Smart Swaps For World Environment Day

Today is World Environment Day! Environmental issues are a hot topic at the moment, and rightly so. According to recent press (which you can find here), “there are now 46,000 pieces of plastic per square kilometre of the world's oceans, killing a million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals each year”. It’s pretty scary stuff, but the prospect of suddenly going plastic free or zero waste is a little bit too daunting for most. However, doing something, no matter how small, is better than doing nothing. We’re all about taking simple steps to change your habits and contribute to change, without overhauling your whole lifestyle overnight. So, here’s 10 smart swaps you can make to be more environmentally friendly:

 

 

Keep Cup Instead Of Takeaway Coffee Cups

This one’s pretty easy, and one that most of us can incorporate into our daily lives. You’ll often get money off your morning coffee, and a Keep Cup looks pretty great for those morning coffee Instagram shots too!

 

Metal Straw Instead Of A Plastic Straw

It’s a small swap, but plastic straws that end up in the ocean can have a massive effect on marine life. Buy a metal straw and keep it in your bag for smoothies on the go.  

 

Cloth Shopping Bags Instead Of Single-Use Plastic Bags

Why spend 5p on a plastic bag when you could just bring a shopping bag? Small reusable cloth bags are also a great alternative to those plastic bags they give you to keep your fruit and veg in too.

 

Shampoo Bars Instead Of Plastic Bottles

Head to Lush and try out their awesome shampoo, conditioner and soap bars that can be kept in re-useable tins – we promise they’re much, much nicer than they sound!

 

Bulk Buying Instead Of Single Servings

Buy big bags of store-cupboard essentials to reduce packaging. It might not be as convenient as a 1-minute bag of Uncle Ben’s, but means you’ll produce much less waste!

 

Meal Prep Instead Of A Takeaway Lunch

Meal prepping has a whole host of benefits: it saves you money, it often makes you eat more nutritious foods and it also means buying less single-use packaging that will end up in the bin.

 

Shopping At The Farmers Market Instead Of The Supermarket

 If accessible to you, the produce at the Farmer’s Market will have fewer air-miles and be less likely to be wrapped in unnecessary plastic.

 

Meat-Free Monday’s Instead Of A Steak Supper

Eating less meat is great for the environment, but that doesn’t mean you need to give it up entirely. Commit to Meat-free Monday’s instead and use it as an excuse to get creative in the kitchen.

 

Vintage Shopping Instead Of High-Street Shopping

Find yourself a steal at your local vintage or charity shop and recycle a hidden gem over heading to the high-street for another item of disposable fashion.

 

Bike or Walk Instead Of Driving

Get your workout and help save the planet – talk about a win, win.