it’s always good to recycle more, it’s important to note that not all waste materials can be recycled. Moreover, certain materials, such as polystyrene, can often be difficult to recycle due to their composition or a lack of market demand. For this reason, it is essential to be aware of the waste materials that can and cannot be recycled in order to inform recycling decisions, especially for businesses. This can include hiring a reputable rubbish and junk removal company that can properly dispose of commercial waste as well as provide recycling guidelines and audits for proper waste management practices.
Recycling statistics and trends
According to the UK statistics on waste, the recycling rate for England in 2020 was 44.0%, compared to 49.1% in Northern Ireland, 41.0% in Scotland, and 56.5% in Wales. The provisional figures for 2021 show that 63.2% of UK packaging waste was recycled, indicating an improvement in recycling efforts. However, there is still room for improvement as many UK households contaminate their recycling bins with non-recyclable items. Increasing awareness and education about proper recycling practices and implementing innovative solutions like deposit schemes can further enhance recycling rates in the country. Similarly, clear instructions and consistent labelling are also needed to address confusion around recycling labels and ensure proper recycling practices.
Since I started this blog, I have found more and more ways to reuse water that work for me.
I wrote a blog back in October 2020 about reusing water so I thought I would post an update on other ways I have identified to reuse water.
Previously, I had a condenser dryer in my kitchen. I found this option easier because I didn’t need to have the dryer ‘installed’ into any pipework. It was simply a case of removing the tank when it was full. I was able to water my plants and replace the tank. It allowed me to explore different tumble dryer water uses.
Now that I’ve moved, my new kitchen doesn’t have space for a dryer so this is no longer an option. But that’s OK. I’ve found other ways!
Reusing Water from pasta and potatoes
I read somewhere a while back where people use the leftover water from boiling pasta or potatoes but only if the water is completely cooled down and hasn’t had any seasoning or salt. I do this occasionally but not all the time. I never do this as a substitution to tap/rain water.
Leftover pasta water is full of starch and many gardeners believe this can give your plants a little boost.
If you’re interested in more, here’s a great article for further reading and make your own mind up
Water bottles
My daughter takes a water bottle to school, which she can drink throughout the day. There are quite a few times that she still has some water in it when she gets home so I pour any leftover water in a jug and use that for watering the plants (or put it in the water butt). There’s no point in throwing perfectly good water down the drain.
This is a great way to reuse excess drinking water.
Water Butt
Since I moved house, I have installed water butts in the garden (this was not possible in my old house) and it collects rainwater which I can use to water my outdoor plants during the spring and summer or even wash the car.
The great thing I like about this is that the only expense is the water butt (which is a one-off cost), after that it’s free free free!
Reusing Dehumidifier Water
We had to buy a dehumidifier because there was a damp issue in the new house. Although, the issue has been rectified, the moisture in the wall is still there so we use a dehumidifier to resolve this issue.
The great thing about this that it collects water in the tank which I add to the water butt in the garden so I can reuse the water elsewhere.
I know some people also use a dehumidifier to help dry clothes as dryers can be expensive to run. As they remove excess water from the air, they help with condensation issues, read more here and see if that works for you.
Shower water
I’ve seen people reuse water from the shower but I don’t know how soapy water can affect plants so I personally don’t do this. Although, I have reused shower water for washing the car and it works well for me. Keep a bucket in the shower and once it’s full, reuse that water.
The effects of climate change are regularly featured on news and social media and, in recent years, has become a more pressing issue. It’s apparent that our decisions are having an impact on the world around us. There are many ways to become more sustainable such as reducing plastic waste, recycling and changing a few habits which can make a difference.
Here are my 10 ways to help you live a more sustainable life.
Tip 1 – Buy Second-Hand
I’m a huge fan of this because you will be buying something that has already been produced. A lot of resources are used to make our clothes and many people are exploited. Dirty water sometimes enters the waterways causing wider issues. You’ll also be supporting charities who are in desperate need of money and there’s a good chance you’ll find something at a fraction of the original price. Check out my blog on how to save money – Who doesn’t want to save some money?
I’m not saying ditch meat completely, for some people, that’s not possible. Reducing the amount of meat you eat can make a difference because the meat industry has a massive effect on climate change, not only from production but transportation too. Starting with Meat-Free Mondays provides an ideal launching point
This will not only help the environment but it will also save you money. Repairing leaky taps is the number one thing to fix and having showers rather than baths is a great way to reduce your water consumption. I have a water butt which captures rainwater, if you have the space, think about getting one to collect rainwater. You may be able to find second-hand water butts online.
Tip 4 – Sustainable Food Shopping
In recent years, there has been an explosion of zero waste shops. This is where you take along your empty jars/containers, fill up with what you need and pay. No plastic packaging, no waste. Sometimes, it can work out cheaper buying what you need and reduces food waste. Plus, you’ll be supporting a local business and that’s always a good thing!
We rely on cars to get around but if you are able to take a stroll to your destination, that’s always a better option. If you have one, use your bike instead. Cars cause a lot of pollution and walking (or cycling) is better for the environment and your health too. Especially, if it’s a lovely day! Try having a staycation instead of jetting off somewhere as air travel is a huge carbon emitter.
Tip 6 – Switch off Appliances
As technology continues to advance, it increasingly dominates our lives, with daily consumption contributing to the escalation of carbon emissions. Unplug the things you aren’t using – mobile phone chargers, kettles, toasters, lights – they all consumer energy unnecessarily. Another great tip is to switch your energy usage to a sustainable supplier.
Meal planning is a great way to reduce waste because you are buying only what you need and you’re not wasting money (or food). Any leftovers can be eaten the next day. Additionally, through meal planning, you will be more inclined to purchase loose fruits and vegetables, thus effectively reducing unnecessary plastic waste. Need some meal planners? I’ve got you covered!
Tip 8 – Clean the Back of your Fridge
Now, this is one I wasn’t aware of! All fridges can gather dust at the back. Surprisingly, the dust means the fridge has to work harder to run efficiently which uses more energy. I will be the first to admit that I had never removed the dust from the back of the fridge but I do this every six months.
Tip 9 – Go Paperless
Ask yourself if you really need a printed copy of your bank statement? Do you file it? Do you shred it? We have the technology at our fingertips should we need to access this information. Additionally, this can be kept online but if you prefer to keep a copy, save them to your cloud storage or a USB stick.
Tip 10 – Make Do and Mend
This is one of my favourite sustainable tips! Certainly, during the second world war, people repairing clothes left a lasting impression on me, but as time passed, subsequent generations seemed to lose this valuable tradition. Thankfully, it’s starting to make a comeback. How many times have you discarded an item of clothing that has a hole in it? Sometimes, all it needs is a simple repair are there are many websites that show how to repair. In most cases, a small sewing kit will be enough.
Sustainable living looks different to everyone, there isn’t a right or wrong. There plenty of ways to save money too. Here are some more tips and DIY projects
Something I always say – start small, do what you can, build from there.
If you’d like to have a look at self-care sustainable living, check out 8 Busy Mum Eco Swaps Self-Care Edition – packed with tried and tested DIY recipes, cost comparisons and money-saving voucher codes.
These are my opinions and some ideas that work for me but may not work for everyone. Here are my terms & conditions for further reading
UK Eco blogger who cares about sustainable living, loves writing about environmental awareness days, Sustainable living ideas, and self-care the eco way – without judgement
