The recent photos of the empty Glastonbury site where only 0.7% of tents had been left after the festival were cause for celebration; it seems the message that our planet is running out of time, and we need to do something to help, is finally landing.
A recent study by New Zealand Cider brand Old Mout has revealed that 80% of Brits want more ways to take action, and has revealed that it’s those aged 45-54 that want to spearheard the eco-way (65.8%), with millennials very close behind at 62%. As a result, Old Mout Cider teamed up with conservationist Michaela Strachan as part of its partnership with the world’s leading independent conservation organisation, WWF, to reveal 10 fun and lesser-known things that we can do to make a difference to animals and habitats around the world.
WWF’s Head of Climate Change, Gareth Redmond-King, and Michaela Strachan have shared their expertise and top tips on lifestyle choices to help climate change and biodiversity loss.
1. Keep your garden wild:
Plant native flowers for pollinators, and keep a patch of your garden wild to help attract bees, hedgehogs, beetles and slugs.
If you don’t know where to start, check out natural dwellers for more information.
2. Use green search engines:
Did you know that some plant trees every time you surf the web!
3. Stop washing your jeans:
According to fashion mogul Stella McCartney, jeans should only be washed every three months! Use organic non-harmful washing powder and put on a cool, short wash.
4. Buy green:
Businesses contribute hugely to climate change and biodiversity loss, so use your buying power and make sure to question where you spend. Are you using a green energy provider? Visit a comparison site to find out and for instructions on how to change if your current provider doesn’t match up. If you think a brand isn’t doing enough, make a suggestion!
5. Have an eco-friendly festival season:
Ditch the single-use make up wipes and make sure your glitter is biodegradable! Leave nothing behind (including your tents) and take re-usable water bottles and coffee cups. Old Mout Cider’s Kiwi Camp, which will be at Boardmasters next month, has eco-glitter stations and a spot where you can take your old favourite clothing items to be upcycled.
6. 50 wear challenge!
Wear everything you own at least 50 times before buying something new, and hold clothes swap and up cycling parties/events with your friends.
7. Green gifting:
Make an effort to de-clutter your life and others’ lives by gifting green. Buy someone a tree through a charity, or adopt an animal. Michaela says: “For my 50th a few years ago I got everyone to buy a tree through a charity… My son Ollie gets a different adopted wild animal every year for Christmas.”
8. Travel, plant, play, repeat:
If you’re travelling within Europe, use trains where possible. If you’re going across seas or have to fly, offset your carbon footprint through charities such as The World Land’s Trust.
9. Practice eco-fresco dining:
Research the best sustainable brands and make sure all your picnics and BBQs are filled with them. Old Mout Cider is vegan friendly, uses 100% recyclable packaging and natural flavours.
10. Knowledge is power:
Watch documentaries, read up on studies and advice, and talk to friends and family on what actions they take. We can all make better choices by learning.
What are you doing to fight climate change and reduce global warming? Share your thoughts and tips with us in the comments below!
