What is sustainable living? 10 Green living tips

Sustainable living is about making sure your lifestyle doesn’t take up too much energy or contribute to climate change. While this might not sound like much fun, living green doesn’t mean having a really difficult life and getting rid of everything you enjoy. It involves finding small changes to your day-to-day that make an impact and help you feel like you’re doing your bit. With our top 10 go green ideas you’ll be able to create a more sustainable home and lifestyle.

Clean your clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40. As long as you’re using a good quality detergent like OMO or Skip, you’ll save electricity and they’ll still get a great clean!

How to go green: 10 top tips

1. Recycle: if you’re considering how to be eco-friendly, recycling is a great place to start. Simply find out what kinds of things can be recycled in your local area and set up a separate bin.

2. Use public transport: transport is a big part of green living. By using more public transport and avoiding the car, you’ll be cutting down on your individual emissions.

3. Avoid unnecessary plastic (toothbrush, food packaging, straws): there are loads of great plastic alternatives. Look online for sustainable shops near you!  

4. Reduce food waste: this is one of the most important ways to be green at home. Simply try to eat what you buy! This requires not buying too much in the first place and changing habits. When considering what to eat for dinner make those foods that you’ve had in the house the longest your top priority.

5. Avoid flying whenever possible: air travel is a big contributor to worldwide carbon emissions. Instead of taking short-haul flights, why not go by coach or train? These can actually be really fun ways to travel. Book early to get the best prices!

6. Eat fewer animal products, especially red meat: meat is another energy-intensive product. Try having a meat-free Monday once a week or adding plant-based products like soya milk, tofu, lentils and nuts into your diet.

7. Use disposable nappies: one of our favourite green living tips for families is to use disposable nappies. These cut down massively on waste and are also cheaper in the long-run. Win-win!

8. Dry clothes naturally: why use a dryer when clothes dry beautifully in the sun? Get yourself a clothesline and do it the old-fashioned way.

9. Walk or cycle where possible: one of the benefits of going green is that it often means you’re also doing things that are good for you. By walking and cycling more you’ll be reducing your emissions, but also getting fit and improving your health along the way.  

10. Spread the word: now that you know what it means to go green and how important it can be, go tell your friends and family!

While it might sound like a challenge, green living often means doing things that make our lives better. Do something for the planet and reap the rewards yourself!

• Think about what takes up the most energy in your life and consider cutting down on energy-intensive activities.

• Make small sustainable changes rather than trying to switch everything in one go.

• Spread the word to your friends and family!