Little Ways To Live More Sustainably

As a blogger I obviously partake and enjoy consumerism which is not something I always believe is the worst thing in the world, it enables businesses to grow as well as creating jobs for people which in the UK we desperately need. Which of course, is important but something over the past couple of years I've become really aware of and been trying to make more steps to become is a little more sustainable. I'm not perfect, nor do I think anyone is with things like this but it's important to share. There are some super simple changes we can probably all make to come a little more sustainable and here are some of them.

CUT BACK ON PLASTIC

Cutting back on plastic is probably one of the hardest things to do as it's absolutely everywhere and it has such a devastating effect on the planet. I don't think I even need to mention that heartbreaking episode of Blue Planet and the baby whale. So things, like using your own bags for your food shopping or shopping in general, not using multiple bags for loose fruits and veggies and the reusing any plastic containers that food comes in, are all things that can help.

BUY A REUSABLE COFFEE CUP & WATER BOTTLE

This is in the same vein as cutting back on plastic but buying a reusable coffee cup and water bottle are also things that can make a huge difference. I always make sure I have a filled up water bottle now and something that got me into a good habit with this was going to the gym, now I rarely leave the house without one so I don't have to get a single use bottle when I'm out. Or when I am out if I have to get a bottle I always make sure that I keep it so I can use it again and again. The good thing about having your own coffee cup, I highly recommend Keep Cup by the way I've had mine for over 5 years and it's still perfect is that it gives you some money off your order.

RECYCLE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Most of us will be familiar with the recycling bin but what I wasn't all familiar with what I could actually put in it so here's a little list of do's and don'ts;

DON'T

Take out boxes
Pizza boxes
Styrofoam
Lids
Plastic bags

DO

Aerosols
Aluminium foil
Cans and tins
Cardboard
Cartons - paper based i.e. milk, juice
Glass - bottles and jars
Lids - plastic and metal
Paper
Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

SHOWER LESS & SWITCH OFF THE TAP

I stopped showering every day a few years ago now, I think maybe 5 or so. And sometimes this revelation is greeted with absolute horror that it's absolutely disgusting not to get clean every day but realistically I have no need to. And in general, between my friends and my boyfriend, none of those people shower every day either as every other day will suffice. Obviously, bathing and showering takes a lot of water we more than likely don't need to be using and it's a time saver too. Something else I make sure I always do to is turn off the tap when I'm brushing my teeth and washing my face, we never need a constant stream of water to do either.

BE SAVVY WITH FOOD

Food waste is such a huge problem, supermarkets and food chains throw out so much it's absolutely horrifying. And it's something that it's campaigned about time and time again, and sadly not something that's easy to fix so something that we can do is try and minimise food waste at home. It may lead to some strange meal choices but by doing so we get the most from our food shops and we're not then adding more waste into the world.