1. Eat more plant-based meals

By making a few meals a week plant based, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint because the production of vegetables, grains, beans and lentils generally requires far less land, water and energy than producing meat and dairy. Don’t worry, you don’t need to become fully vegetarian overnight – simply start with one or two meat-free days a week. Try hearty dishes like lentil soup, chickpea curry or roasted vegetable pasta. Many people find they enjoy the variety while discovering tasty new dishes in the process. Over time, these small dietary shifts can meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also introducing more fibre-rich, nutritious foods into your diet, so it’s a win win!

2. Reduce single-use plastics

Single-use plastics such as disposable water bottles, takeaway cutlery and plastic shopping bags, often end up in landfill after just a few minutes of use. A really simple way to reduce this waste is to switch to reusable alternatives, like carrying a refillable water bottle, keeping a reusable shopping bag and bringing your own coffee cup. It might feel a bit of a faff at first, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly these habits become second nature. It’s also worth remembering that while these changes may seem small on an individual basis, consistent reuse by the many prevents huge amounts of plastic items from being discarded each year and helps reduce the demand for the production of new plastic.

3. Use less energy at home

Cutting back on household energy use is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact while also saving you money. Start with simple habits such as switching off the lights when leaving a room, unplugging devices that aren’t being used and washing clothes in cold water whenever possible. If you haven’t done so already, replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, which not only use far less electricity but also last much longer. Small adjustments like lowering the thermostat by a degree or two in winter can also make a difference. If it’s particularly chilly, you can always add another layer of clothing. Collectively, these everyday actions reduce demand for energy and help lower carbon emissions.

4. Walk, cycle or use public transport more often

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but small shifts in how we get around can have a meaningful impact. When possible, consider walking or cycling for short trips instead of always jumping in the car. Not only does this reduce emissions, but it will also help you get fitter as well as making you feel more connected to your surroundings. For longer distances, consider taking a bus or train, both of which can be far more efficient than individual car journeys. Even replacing just a few car trips each week with lower-impact options can significantly reduce fuel use over time.

5. Buy less, choose better

As much as sustainable living is about what we recycle, it’s also about what we buy. The next time you’re about to make a purchase, pause and ask yourself whether you truly need that item. And when you do buy something, consider choosing the most durable, high-quality version that will last longer. Supporting brands that prioritise ethical production and environmentally responsible materials can also make a big difference. In addition, use second-hand shops and repair services, as these are excellent for clothing, furniture and electronics. By buying less and choosing thoughtfully, you can reduce waste, conserve resources and encourage more sustainable production practices across the board.

6. Cut down on food waste

Food waste remains an incredibly large environmental issue because wasted food also wastes all the water, energy and labour that have gone into producing it. A simple starting point is to plan your meals before hitting the supermarket and buying only what you are likely to use. Also, make sure you store food properly so it stays fresh longer and use the ‘sniff test’ on food that’s on its use by date – if it smells okay, the chances are it’s fine.  In addition, make a habit of using leftovers creatively – yesterday’s roasted vegetables can become today’s soup or stir-fry. Composting food scraps, if available in your area, is another great step. By paying a little more attention to how food is purchased, stored and used, households can dramatically reduce waste.