It's no secret that climate change is upon us, and we're burning our way through fossil fuels too quickly.
A quick trawl through the stats, and you'll see that we need to make some big changes if we're going to leave behind a healthy Earth for our children. The good news is that it's not difficult; we can all take small, simple steps in our own home to get closer to a greener future. Want to make a head start? Try these easy tricks:
Ditch the single-use plastic
2018 might just go down in the history books as the year we waged war on once-off plastics. If you haven't already, refuse single-use plastics such as straws, grocery bags, takeaway coffee cups, and excessive plastic packaging. Instead, take your own fabric bags to the shops and your own takeaway cup to your local coffee house (some will even give you a discount if you do!).
Recycle that paper
If you're not already, you will soon have to recycle. The easiest way to do that is to get separate containers: one for paper, one for plastic, one for non-recyclable waste. Remember to label them neatly so everyone knows where to put what. You can recycle magazines, flyers, envelopes, computer paper, old letters, and paper packaging. Remember to remove rubber bands or plastic wrap.
Start composting
A lot of what you throw away every day could be used for compost. That includes food waste, eggshells, banana peels, pips and seeds, coffee grounds, tea bags, cooked rice and more, as well as cut-up cardboard, egg boxes, used paper napkins, and even grass cuttings. Get a dedicated compost bin. You can use a plastic bin with a few holes drilled in it and pop all the waste in there. Then use it in your garden – your plants will love you, and you'll be throwing less away. Win-win!
Make your own work lunch
It can be boring to cook and pack your own work lunch every day, but think about how much waste you're creating every time you buy a takeout sandwich in yet another single-use plastic container. Instead, make salads at home or cook a bit extra at dinner so you can take it to work the next day. Even better, take it in a reusable glass container.
Repair before you throw away
We're so used to disposable items that we're likely to throw something away before we even try to fix it. In the end, that's costing you money and making sure our landfills get bigger and bigger. Instead, if something breaks, try to fix it first. Tailors and cobblers can help fix clothes and shoes; carpenters can help you with woodwork. Ask on your local suburb Facebook page for suggestions. You can always share your skills in return!