There are 4 easy steps I made and you can make too to kickstart this adventure!
1. Stop buying clothes
I don’t mean forever. Just for a while. Give yourself some time to reflect on the clothes you already own – which are your favourites; the ones you wear the most; the ones you never take out of the closet? What do you think you’ll need next season when the weather changes? Think also about the brands you usually buy from. Do you know if these companies take care of the people making their garments? This is a very important question that you’ll undoubtedly return to again and again.
I found it very useful to google my favourite brands and check if there were any ethical concerns about their practices, perhaps regarding their human rights records or the transparency of their supplain chain. You can also ask the brands directly about where their clothes are made and by who. Check it out and see what they say!
2. Change your energy supplier
This is so easy to do and makes such a big difference to the planet that you really must do it. Yes, must! I switched to Ecotricity at home. These guys are great! They were the first green energy company in the world. Not only do they produce green gas from grass, but they also generate green electricity from the wind and the sun and probably soon from the sea! Mother Nature giving it back! There is also another green alternative here in the UK: Good energy. And in case you needed more convincing, both companies are ranked in the top 5 of costumer satisfaction, so take a look at their websites.
If you’re wondering about the price, my previous provider was British Gas and my bills with Ecotricity are pretty much the same now as then – so, no differences to my finances, but certainly less of an impact to the planet.
3. Buy organic food
This is also very easy to do. If you look next time you go to the supermarket, you will find that there is always an organic alternative for the products that you normally buy – sugar, milk, fruits, cereals, cheese etc. But why choose organic? Well, if a product is organic that means that it has been grown and produced without the use of dangerous pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, radiation or GMOs (Genetically modified organisms). Organic production encourages environmentally friendly farming, gentile growth practices and helps sustain our natural resources. Amazing, eh?
It’s true that they are often more expensive than the “normal” products, but you do not have to swap them all at once. Just pick up a few and try them 🙂
Another great tip is to go to buy fruits and vegetables from a local market. This simple switch is so good for you and your community. My favourite local market here in Brighton is The Open Market on London road. An absolutely amazing place. If you live in the area you simply can’t miss it!
4. Recycling (If you weren’t already doing it)
Check your local council website for details about what you can and can not recycle in your area and keep a recycling box in your home. We have 3 different bins in our kitchen, one for general waste, another for mixed recycling, and the last one for glass. Check your local council website for more details of the recycling schemes in your area.
If you’re in Brighton or Hove, here’s where you can find all the information about recycling: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/environment/recycling-rubbish-and-street-cleaning/recycling-0
If you’ve got other suggestions or more to add, please do so! Comments are open at the bottom, so let’s share our ideas!
Respectfully Beautiful 