Over the past 10 years the issue of global warming, and the effects of the human
race on the planet have been
in the top 3 most talked about issues around the world,
and with good cause. A lot of the talk has been about saving the planet, but the
reality is different. According to scientists the Earth has been around for billions
of years, withstanding some of the harshest conditions imaginable. If we continue
to live on Earth, polluting rivers, oceans, the air, and consuming resources at the
current rate, humans will at some point end up being endangered species. Planet Earth
on the other hand will still keep spinning and in thousands of years, a blink of
the universal eye, its ecosystem will undo everything will did.
Pollution occurs in many different ways. Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas that helps keep the Earth’s temperature warm and suitable for us humans and other life forms. But modern cars, planes and other man made inventions also emit carbon dioxide, this means that the Earth’s temperature will increase over time leading to ice caps in the north and south pole melting, oceans levels rising and low lying countries becoming submerged.
Our ever increasing use of electricity means that we have to build new nuclear powered stations resulting in increased toxic material being needing to stored and released in to the oceans and air.
OK so enough of the doom and gloom, we look at some top ways that you can make a small change in your lifestyle that will help us all out.
Use the car less – Walk more, bike more
People have become so enamoured by their cars that they take them everywhere, even the shop up the road. Try walking more or using a bike, not only will it reduce emissions from your car, it will also make you more healthy, not to mention save petrol money.
Buy locally
Buying locally means goods have to be transported over smaller distances, reducing fuel use, and wear and tear on the roads.
Better light bulbs
Switch your light bulbs to energy efficient ones, they last 10 times longer, and will save you money. They use to be expensive to purchase, but the price has been coming down in recent years, and the more people that buy them the lower the price will get.
Change your lighting use
Rather than using a 5 bulb light in your living room all the time, use a free standing lamp with just 1 bulb, especially in the evening when you are doing things like watching TV. Its helps the environment and saves you money. Remember to switch off lights in a room when you leave it.
Don’t leave taps dripping
Always ensure taps are completely closed after using them, according to research a taps that drips once every 2 seconds wastes 17 litres of water a day.
Grow your own
Most households in the UK with gardens do not grow any type of fruit or veg in them. It’s easier and cheaper today to grow your own food than ever before. If you don’t know how, there are special grow your own packs available at DIY centres and garden store that makes it almost effortless.
Shop on-line
If you do a weekly shop at a supermarket, consider doing your shopping on-line, not only will it save you time, but it reduces car emissions by reducing the number of people using their car for the shopping trip.
Buy multiple items
Reduce the number of car shopping trips, and carbon emissions, by buying in bulk where possible. Items that are non-perishable or have a long life, such as toilet roll, razors, tinned foods are great for bulk buying. Also look for special buy one, get one free offers and stock up on a few of those items.
Flog it
If you have goods that you no longer need, you can try selling them on-line at sites such as eBay or if they are electrical items you can sell them in store at places like CeX. Its beats throwing them out after a few years in a drawer.
Recycle
From putting your used newspaper into the recycle bank, or giving away unwanted clothes to charities. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites. In Wandsworth borough all homes are within 1km of a recycling bank, find your closest one by visiting recyclenow
Re-use bags
Keep hold of bags you receive and then re-use them on your next shopping trip, alternative purchase a “bag for life” or a fabric bag.
Draught excluders
If you constantly find you have to heat a room to keep it warm make sure there are no draughts coming in under doors, or bad seals in windows. If there are purchase a draught excluder to attach to the bottom of your doors, or seal gaps in window frames using a foam draught excluder tape. Not only will they keep your room warm, help the environment, it will also save you money.
Turn off the TV
When you put a TV on standby it still continues to use 25% power, and some set-top boxes continue to use 100% power. At the end of the day switch off all your electrical equipment, not only does it reduce demand on electricity and thereby reducing emissions but you will save on your electricity bill.
Eat together
It more efficient for several people in one household to dine together even if it’s only a few times a week, it saves gas, electricity and water, and will work out cheaper.
Print double-sided
Most printers these days come with the ability to print on both sides of paper, this not only reduces paper usage but it’s cheaper for you.
Recycle ink/toner
Once your printer’s ink or toner has finished you can put it into a recycle bin. Many stationers also have recycle bins that you can put them in. Alternatively, see if your printer manufacturer has a return programme where you can get cheaper ink/toner in return for sending your used ones back to them once you’ve finished.
Not only does doing the above help the environment, but in the majority of cases is also helps you save money, which is always a bonus.
