By Eve McFarlane Salvo
Do you remember the time you could pop into your local corner shop and come out with a
Freddo all for the mere expense of a 10 pence coin? In 2023, Freddo prices have risen to 3
times that amount and in a time of economic difficulty, chocolate isn’t the only essential to
have become unaffordable. The price of energy, fuel and anything else you need has surged
in recent years. However, this time of crisis does not stop with the economy, the
effects of climate change are also rising at rapid rates which has led to heatwaves, rising sea
levels, and the loss of animal and plant species. This is why so many are considering their
actions and deciding to implement changes into their everyday life to help to protect our
planet (and in the process, erase some digits on their bills – because who would say no to
that!).
On the other hand, being just one person in a world surrounded by 8 billion others, millions
of factories and countless powerplants, can sometimes leave you wondering if climate
action can start with just you. This makes the idea of reducing the impact of climate change
whilst saving that bit of extra cash all from home, seem as if it could just be a fairy-tale. So, let
us see if it really is possible to kill two birds with one stone (whilst helping to save them in
the process)…
Charging with less charges
Energy bills have been increasing ever since the rise of wholesale gas prices as well as other
contributing factors such as the pandemic. So, preservation is key and with this in mind
ensuring your home is well-insulated means you can use less energy for heating. This makes
for another great way to save those coins too – it really is a win-win! If you are really serious
about reducing your carbon footprint and have the funds for an initial investment to cut
down on your monthly bills, then switching to renewable energy sources could be the
option for you. Solar energy is a great example of how self-consumption means no longer
relying on harmful nuclear energy from the National Grid and how becoming self-reliant
eliminates monthly payments to energy providers.
Need some easier options? An even more straight-forward change to make is saying “no” to
overnight charging. Although it might seem like the more convenient option to charge your
phone and laptop overnight in preparation for the next day, the cons far outweigh the
positives. Not only could it damage your devices’ batteries, but all those unneeded hours of
charging mount up to a lot of unnecessary energy waste. Similarly, making sure that
you are not leaving your TV on standby and turning off lights when they are not needed are
easy ways to decrease your usage and all it takes is a little bit more awareness.
Who can say no to a bargain?
It really is the thought that counts. This goes without saying when it comes to gift giving,
and is there anything more thoughtful than a homemade gift? Or maybe you find a hidden
gem on the back of a shelf at your local charity shop that would make the perfect
sentimental present for your loved one’s upcoming birthday. By choosing to channel your
inner creativity or buying second-hand, you can reduce the amount of harmful effects from gift deliveries and consumerism. The best part is that changing your purchasing habits does
not need to be limited to scouting for gifts. Clothes, appliances, furniture…you name it, can
all be found pre-owned on online second-hand selling platforms and shops at a fraction of
the retail price. Nevertheless, if you are choosing to buy brand new, a little bit of research
into how sustainable the company is, can mean the difference between supporting an
unethical brand and making better choices. Lastly, when it comes to food shopping why not
take an adventure down the clearance aisles to rescue a perfectly good meal from an
impending doom - also known as landfill.
In with the new and out with the old
Recycling is another great way to make a difference right in the comfort of your home. A
spring clean can transform your house as well as your headspace and does not need to be
limited to just one season. So, why not dedicate a day to decluttering and recycling any of
your unwanted belongings. This is a great alternative to throwing away waste and
contributing to landfill. Instead, why not explore the numerous recycling schemes
offering you the chance to make back some money. For instance, in the UK there is the
preloved clothes and shoes. Or better yet, with people struggling and even more so with the
unpredictable and extreme weather that climate change has created, donating unwanted
items and clothing to those in need could make a huge difference.
By Eve McFarlane Salvo
Getting from a to b with an A*
Statistics show that a car running off petrol contributes 3.3 times more carbon dioxide than
a train would travelling the same distance. Not only is public transport a much more
environmentally friendly alternative to using your car but with fuel prices on the rise, due
to companies cutting ties with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, it can also help
save you money. Without a doubt, it is worth investigating schemes and discount cards in
your area that may be applicable to you, such as railcards and bus passes. More savings did I
hear? Yes please!
Overall
It is undeniable that the biggest direct impact on climate change comes from bigger powers,
such as factories, food production and powerplants. Having said this, by incorporating some
of these ideas outlined alongside making small tweaks to your daily habits, everyone is able
to do their part. Whilst making a difference for the environment, you can also reap some
financial reward. So fundamentally listening to tips results in making some tips (£)! At the end
of the day, when it comes to the environment and having that bit of extra money in your
pocket, the saying ‘every little helps’ applies to both.