A FEW EASY STEPS TO AN ECOLOGICAL CHANGE

We often think that an ecological lifestyle requires many sacrifices. However, it turns out, that it is enough to implement a few simple rules to change bad habits and take care of the environment (and yourself!). Read our guide and start today:

 

  1. Segregate garbage

Segregation of waste prevents the overfilling of landfills. Recycling of segregated waste, which allows for the use of secondary raw materials, is much easier and faster. By giving a “new life” to waste, you contribute to the reduced consumption of primary raw materials, as well as energy. For example, the so-called glass cullet, produced from container glass (bottles, jars, etc.), melts at a lower temperature than raw materials in the glass production process.

 

  1. Save energy

When was the last time you turned off the TV so that the standby lamp was not on? Think about how many hours you watch TV every day? And how long does it stay in standby mode? When your TV set is in standby for many hours, it uses more energy than during the few hours you use it! Similarly in the case of a computer – “sleeping” still consumes energy. Unplug devices which are not in use from the power supply! The same applies to lights turned on in rooms in which you do not stay, and a charger left plugged into a socket – it means a higher electricity bill and a lot of wasted energy. It also causes increased emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

 

HERE you can find out how to reduce the energy consumption of your fridge.

 

  1. Give up plastic bags

They are light, cheap, roomy and, unfortunately, surprisingly durable. We use them only once for about half an hour. Afterwards they end up in a bin, and from there they usually go to a landfill. Only 10% of them are recycled! The process of decomposition of plastic bags lasts for… several hundred years!

 

Use reusable material bags!

 

  1. Save water

By turning off the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and evening, you save about 50 litres of water a day (about 1,500 litres a month!). What else can you do? Take a shower instead of a bath, and use a dishwasher instead of washing the dishes under running water. Also remember to seal a dripping tap and install a tap aerator. And before pouring out water another time, think about whether you can use it again. Maybe for watering plants?

 

  1. Give up plastic bottles, dishes and straws

Every year we consume millions of plastic dishes and straws, most of which are not suitable for recycling. When ordering take-away food, ask to pack it in your own box. Replace plastic straws with re-usable ones (e.g. bamboo straws), or do not use them at all. Stop buying bottled water, you can fill a reusable water bottle with tap water – there is no evidence that bottled water is healthier than tap water, which is subject to restrictive testing and regular checks. In addition, tap water is incomparably cheaper.

 

  1. Buy consciously

Buy from local producers and suppliers, choose mostly seasonal products. Transporting products from other parts of the world involves the production of large amounts of carbon dioxide. Select products with the lowest, so-called, “water footprint”, i.e. which require less water. Also pay attention to packaging – the fewer plastic boxes and sacks, the better for the environment.

 

You will find out how much water is needed to produce popular food products HERE.

 

  1. Limit car driving

If possible, change your car for a bicycle or public transport. Especially if you live in a city, public transport is a cheaper, greener and often a faster alternative to car driving. And if you really have no choice, think about carpooling. The rule is simple – when you have free space in the car, take passengers going in the same direction. It brings profits to your fuel budget and, and above all, to the environment.

 

  1. Do not throw away food

Do you know that by throwing food away you waste not only money, but you also waste energy and water which was necessary for food production? How to avoid wastage? Do not buy in stock, make shopping lists, use home methods for food preservation. Try potting, freezing, and sharing food with others.

 

Read our guide on this topic HERE.

 

Good luck!