Here at Natusan, we want to do our bit for the environment and we think January gives us the perfect opportunity to start a fresh! We've come up with 25 resolutions (an Advent calendar) from all aspects of daily life and we want you to join us by adopting as many as you can...let's make it together!
25 Sustainable Living Ideas
Delete old emails, photos and videos
Did you know that digital pollution represents as much GHG emissions as civil aviation? So, If 50,000 people deleted 1,000 emails that could save 300 tons of CO2 which is the same as 300 return trips from London to New York!
Become easily a "sustainable cat owner"
It's crazy to think that a cat's carbon footprint could be equivalent to that of a small car... After discovering this, Wamiz UK were quick to publish are article helping us all become more sustainable cat owners - why not check out their article and see what small changes your can make.
Sort waste in your borough
In 2017 it was estimated that the UK generated a staggering 37Mn tons of household waste. The government is now pushing to ensure that 50% of household waste is recycled by 2020. However, individually we can all do more - look on your local borough website to see what recycling is in place, read labels on packaging to see if it can be recycled, and donate food to your local food bank to prevent waste.
Watch what you buy
It's important to take a step back and think consciously about what you are buying. Ask yourself, Do you NEED it? Where are you buying it from? Could you source it locally? Some Supermarkets including Sainsburys are now selling loose fruit and veg and provide plastic free bags. Remember, buying a product is buying the world that goes with it.
Recycle or optimise the use of household electrical appliances
We all have that one drawer in the house full of chargers, dead batteries, random leads and old phones. Well what do we do with them? Almost all electrical items with a plug or a battery can be recycled. It takes a huge amount of scarce energy resources to produce electrical devices. check out companies online like Recycle Now that help you to recycle your electrical goods.
Travel sustainable
Transport is the biggest source of air and noise pollution in the UK; Surface transport equates to around 25% of UK emissions of CO2 but there are ways we can reduce this. Where feasible, try not to use cars for short journeys and opt to walk or cycle instead. Walking and cycling not only drastically reduce pollution but also helps to improve our health, both physically and mentally.
Get rid of plastic bags...for life
In 2019 sales of single use bags in large retailers in England plummeted by 37% to 1.11 Bn compared with the previous year. The average consumer now buys 10 bags per year from supermarkets. As fantastic as this dramatic drop is, we can get that down even more so we can completely eradicate plastic bags. Invest in a 100% recycled tote bag, make sure you leave some in your car or by your front door that way, you'll never forget them.
Return your old clothes for them to be re-used or recycled
The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, it generates 1.2 Bn tons of Greenhouse Gas emissions. It represents more than one tenth of the water used by all types of industry and bleak projections from the CO show this is set to DOUBLE by 2030. There are now so many sustainable fashion brands out there and now even H&M has a recycled range offering vouchers in exchange for your old clothes.
Throw as you go
One plastic bottle needs 4000 years to fully decompose, shocking right? Well there's a new trend hitting the UK... Plogging! It's a combination of jogging whilst picking up litter on your route - why not give it a go next time you're out and about.
Eating Sustainably
60% of global biodiversity loss is a direct result of what is on our plates. What we eat contributes to around 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It's important that we start to make the connection between our plate and the impact on our planet. Have a look at WWF livewell plate to gain a higher insight into how to eat more sustainably. Go vegan for 2020.
Support the NHS Sustainability Day
On March 19th 2020 the NHS sustainability day takes place in order to demonstrate the importance sustainable development plays within the UK health system. On this day the NHS share ideas on how to support them, find out more detail.
Get to know our climate action groups
Fight Against Climate Change & The UK Committee on Climate Change provide independent and expert advice to the UK Government on issues such as Greenhouse gas emissions and Climate change. Support and follow their social media accounts and keep up to date on their websites as they publish on a regular basis; news and current information on how we can transition towards a low carbon economy.
