Reducing Your Environmental Impact

We’re all aware now that the future of the entire planet is in our hands. If we don’t make rapid, drastic changes now, the damage we are doing right now will be irreversible and will ultimately destroy life on earth.

While governments and big business have a considerable burden of responsibility for driving this change, as their products and policies have taken us to this point, it is us as individuals and consumers to do what we can to make a difference. There are seven billion people alive today, and if everyone did their bit, and considered how their actions could impact the world at large, we could start to make some real improvements in redressing the damage we have done.

​Engage In Ethical Consumerism 
Whatever you buy in the shops will have been produced and transported to get to you. Everything has a footprint, whether that is through the manufacturing process, where the ingredients or parts come from, and how it is shipped to its final location. Very often our food has travelled the globe, just so that we can get produce that does not grow in our country, or is out of season. 

By evaluating whether we need the item, or if a more sustainable option is available, we can start to reevaluate our buying habits. This can range from ensuring food is sourced fairly, buying sustainable clothing, and making sure that the electronics goods we buy have not been made under almost slavery type conditions. 

Reduce Our Meat And Dairy Consumption
The animal agriculture industry is responsible for some of the most significant amounts of greenhouse gasses. From methane produced in raising animals, through to the massive deforestation to make way for animals.  We have an ever-growing demand for meat, and because of fast-food culture, it is often treated as throw-away. By reducing the amount of meat and dairy that you consume, and avoiding wasting food, you can help reduce the demands of the market.
​
There has been a massive growth in veganism over the last few years for environmental reasons, and as such, big companies have begun developing new ranges of products to cater for the upsurge. There has never been a better time to reevaluate your diet for ethical reasons, with so much choice and good food out there. 

Change Your Energy Supplier
There are more green energy suppliers out there than ever. And if you are not using a company that has 100% renewable energy, then you should switch as soon as possible. There is no need in this day and age to be burning fossil fuels to power our homes. Often renewable energy is cheaper too.

Travel Less
Think about the journeys that you make, and if they are necessary. If you can share lifts with other people going the same way, do that. If you can reduce your emissions by driving a smaller vehicle, or an electric car, look at doing that. 
Flying is one of the biggest areas of pollution if you do need to fly, look at airline companies that have schemes in place to offset their carbon footprint by planting trees.