I know that not everyone cares about animals or caring for the environment, but to me, this is really important. I would consider myself fairly knowledgeable on this topic and I am always interested in new ideas and new ways of living. For people who don't think they can make a difference in the world, or for people who don't know how I put together a little list of just some easy simple things we can all do. This kind of small changes can make a big difference and I hope you find these inspiring!
1. Develop your own personal style avoid fast fashion
The fast fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world! Producing billions of textiles a year not only uses valuable resources but contributes to the pollution of waterways and exploitation of women. Moving away from this industry was one of my new year's resolutions for 2017, and since then I have discovered so many new exciting brands and places to shop! Buying from brands with good ethics, or buying second hand is now part of my lifestyle and I'm actually enjoying it! Shopping with brands that use organic cotton or that manufacture their garments in the UK has actually been quite fun. I like to have unique things that no one else has or wear an outfit I put together from signature pieces so this has worked well for me. One of my favourite new places to shop online is Vestiaire Collective where you can find amazing designer pieces cheap and second hand!
2. Recycle and Reuse
This is so important! Making an effort to recycle and compost your waste can make such a difference. It's also handy because then you get free compost for your garden! Recycling tins plastic and food all play a part in reducing our effects on the environment but it's also important to recycle and reuse other things in the house. Clothes, old books and items you no longer need can always be of use to someone. Taking things to charity shops or finding a second use for them in the home can save you money and help the environment!3. Tweet Brands
Many people often feel like there is no point caring about animals or other people in the world because that's just the way things are. This isn't true things are always changing and society is forever evolving. This is why it's so important to be involved in social and environmental change, to ensure what the world is developing into is a good place. If we look back 100 years women didn't have the vote, now we have female firefighters and CEO. Change is always happening and there are easy simple ways you can be involved in it.One of the most powerful tools to implement change is social media and the Internet. What we put out publicly into the world can change peoples lives for the better. Tweeting brands and publicly asking them questions about their labor policies, cruelty-free status and the environmental impact of their products can create real change. If brands know that these issues are becoming real conversations and they may lose money if they don't change gives them the incentive. Also tweeting or showing support for more ethical brands also lets big businesses know they need to change.
4. Choose organic, local and vegan food where you can
Food! Instagram is filled with it, people obsess over it, health, diets what not to eat. But away from all of the fuss, there are health impacts that many people don't think about when buying food, the health of the planet. Sometimes when I talk about these things I can literally hear people groaning, but I can't think of anything more important than making sure everyone in the world has enough to eat and has the choice to stay healthy. Choosing organic, fair trade and local food is a really good way to help support farmers and protect the environment. Also going vegan is amazing for the planet and a really good way to lose weight if that's your goal.If you are interested you can click HERE for a short quiz on the impact of your diet on the environment.
5. Switch your energy supplier
This millennium has seen the advent of the switch to renewable energy! But how can we take advantage of this? Another amazing way to help the environment is to invest your money in a green energy supplier. Ovo, Ecotricity and Good Energy are all amazing energy companies that make their energy through renewable, making this switch will help their businesses grow and lessen your impact on the natural world. They also have better company ethics and some donate large portions of their profits to charity.
6. Meal prep
This may sound like an odd one but meal prepping your meals is not only good for saving time and money but can also help cut down on energy usage too! Its also so handy for when you come home from work and already have a delicious meal waiting. YUM7. Meat free Mondays- avoiding red meat
I salute the vegans of this world but I am not yet on the same page. I still eat red meat and eggs most days but since learning about the amount of water consumption that is needed to produce one steak (1200 litre) I decided to cut down my intake. I always have bought organic higher welfare meat as I'm against animal cruelty; recently I have also started cutting down on my meat consumption and now enjoy vegetarian or vegan options a few times a week. I don't personally believe that meat occasionally is bad for you, or shouldn't be eaten, but I do think the high demand encourages lower welfare standards and in large quantities isn't good for the human body.8. Sign Petitions
Don't forget that you have a voice! There are always new petitions being created so issues can be debated in Parliament. If you feel strongly about something you can make one or if you have a look on the gov.UK page you might find something you would be interested in changing too! After you have signed it is really easy to share on FB and Twitter so you can show your friends what you are passionate about.9. Move your money!
When you put your money in the bank the bank then invests money around the world in lucrative ventures. This can include war, weapons, animal cruelty and practices that create suffering around the world. Putting your money and your savings in a more ethical bank stops your funds going to unethical practices. Moving your money to an ethical bank like the Co-op who have publicly stated that they will never invest in bad practice, is a good way of showing your support for ethical and Eco-friendly values.
I think the Co-op bank making this choice just shows that change can happen!
10. Engage with nature
The last thing I think that is really important not only for the environment but for ourselves is to make sure we all spend time engaging with nature and the natural world. Too many people forget all the wonderful places there are to explore and all the fun you can have outdoors. When you forget to spend time in the countryside you forget it's worth, and how valuable the natural world can be.
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