In 2020 I have seen a lot of people/brands try to become more sustainable. I have been really trying to live a sustainable life for the past year or so and thought I'd share with you 10 ways to be more sustainable! Everything on the list are small but effective changes you can make to your lifestyle so I hope this helps you out.
1. Buy Secondhand
Buying secondhand clothes is something I have been doing for a LONG time! I have always been obsessed with looking in my local charity shops. Now thanks to apps such as Depop buying secondhand is so easy and you can get some amazing bargains. I know it's so easy to look online and end up buying loads of clothes from fast fashion brands, but this is so bad for the environment. Not to mention these brands exploit their workers. This year I have only bought secondhand which is something I am so proud of!! If I ever see an item I really like I just search for it on Depop/eBay etc and 9/10 I can find it, or something similar. Another amazing website to check out it Rebelle.com, you can find some amazing secondhand designer pieces for a really great price. As they are designer they are guaranteed to last longer, again helping you live that sustainable lifestyle.
2. Support Local businesses
As well as secondhand shopping I am a huge fan of supporting small/local businesses! There are so many talented people out there and your support means so much to them. I've found that when I buy from these small businesses they put so much effort into everything. From the products they sell to the packaging you can see that every detail has been thought out. Often you can get unique and custom made designs from then, so what's not to love? I've linked one of my recent blog posts where I list 5 small businesses for you to support
3. Eat less meat
Cut down on your meat intake! As someone who used to eat meat and dairy so much, going Vegan was hard. However, you don't have to go completely Vegan to make a difference. Why don't you cut red meat out of your diet? Or only eat vegan foods on Mondays? The meat industry is detrimental to our environment and causes way more harm than good. Next time you are out for a meal, why not try the veggie option. Or pick up some vegan sausages next time you do your shop and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised!
4. Plant more
Plant more, plant anything! Flower, veg, fruit, it all makes such a difference. You might even find a new hobby that you love. It's also an amazing way to spruce up your garden and make it look pretty. Did you know you can also use food scraps to make new fruit and veg? For instance, lettuce, potatoes, lemongrass, pumpkins - there are so many options!
5. Upcycle your old clothes
It's easy to just throw your clothes away if they get ripped, etc. However, you can easily repair them!! I am by no means a professional sewer but they are so many tutorials on Youtube that you can follow, fixing a hole in your top is so easy. Also, if you don't like a certain item of clothing anymore why not try and mix it up a bit. Take a t-shirt and turn it into a crop top, turn your old jeans into some shorts, why not embroider some funky designs on them to give them a whole new look? You're basically giving yourself a whole new item for free and it will be a one of a kind piece! Get creative and don't be afraid to try out some new things.
6. Repurpose
Repurpose your old clothes etc. instead of throwing them out.
In the UK alone more than 300,000 tones of clothes end up in landfills every year.
If you have clothes that are old and worn, that you are unable to wear any more than why not turn it into something else? There are so many things you can make, the possibilities are truly endless. For instance, you can make a tote bag, a pillowcase, cloths/rags, etc.
7. Go Paperless
Going paperless is such an easy yet effective way to be sustainable. If we all cut down on how much paper we use it will make a huge difference. For example, go paperless with your bank, and access your statements online, get your shopping receipts sent to your email instead of printed.
8. Reusable Items
Are you a coffee fanatic/ Starbucks lover? Think about how many takeaway cups you go through every single week? By getting yourself a reusable cup you can make such a big difference! As well as being so much better for the environment, reusable cups are also a lot pretty so it's a win-win. As well as coffee cups you can get reusable water bottles and straws!
Other reusable products I think are amazing are wash clothes, pads to take your make up off. Think of all the makeup wipes/ cotton pads you go through - again, making the small change to get some reusable ones all adds up to make a huge difference.
9. Ecosia
This is such an away way to become more sustainable! I learned about Ecosia last year if you don't know it is a Berlin-based search engine. They use the money made from ad revenue to plant trees. All you have to do is download it, it's as simple as that. Instead of using Chrome or Safari when looking something up switch to Ecosia and you can help plant trees where they are needed the most.
10. Walk/ Cycle more
Of Course, sometimes driving or taking public transport is completely necessary. However, if you find yourself driving a lot when you don't have to why not switch to walking or cycling? Not only is it better for the environment it's also great for you physically and mental health! For instance, can you cycle to work instead of driving? Or try walking to the shops, the gym, etc. It's easy to get into habits and drive places just for the sake of it but try to be more cautious of this and make changes when you can.
By Contributing Writer:
Rachel McMinn - Rach On Fashion
