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Sustainable Living ideas

The Ridiculous Cost of Train Travel in the UK

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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.

Brown Train Rail Surrounded of Green Leaf Tree
Photo by Genine Alyssa Pedreno-Andrada: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-train-rail-surrounded-of-green-leaf-tree-2403209/

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 £6,776 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.

Shallow Focus Photography of Railway during Sunset
Photo by Albin Berlin: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-railway-during-sunset-892541/

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 £8,552.

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 £134.85 for an open return and £150.15 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.

Train travel ticket cost - 2 adults, 1 youth return £134.85 open return. 2 adults, 1 youth return £150.15 returning on the same day

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.

Sustainable Living ideas

Fast Fashion – The Environmental Toll

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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.

Pile Of Denim Jeans
Photo by Waldemar: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pile-of-denim-jeans-2129970/

What does fast fashion involve?

Natural resources

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.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/air-air-pollution-chimney-city-221000/

Social and ethical

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.

Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-choosing-clothes-in-the-rack-6069074/

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

Self-care, Sustainable Living ideas

What are 10 Ways to be More Sustainable?

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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?

Woman looking through clothes, thrifting, sustainable shopping
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-shopping-for-clothes-in-a-thrift-store-6068969/

Tip 2 – Eat Less Meat

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

Tip 3 – Save Water

Person holding a see through ball in sunset
Photo by Sindre Fs: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-displays-person-holding-ball-with-reflection-of-horizon-940880/

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!

I always get what I need for my toilet bomb recipe uk

Person shopping in store - sustainable
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-shopping-in-store-3735179/

Tip 5 – Sustainable Travel

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.

plug sockets
Photo by Markus Spiske: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-electric-plug-218445/

Tip 7 – Meal Planning

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!

Five meal planners in different colours - pink, light green, dark green, blue, mustard

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.

Green yellow red needle pin and safety pins
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-yellow-red-needle-pin-and-safety-pins-37631/

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

Check out the environmental days 2023 uk to see a list of important eco dates

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

Sustainable Living ideas

3 Great Swaps for Sustainable Living

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I often get asked what my top three favourite sustainable living swaps are or if someone wants to get started with eco-living, what would be the first thing I suggest they change?

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks.

There are so many to choose from so I thought I would list my top three and why they’re my favourites.

Wild Deodorant

I keep going on about this product and it’s unlikely I will ever stop talking about it but I absolutely love this product. Am I obsessed with it? YES

I did a review on this product back in August 2021 and I’ve been using it ever since.

So many of my friends and family and swapped to this eco-friendly version #SayNoToPlastic

wild deodorant with orange box, orange metal case and three refills on blue background
Credit – Wild Deodorant

This is how it works – you can buy the refills as and when you need them or set up a subscription. Either option will be delivered right to your door (in a letterbox friendly sized box). I did a video on how to refill them, it’s so easy!

A great addition to eco-living and they offer a range of scents which also includes a sensitive range too. Check out the range here and if you fancy getting 20% off your first order, enter the discount code EASYPEASY . One of my favourite scents is Wild sandalwood and patchouli

Jungle Culture Safety Razor

I’ve blogged about it, I’ve probably bored my friends and family to tears talking about it but I can’t help talking about it. I love my safety razor and it’s a great addition to sustainable living.

I remember my Dad having one when I was little.

They are so much better than disposable razors which contain plastic, rubber grips and metal for the blades. Due to the mixture of materials, they can’t be recycled. But with a safety razor, all you do is replace the metal blade.

rose gold and black safety razor with boxes for eco-living
Credit – Jungle Culture

I have previously bought a safety razor that felt cheaply made and it didn’t last long. From now on, Jungle Culture will always be my go-to place when someone asks me for a recommendation. I’ve had mine for a while and it’s really good quality! They’re easy to use and will last a long time.

If you’re complete new to safety razors, check out my blog to get started

Modibodi Period Pants

A while back, someone mentioned period pants. I had visions of walking around with a thick menstrual pad in my knickers, it’s not like that at all.

I like that I have a few period pants and, like with all underwear, if you look after them, you will have them for ages. Plus, in the long run I’ve saved money because I’m using the period pants every month.

Period poverty is a serious issue facing women and girls in the UK and around the world and I think period pants can help with with this massively. The pants are a one-off cost, and if you look after them, they could last for many washes.

Also, whether it’s tampons or pads, they contains plastic. Women’s Environmental Network state on their website that menstrual pads can contain up to 90% plastic and 2 billion menstrual items are flushed down Britain’s toilets each year. This is absolutely shocking.

I recently purchased a few pairs by Modibodi and I absolutely love them. First two days of my period are really heavy and worried about leaks and I’ve had no leaks since buying these.

Period pants in hot pink
Credit – Modibodi

I wrote a review in March 2022 for period pants and menstrual cups, if you’re not sure, check it out here.

Sustainable living looks different for everyone, and I know there can be barriers. There isn’t a right or wrong and there certainly isn’t a ‘perfect’ way of doing it.

Start small, do what you can, build from there.

If you want to go a step further, check out my blog with Environmental Days 2023 UK to keep track of key dates throughout the year

These are some ideas that work for me but may not work for everyone. Here are my terms & conditions for further reading

Sustainable Living ideas

30-Day Eco Swap Challenge

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Are you up for a challenge?

Since I started my blog, my friends and family have asked me for my opinions on sustainable living and eco swaps.

I love that they ask me for advice because I love helping others to learn to live sustainably and I will always give my honest opinion.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks.

More recently, I’ve had messages from people who follow me on Instagram and they often ask me for my suggestions on alternatives.

Just last week, someone messaged me to say they tried Wild deodorant and he found it irritated his skin. I asked him if he tried the sensitive range and he wasn’t aware that Wild had a sensitive range – he’s going to give that a go – I helped 😊

Something else I noticed is that, even though we’re all trying to do our best, some don’t know where to start. That was me when I started so I got to thinking cap on to see how I can help others?

After quite a few weeks of thinking about it, I figured out what to do.

I’m so excited to have created the 30-day Eco Swap Challenge.

Everyday for 30 days, there is one item that can be swapped for an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative – what it is, what impact it has on the environment and where to get it from.

Some are easy, some may take a little longer, there’s a wildcard and some where you won’t have to buy anything at all.

I’m a firm believer in starting small, doing what you can and building from there – for me, there isn’t a right or wrong to sustainable living – doing something is always better than not doing anything.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching, creating this guide and included links to other articles for further reading/stats (can you tell I’m an Open University student?! LOL)

At a one-off price of £7, the challenge can be started when you’re ready.

Do let me know how you get on

These are some ideas that work for me but may not work for everyone. Here are my terms & conditions for further reading