Last year, almost 90% of brits said that being more environmentally friendly was a priority for 2021, however, recent findings from The Climate Change Committee (CCC) revealed rainfall, sunshine hours, temperature and sea rise level have all increased.
With rising concerns around the climate, it is predicted even more people will be searching for sustainable changes to make in 2022. Yet greenwashing and mixed messages are making it difficult to know where to start.
To provide clarity, we joined forces with sustainable retailer, Ecovibe, to analyse climate priorities and give you these top eco-friendly new year’s resolutions that can actually help the planet.
1. Shop Local
Buying products that are made locally, or in the UK, can significantly cut carbon emissions as they will have less distance to travel. The less carbon emission produced, the closer to net zero we will be.
2. Reduce Single Use Plastics
Tonnes of single use plastic is found in our oceans every year, which causes extensive damage to sea life and marine habitats. To protect biodiversity, try go plastic-free and adopt alternatives in everyday life. Using things such as compostable bin bags or perhaps reusable make up remover pads will drastically reduce the amount of plastic waste.
3. Swap to Non-Toxic Beauty and Cleaning Products
Certain chemicals, such as phosphates and chlorine, which are commonly found in cleaning products, or BHA and parabens which are found in cosmetics are causing harm to the environment. These ingredients can enter water systems once flushed down the drain, harming crucial habitats. Instead, embrace natural ingredients, such as essential oils or plant extracts, and make sure to read ingredients lists to know what you’re buying.
4. Buy Second Hand
Creating a single polyester t-shirt generates 5.5kg of carbon which is hugely impactful on the environment. To reduce the impact of fast fashion and encourage recycling, consider buying second hand.
There are plenty of charity and vintage shops which you can access either in store or online.
Alternatively, use clothes renting services, such as Hire Street for special occasions, to keep carbon emissions down.
5. Take on the Climatarian Diet
The climatarian diet consists of eating plant-based, locally sourced produce to help cut CO2 emissions. The doctors who designed the concept have claimed eating this way can cut emissions by 1.5 tonnes per person annually.
6. Donate to Charities
Making even the smallest of donations to charities who strive to protect the planet’s rainforests will encourage biodiversity moving forward. Alternatively, look to buy through companies that donate a percentage of their sales to environmental charities.
7. Get Gardening
Learn to love growing your own produce or even adding plants to your garden. Not only is it a rewarding hobby, but plants help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air too. Growing your own veg will also help to tackle plastic consumption, as many produce in our supermarkets are still wrapped in single-use plastics.
