Looking for easy ways that you can be more environmental? We hear some tips to help you achieve this on any budget
**This article was written in collaboration with The Strawberry Fountain, may contain affiliate links and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of Children of Wanderlust
Introduction
Being eco-friendly and living a sustainable life are becoming increasingly popular. The education around the benefits for the planet is much more accessible and is even starting to take place in schools encouraging the next generation to fully embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle.
However, buying organic products, switching to an electric car and replacing all your cutlery with bamboo sets can be quite expensive so here are some ways you can live a more eco-friendly life without it costing you a fortune.
Composting your food waste
When food waste rots in landfill sites it releases gases that are harmful to our ozone layer but when you compost them they can be turned into valuable soil amendment that can be used as fertiliser for your soil without the need for any harsh chemicals. If you grow your own veg then this can be used to further enhance the soil you use.
Do less washing
As a parent finding the bottom of the washing basket can feel like mission impossible so what if someone told you to actually wash less and not more? Well, I’m here to tell you just that! If you actually stopped to check if the clothes you are washing are actually dirty and in need of a wash you probably find that a large proportion of them can be worn at least once if not twice more, we are just too lazy to hang them back up so we throw in the wash instead.
By washing your clothes less you are actually being eco-friendly as synthetic clothes shred micro fibres that find their way into the ocean and are consumed by sea life and degrade ecosystems. You will also be saving water by washing less, as well as saving money on detergents and electricity too. It’s a win win.
If you also have kids and are interested in being more eco-friendly, be sure to also take a look at these 7 easy reusable swaps for parents.
Donate old clothes
When you have a clear out and you are thinking of what to do with your old clothes consider donating anything wearable to friends, family or charity shops as this will help prevent the amount of materials filling up landfills. The clothes in landfills can take hundreds of years to decompose and during this time they are releasing greenhouse gases that are not eco-friendly.
Unplug your electrical devices
Not only is this recommended from a fire safety point of view but unplugging your unused electronic devices, especially when you are away from your home for a few days is eco-friendly because otherwise those devices, even if in standby mode are wasting energy sources, not to mention costing you money.
Only pack the essentials
When going on holiday, if you fly, only pack the essentials and take as few bags or suitcases as possible. The heavier the plane the more fuel it needs. So do your bit by travelling light.
Go paperless
In a world where we love technology there are now apps for everything. Try and take advantage of these and go paperless wherever possible. This can be applied to your bills, bank statements, receipts and even boarding passes for your holiday. By going paperless you are reducing paper waste and preventing more trees from being cut down.
In Summary
All of these tips for living an eco-friendly life can be done at no or very little cost to you, in most cases they will even save you money too. So what are you waiting for? Start living an eco-friendly life today.
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