World Environmental Health Day: Be More Green!
Tuesday 26th September is World Environmental Health Day. It highlights the important work of the environmental health workforce around the world. We wanted to look into steps the public can take to be that little bit greener. Are you wondering how to be more green? This year’s theme is Beat Plastic Pollution. Focussing on, well, reducing plastic pollution. Think about it, how much plastic do you get through in a week or even a month? It’s probably more than you realise.
Cars and Energy
First and foremost, one of the most obvious ways. Replace your vehicle with an electric one. Electric cars are renewable and save money on petrol, as well as saving the environment.
Reduce your carbon emissions! The typical ICE car creates 200g CO2 per KM driven when factoring in building the car. The typical EV is just 72g/KM per KM driven but can be much lower if you choose electricity from renewables.
They are a little pricier than your usual petrol/diesel car. EVs are worth the pennies in the long term as the UK begins its transition to electric-only vehicles. You can check out some of the more affordable EVs here! Recycling your car is another way to become very eco-friendly. Donate your vehicle to a car donation charity.
They will recycle your car for scrap value and donate the money to a charity of your choice.
Cutting back on your energy may seem difficult. But there are a few small steps that can get you a low energy bill in no time! Lower your thermostat in the winter and wear an extra jumper. Unplug all your appliances when they aren’t being used. Wash clothes in a cooler setting and hang your washing outside instead of using the tumble dryer! It’s as easy as a push of a button, or pulling a plug, to save energy around the home!
Another great way for you to be more green is by switching your lights up. The next time your bulb stops working, replace it with an eco-friendly version. Get some LED bulbs, they’re brighter and last longer than your traditional bulb. Not to mention they’re cheaper too…
Water
Borrowing
Borrowing or buying secondhand goods is a great way to prevent unnecessary items from ending up in landfills. Some used goods are as good as new ones! Whether it is second-hand clothes or bric-a-brac. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save and how big your impact can be if everyone gets involved.
Kitchen Cleaning
Canvas Bags
Using canvas bags as opposed to plastic bags will help save the planet. Canvas costs a little more, but they are so useful as they are stronger and can hold more items. They can be used for when you go to the beach or travel too. You can find some quite stylish ones around, maybe you can flex your artistic thumb if you want! If you will not invest in one of these – think about reusing your plastic bags. One way you can help 2 birds with one tip, purchasing canvas bags from people who need the money. For example, Kevin World, a homeless man in Birmingham, is selling his art on these bags.
Compost Bin
Go Paperless
Deforestation is a real problem. Reuse paper if you can by writing on both sides. Get your bank statements paperless, not sent in the post. If you can’t go paperless, recycle and reuse all your paper effectively! It could really make a big difference to your carbon footprint.
Consume Fewer Meat Products
Cutting back on meat will make a huge difference to the environment! Did you know livestock accounts for 9% of CO2 emissions and greenhouse gasses? To turn meat into a burger requires a lot of water, much more than the production of vegetables. So, you’re saving water and the atmosphere!
Consume Fewer Meat Products
Tags : electric car, Environment, World Environmental Health Day