10 Simple Ways to be More Eco-Friendly

Over the last few years I have been trying to be more eco-friendly in the hope to reduce my impact on our planet. I am not alone in this, as show by the increase in veganism and the availability of eco-friendly products.

I'm not saying I'm perfect but I believe if we all make small changes we can make an impact. Most of these changes also save money so even if you aren't that fussed about the environment we all like to save money!

1. Shop Second Hand 

In the UK we throw away 350,000 tonnes of clothing every year*. Not only that but the fashion industry makes up 10% of humanities carbon omissions **. The easiest way to reduce our environmentally impact is to buy what is already there rather than being new.

This is now easier than ever thanks to the internet. You can by second hand clothes online through Re-fashion which is easy to search through if you are looking for a specific item. The money goes to charity and the items that either aren't high enough quality or don't sell go to local charity shops. All that and they even do free returns. 

You can also shop at more well known places such as Facebook Marketplace, Depop and Ebay. Also charity shopping instore, you can also feel a bit smug knowing your money is going to support a charity rather than a big corporation!

Another item to shop second hand which is often overlooked is books! Books sadly often end up in landfill so to reduce waste we should buy what's there.  I feel incredibly lucky to live less than an hour away from Barter Books (One of Europe's largest second hand book store). You can even get store credit (as I have done) by taking in good quality books that you no longer want. Last time I went I got 4 books for free using store credit! It's also a wonderful place to browse. 

If I want a specific book I go to WOB (used to be known as World of Books). They have millions of great quality books. Before I buy a book on Amazon I always check if they have it here. Most of the time they do for a fraction of the price. I have ordered from them several times and have always been amazed by the quality of the books and how quick the delivery is.

If you want to reduce clutter and save your cash you can also borrow books from you local library.

2. Think before you buy (even when second hand)

Whether you are shopping brand new or second hand take time to think about whether you actually need and/or love that item. If you aren't sure then you don't buy it! Not only will you save money you will also reduce your waste.  

This is especially important when buying new. I avoid buying new as much as I can but sometimes I have no choice. For example, I needed some new gym legging and struggled to find some in my size second hand with pocket. Pockets are essential for me as I bring my phone running. So I brought them brand new. I know they worn a lot. I basically live in them even when I'm not at exercising! 

3. Ditch plastic (if not go for refills). 

The easiest (and cost saving way) to be more eco-friendly is switch to bars. I've switched my shampoo, conditioner and shower gel to bars. The soap bar I am using instead of shower gel is Pumpkin Spice from Lush. I started using it in November last year and its not even half gone. Not bad for £5!

If I can't ditch the plastic I try to go sustainable alternatives. For example, for my eczema I now use Dream Cream from Lush. Not only does it work a dream (hence the name!) if you bring five empty tubs back to Lush you can get a free fresh face mask. Alternatively you can get 50p off an item if you bring a container back***.

Another way to reduce plastic is going to a refill shop. I have a refill shop near me called Something Good. From there I refill containers for dish washing liquid, hand soap and hand sanitiser. I actually use an old Soap and Glory moisturiser bottle for my washing up liquid. 

4. Reduce waste by collecting or giving away items for free

I love Olio! Olio is an app where you can give away food and other items. Not only is this a great way to reduce for food waste, it is also a great way to declutter your home and know your items are going to someone who needs them and not in a landfill.  

They also have Food Hero's who collect food supermarkets can no longer can sell (because they are past their Best Before date but still perfectly fine to eat) and give them away for free. I have made lots of banana bread using free over ripe bananas that supermarkets will no longer sell. 

I recently collected a box of house plants from someone on Olio. Not only have I stopped them being thrown away. I've saved money on buying house plants. They have really helped to brighten up our flat. 

You can also give away and collect items for free on local Facebook groups.

5. Fix before you throw

One of the best thing's I ever spent £20 was on this sewing kit from Argos. It comes with pretty much every colour thread you could possibly need. I'm far from perfect at sewing but I do some basic stitching to fix some clothing. For example, a hole in my coat pocket, after having a panic thinking I'd lost my house keys before finding them in my coat lining!

If an item can be repaired rather than throwing it away that's better for the environment as your reducing the risk of it ending up in landfill and again saving your cash!

6. Walk or take public transport where you can.

So often said it almost boring! When you can walk or take public transport rather than your own car. Not only is walking a simple way to get in your daily exercise you aren't releasing any carbon emissions and even if you take the bus you will still collectively with those on the bus use less carbon emissions that you would if you all had a car and in turn reduce your carbon footprint. 

7. Use what you have!

Before you get rid of something think about whether it can have an alternative use. I have already mentioned reusing a Soap and Glory pump bottle for washing up liquid. Another example I have is I now use a make up brush holder as cutlery holder to take the cutlery I need to work for lunch. 

8. Find reusable period products.

We all know that sanitary products are far from ideal for the environment as they are single use and normally made from plastic so don't decompose. Though sometimes we have no choice but to use them when we are caught short! Research and trail alternatives to see what works for you. For example a menstrual cup, period underwear or reusable pads.

I can personally recommend period underwear. They are so comfy and as the pad is fixed in there is no risks of any leaks due to the pad slipping. But you find what works best for you. 

9. Wrap up before you switch the heating on

Before you turn on the heating put on more layers! You probably would have heard this a thousand times growing up from your parents. Though with the rising heat prices in the UK (that's a whole other issue!) most of us including myself have started to do this again naturally anyway. 

Again it is an easy way to reduce your carbon emissions. 

10. Finally, just try your best! 

Trying to be more eco-friendly can be overwhelming but the best thing to do is try to make chose the eco-friendly option where you can. 

I hope you find my list of 10 Simple Ways to be more Eco-Friendly helpful. Have I missed anything you do to be more eco-friendly? 

E x

Links are not affiliated just simply sharing as I love them.

References

• *  Re-Fashion | Second Hand Clothes Online UK 
• ** Is fashion bad for the environment? | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
  
• *** BRING IT BACK - Our new-look recycling scheme for 2021 | LUSH