In part 1, we looked at some of the most effective ways you can adopt a more sustainable way of life, including:
- Cutting back on single-use plastics
- Recycling household items
- Conserving your water usage
As there are so many other things you can do to become more eco-friendly, we’ve noted a few more top tips on how to embrace a lifestyle that will benefit our planet!
Reduce Fast Fashion
The fast fashion industry has increased in popularity over the years and continues to thrive despite criticism. Consumer demand for fashionable, affordable and practical garments has made brands such as Primark and Topshop the global corporations they are today.
However, regardless of popularity, the production of fast fashion has concerning effects on the environment. The consumption of water involved in the production of garments is one of the most alarming effects currently. It is estimated that 20,000 litres of water are needed to produce just 1kg of cotton. This is a worrying statistic, as there are still 750 million people across the world who have no access to fresh water.
The fast fashion industry is continuously expanding, and without intervention, an increase of 50% in greenhouse gas emissions is forecasted within the next 10 years. Consumers need to understand the environmental impacts of fast fashion and steer their purchasing decisions towards more sustainable fashion alternatives.
Become Energy Efficient
Not only does making your home more energy efficient help save you money on your bills, but it also reduces your carbon footprint. It is estimated that roughly 21% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from homes, hence the importance of people becoming more efficient when it comes to their household consumption.
There are several cost-effective measures you can invest in to make your home efficient:
- Roof insulation
- Installing a smart meter
- Draught proofing windows
- Invest in cosy furniture
In order to reach net zero targets in the UK, carbon emissions from households must reduce by approximately 95% within the next 30 years. For context, in 2020, the average UK household emitted 2,690kg of CO2. By 2050, this must reduce to 140kg per household.
As more homes begin implementing ways of improving efficiency, the closer we will be to a greener planet.
Become A Smarter Traveler
We are fortunate to live in a time when travelling has never been so accessible. The ability to travel both locally and globally has never been easier, and despite its obvious advantages to people’s lives, they are accompanied by adverse effects on the environment.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, with the popularity of travel to holiday destinations increasing. As restrictions begin to reduce after the Covid-19 pandemic, people are looking to make up for lost time, exploring new locations and reconnecting with friends and family. As the popularity of travel begins to return to pre-pandemic levels, the environment could face damaging consequences. It is estimated that global tourism accounts for 8-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is higher output than the construction industry.
Many people love to travel abroad and explore the world, and to stop flying altogether may be an unrealistic way of improving your environmental impact. However, here are some things you can do to become a more sustainable traveler, whilst also enjoying your trip:
- Travel to locations closer to home
- Make smarter decisions when booking flights
- Respect local cultures and communities
- Choose ‘green’ hotels that adopt sustainable practices
Check out some more ways you can become a more responsible traveler.