45 Easy To Implement Tips For a More Sustainable 2017
January 6, 2017
One of my main goals for this year is to start living more sustainably. I have real concerns about the impact of global warming and want to whatever I can. I’m taking part in the Ikea Live LAGOM project this year (more on that next week) which is all about making small changes to live more sustainably. When it comes to being more sustainable its the little things which add up. You don’t have to go live in a cabin in the woods to be sustainable. Lots of little changes can make a real difference. Many of these little changes will have little to no impact on your lifestyle. In fact, some may improve things. And the best part of all is these small changes can help save you money. I don’t know about you but I like the idea of reducing my bills this year.
As I love a good list (see my 30 tips for a more sustainable Christmas) I thought I’d share some of the sustainable living tips I’ve picked up recently. You don’t need to do everything as any small changes will help you to become more sustainable in 2017.
In The Kitchen
Plan meals to reduce food waste. Apparently, the average UK family throws away 1/3 of the food they buy, which works out at an average of £60 a month going straight in the bin (Love Food hate Waste)
Be realistic about how long things will last (don’t buy salad at the weekend if you plan to eat it late in the week)
Try to buy local, organic and free range
Take a photo of your fridge or cupboards before shopping so you know what you already have – no more cupboards full of bags of pasta
If you find yourself throwing away a lot of food. Keep your receipts and highlight any items you throw away. Chances are there is a pattern and once you know this you can stop buying things you don’t use. Also seeing exactly how much money your wasting will encourage you to use everything.
Measure portions so you don’t cook too much, eat more than you should or throw leftovers away
Or better still cook more than you need and freeze extra portions for another night
Have a leftovers night once a week to use up food in the fridge
Learn the difference between ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates and don;t throw things away which are still good to eat
Store food properly to help it last longer
Try to avoid buying food with excessive packaging
Recycle food packaging whenever possible
Avoid disposable plates and cups buy yourself a nice set which can be reused
Save the water from boiling eggs and veg to use for watering your plants (let it cool first)
If you like drinking cold water keep a bottle in the fridge rather than running to tap until it’s cold everytime
When washing up fill a bowl rather than rinsing under a running tap
Consider getting a dishwasher and always run it fully loaded
Use a natural cleaner to clean you kitchen
Look out for A rated appliances for the kitchen
In The Living Room/Bedroom
Lowering your thermostat down one degree could save you as much as £80 a year
Use draft excluders under doors to block any drafts
Put up blinds and shut curtains over the winter months
Make sure your heating systems works efficiently. You may need to service your boiler or bleed the radiators.
Switch off radiators in rooms you’re not using.
Adjust the valves on radiators to suit the rooms they’re in (bedrooms should be slightly cooler than living spaces)
Use a thermostat to check the temperature in each room, 18-21 degrees is the recommended range
Make sure your house has plenty of insulation
Try putting on a jumper before turning on the heating (thick socks and slippers will also help)
Rugs and blankets help to keep rooms warm and cosy
Turn everything off standby apparently, we spend around £30 a year powering items left on standby
Switch your lightbulbs over to energy saving LED bulbs (they create the same amount of light and should last for years)
Use lamps rather than always turning on the big light when you go into a room
Use the right tog duvet for the time of year
Add throws and blankets to your bed to keep warm at night
In The Bathroom
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
Fix any leaky taps
Have shorter showers
Try putting a bucket in the shower to collect water as it warms up, use this to water your plants
Use a natural bathroom cleaner or get yourself a steam cleaner
Out and About
Take reusable carrier bags with you to carry shopping home
Take your own reusable cup with you to the coffee shop (you may even get some money off)
Walk or cycle
If travelling long distances try to use public transport where possible or car share
If you have a garden try growing your own vegetables or composting
Get a Water butt for your garden to collect rainwater to use for watering your garden and indoor plants
I’d love to hear some of your tips for living more sustainably in 2017. Please share your tips in the comments below.
I got mine when the dog was a puppy he had a habit of licking the floors and I didn’t want him licking up any nasty chemicals. Such a useful buy as it cleans everything with any nasties use it for everything now
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more
I really REALLY want a steam cleaner. I’m definitely growing up, haha! Great tips for living more sustainably.
I got mine when the dog was a puppy he had a habit of licking the floors and I didn’t want him licking up any nasty chemicals. Such a useful buy as it cleans everything with any nasties use it for everything now