this is s.i.c
Small Incremental Changes you can make in your life to help protect the world
Meat Free Days
Replace meat with an animal alternative or shop from local farms. Even better cut the meat alternative out all together. Protein exists in high quantities in alfalfa, beans, Brussel and radish sprouts, artichoke, lima beans, mushrooms, chickpeas. Visit the ‘meat free aisle in your local supermarket or opt for the veggie/vegan option next time you go out to eat. Get some ideas here:
Replace your Plastic Toothbrush with Bamboo
Bamboo is far better for the environment it takes less water to produce and breaks down when composted. Most supermarkets and stores will sell bamboo toothbrushes you can also find them online.
Bamboo is also naturally antimicrobial, so its an incredibly hygienic option as well.
Standard electric heads aren’t commercially recyclable so check out if you can use ORAL-B’s recycling programme, or look at purchasing a recyclable head.
Take a Holiday without Flying
Rent a motorhome and visit a European country, travel by bike, train or other modes of public transport.
Or even take a stay-cation in the UK. Even if 1 in 3 of your holidays is swapped out for an adventure without flights you’re onto a winner. That’s because one short haul flight’s Co2 emissions is equivalent to a full month of using your car
Avoid Fast Fashion
A lot of our local high street brands might seem sustainable on the surface, but if you look a little deeper you’ll find they are using cheep labour and poor quality materials. Get to your local charity or vintage shop and find a bargin. Research sustainable clothing brands through social media or by looking for the B-Corp mark and invest in quality pieces that will last.
Also consider if you can declutter and donate old clothes to charity shops and clothing banks rather than throwing them away.
Use a Reusable Waterbottle
In the UK we get through 13 billion plastic bottles each year. A simple and easy way to cut plastic consumption is to use a re-usable water bottle. It doesn’t need to be anything expensive and once you get into the routine it will become second nature to carry one around with you, everywhere you go. Try and pick up one that is BPA free.
Lots of coffee shops will also give you a discount for using a reusable coffee cup in store so they are financially sustainable for you too!
Not in use? Switch it off!
Leaving the room? Switch off the lights. Not using the TV? Take it off standby. Appliance not in use? Switch it off by the mains socket. Once you get into the routine it will form into a habit.
Make sure you’ve also switched out your bulbs for LED ones which use up to 90% less energy than traditional ones. Great for the planet, great for your energy bills!
Switch to sustainable
There are loads of amazing sustainable brands out there for everyday items, you use around the house. Try:
- ‘Who Gives a Crap‘ for toilet paper and kitchen rolls
- ‘Smol‘ for cleaning products including laundry pods through your letter box
Rideshare
We know that sometimes public transport just isn’t an option for getting to work. Instead check with your colleagues to see if they are making the same journey at the same time. Not only will this reduce your carbon emissions but will also reduce your travel costs and give you company for your commutes.
Reduce! Reuse! Relove!
Borrow items from friends and family or find a local ‘library of things‘ if it’s just for a one off use. Buy less plastic items. If you’re able to spend a bit more on an item that lasts longer, then consider its longevity before buying it.
Set up a swap shop with your friends to exchange old clothes and items to give them a new lease of life! Or donate to local charity shops
Check your local government website for your areas recycling rules and regulations!
