We are all subconsciously trying to become more eco-friendly. However, are you still not sure where to start? Here are some of our top 6 ways in which you can become more eco-friendly this year.
1. Shop second-hand
If you can, try and buy second-hand. Have a look online and try and find local charity shops and vintage stores, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your style. Did you know that more than 100 billion pieces of clothing are produced every year, this isn’t good for the environment which is why we should be making small changes to our lifestyle. Before you make a purchase ask yourself “why am I buying this?” or “do I really need this?”. This will help you to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle.
2. Clear Out Your Clothes Carefully
It is estimated that 85% of clothing and textiles ends up in landfill which is something we do not want and should try to reduce. When clearing out your closet, do not automatically throw things out, if it is still in good nick, give it to friends and family or donate to charity. Charities are always looking for donated clothes, shoes, and unused makeup. Or another option is if you need a closet clear-out but do not want to get rid of anything just yet. Rent a storage unit! Put anything you are thinking of getting rid of in here, out of the way. Even if you do not want to have a closet clear out but you need more room, why not store your seasonal clothes in your storage unit? At Storage Manchester, we can offer you 50% off your first 9 weeks. We have the cheapest storage units in Manchester.
3. Cut Down On Packaging
A lot of companies are working to become more sustainable, but there are ways in which you can also help with this. Reduce how much you order online, only order what you need or if you can make these purchases in person and bring a reusable bag. Instead of buying shampoo and conditioner bottles switch to shampoo bars which several brands such as Lush are now producing. For other products, look for items that use recycled packaging and offer take-back schemes.
4. Use Public Transport
If you can opt for public transport. Cars are a huge cause of global warming. Public transport is so much more eco-friendly. If you cannot get public transport for whatever reason, you could also try and opt for a car share. On this topic, fly less. Cutting down on air travel is a way in which we can reduce our carbon footprint. If you can, try and travel by train. For example, from London, you can get the Eurostar to Paris and from Paris, there are plenty of trains you can get to other parts of Europe. You can travel and save the planet at the same time.
5. Eat Less Meat
Taking notice and being careful about what you are eating is a huge step towards becoming more eco-friendly. We are not saying cut meat out of your diet completely but eating less meat i.e., once, or twice a week can have a huge impact on the planet and on reducing carbon footprint. Whilst we are on this topic, try not to waste food. Did you know that 7.3 million tonnes of food is wasted in the UK every year? This is both a huge waste of food and money, but it also adds to the amount of CO2 being created in landfills. If you have food that you know isn’t going to be used, donate to food banks, give it to a homeless person you see, give it to your neighbours, someone will more than likely take it and make use out of it.
6. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Most cleaning products have harmful chemicals in them that are not very environmentally friendly to create or dispose of. Not only can it affect the environment, but it can affect you and your health too. Look into purchasing green cleaning products that use more natural and organic methods of cleaning that are not harmful. These are our top 6 tips on how you can become more sustainable and environmentally friendly in 2022. As part of your eco-friendly journey, if you are planning on decluttering and would like to rent a storage unit. Have a look at storage units Manchester, they will be able to find you a unit that suits both your needs and budget.