It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to climate change and making a difference. We know climate change is here, and that change needs to happen to protect our planet.
Instead of thinking big and trying to make massive changes, we encourage you to do little things that’ll make a big difference. As Anne Marie Bonneau from Zero Waste Chef said about going zero waste;
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
The same thing can be applied to climate change. We need millions of people making small changes that’ll add up to a big impact. Here's some things you can do today to start making a difference.
1. Contact Your Local MP
One great way to make a change is to let your local MP know that climate change is important to you so change can happen at a local level. The Climate Council has a great article here on how to find your local representative and what to say when contacting them.
2. Cool Your Washing
It's easy to get in the habit of washing things on 40oC - or warmer - but lots of items can be washed on a cold cycle. This will save the energy of heating the water up. Also ensure you only do full washing loads, and if you can, spot clean things instead of adding a clean t-shirt to the wash that has a small mark on it!
3. Change Your Workspace
Many of us are working from home more than ever before, which has so many pros but it also means lights can be on all day long. Consider rearranging your workspace to a place with lots of natural light so you can reduce the amount of lights you have on. It'll also help you focus more, improve your general mood and help with your sleep patterns. [1]
4. Minimise Your Travel
Try carpooling to dinner with friends instead of driving separately, ride to the shops or challenge yourself to head into town once or twice a week to do your errands, instead of multiple times.
5. Switch Up Your Eating Habits
Reports and studies have found that following a plant based diet is one of the greatest ways to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Going vegan isn't your only option though. Climatarian diets are becoming more popular where you eat locally sourced produce, with the seasons and consider the carbon footprint of your food.
There are so many other ways to make a change, but we hope these five little nuggets get you started! If you’ve got some tips you’d like to share with us send them through to: hello@seedandsprout.com
[1] https://www.cantifix.co.uk/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-natural-light/
