On the heels of the COP27 talks today between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, we wanted to share more about sustainability and how one person can make a difference when it comes to climate change.
You might think that it is difficult to make an impact on the environment by yourself. If everyone were to make a few small changes in the way they eat, recycle and reuse, it can have a positive effect on our environment. It might take some convincing to get everyone on board so why not think of the benefits?
Benefits to Being More Sustainable:
- Cutting down on household waste. This can mean there is less to go into the wheely bin and keep the weight down, especially since the cost per kg is in, so you are saving yourself money.
- It will help to improve your mindset.
- You are helping to better the environment.
- Recycling will help you to reduce your carbon footprint.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
Your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases (specially carbon dioxide) that you generate from daily activities. These activities can include driving, heating the home and using electricity. You can help to reduce your carbon footprint on the world by being more sustainable and this can include:
- Growing your own vegetables
- Planting trees in your garden – they release oxygen
- Recycling
- Eat less meat – try to introduce 1-2 meat free days a week
Below are a few small changes you can make at home and possibly at work too.
Start a veggie patch:
This can be as small as growing some of your favourite herbs in a pot on the window sill. Go as small or as big as you want, it’s a great hobby that will keep your mind engaged and your body moving. There are numerous benefits to a veg patch:
- Growing your own vegetables will help save you money
- It’s a great activity to involve the family in such as children and grandchildren
- Your vegetables will be fresher and healthier
- Enjoying produce that you planted, cared for and now cooked is incredibly rewarding
Recycle & Reuse:
Knowing that you are trying to make an effort to reduce waste can make you feel happier as you do your bit for the world. There are many ways you jump on the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ train.
- Reuse packaging to store leftovers. Those tubs from the Chinese wash up great and can be reused over and over.
- Scrap cardboard can be used in your veggie patch, it helps with drainage and will keep the weight of the bin down on collection days.
- Food scraps can be used as compost. You could even go that bit farther and save your veg peelings to make a broth for soup and compost them after. Just what you need for the cold weather coming in.
- Reuse jars for preserving extra vegetables. This will help cut down on waste and you have a new tasty and healthy snack in the press.
Grow a Wildflower Patch:
If growing your own vegetables isn’t for you, there is something else you can do that requires very little maintenance but can still have a positive effect on the environment. Section off a piece of the garden for a wildflower patch.
- It will help sustain pollinators like bees, butterflies etc.
- Wildflowers are easy to grow and need little or no maintenance
- They filter pollutants and help to regulate the air quality around you
- They attract wildlife to your garden
- Growing native flowers and plants will help to feed our natural wildlife
We can all make a difference on this world whatever challenges we may face, its never too late.
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