Studies show that over 75% of us want to learn to live more sustainably. If you’re keen to go green, making simple changes to the way you live and run your home can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll share some top tips to help you do your bit for the environment. 

Energy prices are going up, and most of us have become conscious of the environment in recent years. This means that there has never been a better time to try to decrease energy consumption. Using less energy will help you to lower bills and reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re spending too much, or you’re guilty of wasting energy, making small changes around your house can make a big difference. 

To lower energy consumption, upgrade appliances and lighting to smart, energy-efficient versions, turn lights off when you’re not in the room and avoid leaving computers and TVs on standby. Use a meter to track daily usage and consider insulating your home if you live in an area that is prone to cooler winters. Insulation prevents heat loss, which means that your home will stay warm for longer. It’s also an excellent idea to maximize natural light so that you don’t need to turn the lights on all the time and to limit the amount of hot water you use. Quick showers, turning the water off while you brush your teeth, and collecting rainwater to use in the garden will all have a positive impact. 

Renewable energy is sustainable and it enables us to take advantage of natural resources, such as solar and wind power. If your energy provider doesn’t offer renewable energy, or you don’t have solar panels at home, it’s a good idea to consider your options. Get quotes from energy companies, look for providers that champion sustainable energy, and find out more about the solar installation at home and incentives. In some areas, it’s possible to get help with funding for renewable energy systems. When you’re comparing prices, take the short and long-term costs into account. You may have to pay to install solar panels, for example, but you’ll start saving on your bills and recouping money within months. 

The environment is top of the agenda for discussion at the moment, but it hasn’t always been. Many of us still have a lot to learn in terms of the impact of the way we live on the planet and the changes that have taken place in the last century. As parents and members of communities, it’s hugely beneficial to be open to talking and learning about the environment and getting involved in initiatives and schemes that help to lower carbon emissions and protect wildlife and nature. Talk to your children about changes that you’re making at home to embrace greener living and make use of resources, such as educational TV programs and documentaries and child-friendly materials like an earth day read-aloud activity. Get children involved in jobs like recycling household items and try to set a good example. Encourage your kids to walk or cycle with you and leave the car at home if you’re making a short journey, use reusable cups and bottles for drinks and reduce waste as a family. 

Traveling around produces carbon emissions, which damage the planet. Millions of people all over the world use cars, planes, buses, trains, and boats to get from A to B every day. Most of us need to travel, but there are greener ways to get around. If you usually drive to work, for example, you could swap a petrol or diesel car for a hybrid or an electric vehicle. If you use public transport, look for eco-friendly options, such as electric buses. If you fly frequently, or you’re planning a vacation, search for flights with airlines that offset carbon emissions. 

Changing the way you move around can also be beneficial. Walk, jog or cycle short distances and share lifts for longer journeys. If you drive to your workplace every morning, for example, why not see if colleagues that live nearby want to jump in? You can take it in turns to drive, which will lower gas costs and emissions. Walking and cycling are also great for the health and well-being of adults and children. Being outdoors reduces stress and makes us feel more energized and regular physical activity lowers the risk of physical and mental health conditions. 

Recycling is a means of reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and making the most of resources and materials. Try to make sure that you recycle every recyclable product you use at home, for example, glass and plastic bottles, cardboard boxes and cartons, paper and tins. 

As well as recycling household waste, you can also make a positive contribution to the environment by reusing and repurposing items you might not want or need anymore. Examples include donating clothing to charities, upcycling furniture, and using old wood to create rustic seating in your backyard. Simple changes like swapping cups and bottles for reusable containers and plastic bags for canvas, cotton, or paper bags can also help you to reduce waste. 

Recycling is a job every member of the family can help with. Encourage your children to recycle from an early age. They can learn to use different containers for different materials and help you sort waste ready for recycling collections. 

More and more of us are changing our shopping habits to embrace a more sustainable way of living. Studies suggest that almost 80% of consumers prefer to buy from sustainable brands. When you’re shopping, look for businesses that support eco-friendly initiatives, such as planting trees, and brands that utilize natural, sustainable materials. It’s also an excellent idea to research companies and learn about what they’re doing to help the environment. Some brands offer eco-friendly shipping options and recyclable packaging, for example. 

As well as supporting sustainable brands, you can also adopt greener ways of shopping by cutting down on the number of products you buy. Fast fashion is a good example. As the popularity of online shopping has increased, logistics have improved and the range of retailers, websites, and apps has diversified, we’ve become accustomed to buying items at the touch of a button. We browse, add clothes to our cart, make a payment, and the day after, our order arrives at the front door. There are incredible benefits of online shopping, but it’s important to try to avoid frequent, non-essential deliveries and think twice about buying from companies that don’t have eco-friendly policies. It’s best to focus on quality rather than quantity. Ask yourself if you really need to buy items before you hit the ‘place order button. 

Did you know that 30%-40% of the food supply is wasted in the US? Many of us are guilty of throwing products away that we haven’t used or put leftovers in the trash after a meal. If these scenarios sound familiar, there are easy ways to reduce food waste. Firstly, try to avoid buying too much food. Write a list of ingredients when you go to the grocery store and serve portions that are suitable for your family. If you usually end up throwing food away because you’ve made too much, reduce portion sizes. Secondly, make use of the food you already have in your refrigerator, kitchen cupboards, and pantry. Many of us will reach for apps or call for a takeout even though we have plenty of food to eat at home. Thirdly, use leftovers. If you’ve got food left after serving everyone at the table, or you’ve over-catered, put the leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge or freeze them for another day. If you’ve made a stew or a pasta dish, for example, you can take another portion for lunch the next day or freeze it and defrost it later in the week. 

Most of us buy an array of products for our homes. When you go shopping, do you ever think about the materials and ingredients used? Next time you’re looking for household cleaning or skincare and beauty products, or you want to revamp your decor with new furniture, flooring, or soft furnishings, take a look at the information. Try to choose products that are made using organic, natural, and sustainable materials and eco-friendly ingredients. 

Are you looking to go green? If you’re on a mission to do your bit for the environment as a family, there are some very simple ways to make a positive difference. Embracing greener living is a brilliant way to protect the planet and it can also help you to save money. Reduce energy consumption, try to switch to renewable energy sources, and opt for greener ways to get around and travel. Learn and talk about the environment, get involved in the community and national initiatives and encourage your children to take an interest. Recycle at home, reduce food waste and plastic use and reuse and repurpose items whenever possible. Try to shop more sustainably, consider the products and materials you buy, and support brands that champion environmental charities and programs.