How can we achieve sustainable living and what steps can we take as UK consumers?

Sustainable living is a buzzword that we hear a lot these days, but what does it really mean? According to the United Nations, sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. In other words, it’s about living in harmony with our planet and its resources, and ensuring that we leave a healthy and prosperous world for our children and grandchildren.

But how can we achieve this goal in our everyday lives? How can we make choices that are good for us and for the environment? Here are some simple steps that we can take as UK consumers to live more sustainably.

Download the right green apps:

Technology can be a powerful tool for sustainability, especially if we use it wisely. There are many apps that can help us reduce our environmental impact. For example, Too Good To Go, which lets us buy surplus food from local businesses at a discounted price. Also, Ecosia, which plants trees every time we search online. Finally, Good on You, which rates fashion brands based on their ethical and environmental standards.

Shop at local charity shops:

One of the easiest ways to be more eco-friendly is to reuse and recycle what we already have, instead of buying new things. Charity shops are a great place to find second-hand clothes, books, furniture, and other items that still have plenty of life left in them. By shopping at charity shops, we can support good causes, save money, and reduce waste.

Switch to a green energy supplier:

The energy sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. By choosing a green energy supplier, we can support the transition to renewable sources of energy, such as wind, solar, and hydro. There are many green energy suppliers in the UK, such as Ecotricity, and Octopus Energy, that offer competitive prices and 100% renewable electricity.

Use public transport or cycle more often:

Transport is another major source of emissions and pollution in the UK. By using public transport or cycling more often, we can reduce our carbon footprint, save money on fuel and parking, and improve our health and fitness. There are many options for public transport in the UK, such as buses, trains, trams, and undergrounds; and many cities have bike-sharing schemes or cycle lanes for cyclists.

Reduce food waste:

Food waste is a huge problem in the UK, where an estimated 9.5 million tonnes of food are thrown away every year. This wastes not only money, but also water, land, energy, and other resources that go into producing food. To reduce food waste, we can plan our meals ahead, shop smartly, store food properly, use leftovers creatively, and compost organic waste.

Save water:

Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted. However, water scarcity is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world. To save water, we can take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing our teeth or shaving, fix leaky pipes and taps, install water-efficient appliances and fixtures, and collect rainwater for gardening.

Go paperless:

Paper production is another major cause of deforestation and environmental degradation. To go paperless, we can opt for digital versions of bills, statements and other correspondence.

Change starts with you. Seriously. Every human on earth—even the most indifferent, laziest person among us—is part of the solution.