Sustainable living highlights individual actions to lesson our impact on
the planet. I think most people question if our choices actually make a
difference? The short answer is yes, but there's more to it. Individual
actions are a part of the collective, they are valuable contributions to a
larger, stronger movement aimed to reduce human impact on the environment.
Similarily, in living a sustainable lifestyle, the benefit goes beyond
your own household - the community, economy and environment thirive. When
you chose to buy produce from your local farmer as part of an effort to
eat a more plant-based diet, you are 1, reducing your risk for chronic
illness; 2, contributing to the community economy by shopping local; and
3, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Small little changes make the world
of difference.
Reducing our waste or living zero-waste can be difficult. Everything is covered in plastic from our food to our household products. It seems that no matter what we try to keep our bins empty, there will always be excess packaging, food that goes bad, or a pair of headphones that break. When trying to reduce our waste a great place to start is learning how to recycle. For non-recyclable products, avoid purchasing single-use plastics and explore new ways. This website is a great beginners guide into how to reduce the waste within your home.
Did you know that around 1.75million tonnes of clothing and textile waste is created in the UK each year with 1.2million tonnes of it ends up in landfill. Some think that sustainable/ethical fashion is expensive and you can be correct. It seems far from accessible because of the price you have to pay to cover the cost of working standards and materials from natural/ethical materials. However, once of my favourite things to do is recycle for money, then buy from recycled online shops such as Vinted.
Buying in bulk allows you to buy what you need through a simple scoop, bag and weigh process. Limiting the excess product and packaging that might not get used before the expiration date
If you're struggling to find exciting, innovative meat free recipes. My 2 favourite chefs (Ian and Henry) have got you sorted. With a entire website and 3 cookbooks dedicated to making eating plant-based/vegan food fun and exciting. Their recipes have been viewed by over half a billion people, and sold over 1 million cookbooks. Check them out when you're struggling for inspiration and ways to recduce your meat consumption.