Sleep Mode is Waste Mode, turn it off
Did you know that the average standby electricity consumption is 305 kWh per household per year this equates to about 11% of the total annual electricity consumption per household. The standy energy for all households in the EU amounts to nearly 43 TWh in total, which causes about 19Mn tons of CO2 per year... Simply by unplugging our phone chargers, laptops, TV's and switching off our ovens, microwaves and other appliances when they are not in use, you can not only have a positive impact on the environment but on your electricity bills!
Take a leaf out of Mumbai's book...
That takeaway box that you kept 20 min in your hands could be in the ocean forever! The dabbawalas are a leading innovation in India that has been delivering lunches for over 125 years to workers in tiffins, tin lunch boxes. Once used, these get washed, reused and re delivered. It is such a fantastic concept that many places in the UK are starting to offer money off schemes when you bring your own tiffin/lunch box/tupperware. So, with the Government currently looking to implement a plastic packaging tax in 2022, get ahead and start making changes today.
Turn the taps off
Restrict the amount of water you use in your home as small changes can make a huge difference. Did you know simply turning off the tap when you're cleaning your teeth will save 5L a minute! Ask your water company to fit a free water meter - by measuring your consumption it is easier to reduce your consumption and, on top of that, you might end up saving a few!
Keep a lid on it!
It is estimated that covering your pots and pans when cooking can save an estimated 3% in energy costs per pots. Covering your pans to trap in heat can cook your foods quicker and that's without having your hob on the highest setting. ...It's the little things that all add up.
Have leftovers for lunch
UK household food waste equates to a staggering 7.1Mn tons which amounts to 22Mn tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than throwing away dinner not eaten, save it for your lunch the next day or turn it into a good old bubble and squeak.
Slow down on paper waste
Do you work in an office? Were you aware that one UK office employee consumes 10,000 sheets of paper every year. More than three-quarters of those sheets end in the waste stream because of unnecessary printed emails, duplex feature ignored, churning duplications, unattended printer, the list goes on...
Despite entering the digital area, consumption of paper globally has increased exponentially. Think before you print out that email or documents. Moreover, is it really necessary that every single team member has its own copy of your presentation?
Bring it up with your line manager at work, maybe they need an eco-conscious wake up call!
Say goodbye to plastic bottles once and for all
We know it sounds obvious, but taking a flask when you're out and about isn't a big deal. Despite this, the UK still uses 13Bn plastic bottles every year—of which only 7.5Bn are recycled—while the remaining 5.5Bn end up as litter, in landfill or incinerated. Landfill and incineration of plastic bottles produce about 233,000 tons of CO2 emissions a year. Littering spoils our streets and threatens our wildlife. Plastic bottles are really an avoidable source of pollution (as well as spending!).
Ways to conserve energy in the home
If together we all adopted one good practice in the home to decrease our energy consumption, we can make HUGE a difference. So, what can you do to help? Switch to energy saving light bulbs, turn off lights when you leave the room, shut down computers, turn off and unplug appliances, close doors when the heating is on, and finally, you could speak to your energy provider about installing a SMART meter.
Reduce (or even stop!) smoking
By now we are all aware of the consequences smoking has on our health, but did you know it impacts the environment too?
One cigarette butt contains 4,000 toxic chemicals which represents 500L of polluted water, not only that but two-third of cigarette butts are thrown on the floor where they will take 12 years to fully decompose.
We know how hard it it to kick the habit, so seek help at NHS Quit Smoking page? Not only for your own health and others around you but for the environment.
Support a Charity
This year why not chose to support a cause close to your heart? Pick a charity or organisation that promotes the health of our environment and spread awareness by sharing their great work on social media, talking to friends, volunteering or monetary donations.
Resolution #25
Wrap Christmas (and non-Christmas) gifts sustainably
Can you believe it's been a whole month since Christmas day and while the festivities may be behind us, it's always good to get organised for future celebrations. It's definitely hard to skip the tradition of gift giving but it is possible to make it greener and without polluting environment. For instance, did you know that 20,000 tons of non-recyclable gift paper was sold per year?.... well some tips to wrap gifts without plastic!
Start your sustainable journey today by switching to Natusan sustainable cat litter!
07/01/2020 by NatuTeam