When it comes to looking after the planet, I think we all want to do our part. With temperatures rising and unpredictable weather patterns, we all need to think about our impact on the environment.
It can be easier said than done to find simple, convenient and budget-friendly ways to be more sustainable on a daily basis.
However, the New Year is almost upon us- and this is a fantastic time to think about our habits and how we want to act in our lives going forward.
In this blog post, I've put together 5 simple tips to be a bit more sustainable this New Year, including budget-friendly ways to look out for the planet on a day-to-day basis as we enter a brand new year.
1. Use public transport or walk
Sometimes finding ways to be a bit more sustainable means choosing a different option to your normal choice. If possible, you could choose public transport instead of driving, or even walk to work in the morning.
If you're meeting up with friends, check if there's a bus that takes you to the location, or look how long it will take you to get there by walking instead of driving.
Reducing how much you drive will also save on petrol costs- so it could be a win/win!
2. Borrow, don't buy
Let's be honest, it is all too easy to buy things online at the push of a button- but this can greatly contribute to our waste and carbon footprint.
Instead of choosing to buy anything you need, you could try to borrow it. For example, if you need an outfit for an event but you don't have anything to wear, you could borrow a dress from a friend.
You might only wear this item of clothing once, so this saves on unnecessary waste- and it also allows you to save money too!
If you want to read a new book, you could also see if the library has it before buying it for yourself.
3. Choose vegan options
It's no secret that eating meat can negatively impact the environment, but you might find it hard to stick to a vegan diet.
If you're not ready to fully commit to a vegan lifestyle, try choosing a few vegan or vegetarian options this New Year.
You could eat veggie and vegan meals when you eat out or just implement one or two vegan options per week.
This will allow you to be a bit more sustainable this New Year, without greatly inconveniencing your lifestyle.
4. Second-hand shopping
Second-hand shopping is a great way to be more sustainable this New Year!
Instead of buying your clothes and other items new from big companies, check out second-hand stores in-person or sites such as Depop or Vinted online.
These items have been pre-loved by someone else, meaning they can help stop the damaging cycle of fast fashion and clothing waste. Don't forget to donate your old clothes and accessories to second-hand shops too!
Second-hand shops often support charities too, so they are a great place to visit in the New Year if you want to do a little good.
5. Stop impulse buying
I think we all fall victim to impulse buying when we're out at the shops or spend time shopping online.
It can be so easy to see something we fancy and grab it without really thinking first, whether it's clothes, food, beauty or skincare products.
However, reducing impulse buys is a great way to look out for the environment and reduce waste.
Chances are, you don't actually need something that you impulse buy- so take a second to think about your purchase before you make it.
Do you need this item of clothing? Can you justify the delivery of your purchase?
This could help you save money, too!
Do you have any tips to be more sustainable this New Year? Let me know in the comments!
Love, Sarah xoxo
