Use refillable containers
Single-use plastic is an ever-growing problem – 700,000 plastic bottles are littered every day in the UK. One commercial response is to sell water in cans and cartons. But these aren’t actually any better for the environment.
“All materials have environmental impacts which could result in different environmental burdens of some kind,” Libby Peake, head of resource policy at independent think tank Green Alliance, which focuses on green policies, says.
She cites research showing that if half the UK’s plastic water bottles were replaced by aluminium cans, “mining this new material could create enough toxic waste to fill the Royal Albert Hall more than six times over each year”. Switching over to cartons could fill almost 9,000 bin lorries a year with waste that can’t be recycled at that level. “The only sustainable option is to use a refillable container.”
Invest in renewable energy
Perhaps it is time to consider utilising renewable energy resources such as solar, wind or hydro energy.
In the wake of Cop26, Harry Roberts, managing director of My Favourite Cottages, issued guidance on how to make homes more sustainable.
He suggested that, among other measures, installing solar panels can reduce the carbon footprint of your home by 80 per cent in just one year. Solar panels can last for up to 50 years and, therefore, they do not need to be frequently replaced and require very little maintenance. Plus, they can reduce your electricity bill, the Energy Savings Trust by as much as £120-£310 a year.
Meanwhile, smart alternatives such as LED lightbulbs last 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs and are 80 per cent more energy efficient. They can convert 95 per cent of energy used into light, compared to five per cent used by fluorescent bulbs. So swapping will reduce power usage and eliminate specialist disposal.
It is also important to check all your appliances have an A++ energy rating, as these are more eco-friendly and cost efficient in the long run.
Save water
We often get told to turn off the taps when we are brushing our teeth so we don’t waste water. But how seriously should we actually take the advice?
Well, on average, each person uses about 142 litres of water each day, which combined with the increasing pressure on natural resources, means the UK could face water shortages by 2050.
To prevent wastage, households can install water-efficient shower heads, low-flow taps and even dual flush toilets (which use four-six litres compared to standard 13 litres).
Plus, it is possible to opt for modern energy and water-efficient appliances to help control the use of water and reduce your water bills.
