Many of us are looking for quick and easy ways that we can help the environment. We know the planet is precious and want to find ways to help, but also may find it easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged. That’s where these handy tips come in!

Whether you are at home or at work — wherever you spend the majority of your time — there are small ways that you can still make a big impact. If everyone makes a small change, we will experience big results.

Read the tips and suggestions below and see how many environmentally friendly changes you could make, whether at work or just around the house.

AT HOME:

1. Use Greener Products

The cleaning products we use can have a profound impact on the environment and even our health. While some products have been specifically designed to be sensitive or hypoallergenic, others that achieve great results can still come with a heavy cost.

They may aggravate skin conditions, respiratory problems, or cause toxicity in the water supply and oceans. Switching to greener alternatives, such as those that are natural, recycled, or at the very least do not use additional toxins or microbeads (particles of plastic) is a better choice.

2. Compost

Composting can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to make food waste environmentally friendly. There are now compost bins in a range of styles and sizes, meaning that they can be kept indoors for ease of use.

They no longer have to interfere with your decor, cause a bad odour, or be kept outside and thus less likely to be used. Compost bin designs have evolved to fit a more modern eco-conscious lifestyle!

They work by breaking down your food waste in a way that means it can be used to greatly enrich soil, or be disposed of more safely. Food that goes to landfill not only increases waste but can also lead to heavy emissions. Composting is a great way we can help at home!

3. Use Leftovers

Food waste is one of the largest areas of waste in the household — and beyond. You can contribute positively to the environment by making use of your leftovers and reducing your food waste.

There is now a great range of delicious recipes that are specifically intended to use up common leftovers, as well as affordable storage solutions that keep food fresher for longer.

You can also extend this approach to other materials such as electronics and clothing, reusing, recycling, or repurposing them rather than simply throwing them away. You could share with family and friends, sell online, or transform a fabric into something new. Get creative!

AT WORK:

1. Travel ‘Greener’

The daily commute can be a significant contributor to pollution and harmful emissions worldwide. So much so, that many governments have discussed alternatives such as incentives to use electric cars, building new cycle routes and more.

But you don’t have to wait for them! You can get started straight away by assessing your own commute. Is there a way you could make it more environmentally friendly or even beneficial to your health? Perhaps walking or cycling to work is an option, even just a few times a week.

You may also consider switching to an electric car, or group travel options. Many businesses are even supporting and encouraging company-wide remote working. This is for a variety of reasons, but it also happens to be more environmentally responsible as it greatly reduces the number of people commuting.

Investigate what would be the best option for you and take action even in small ways!

2. Purchase Second-Hand Goods

If you are running your own business, you may have the option of purchasing key materials, supplies or appliances that are second hand. This reduces the number of items that go to landfill, as well as often coming at the fraction of the cost of brand-new items. It is more cost-effective — and greener — for your business!

If you do not work for yourself, you could encourage your colleagues and boss to purchase second hand where possible or switch to items such as recycled paper or reduced plastic. Where it is only possible to make small changes, even implementing a recycling system or a recycling bin can be a great way to start.

3. Turn It Off!

When you and your colleagues are out of a room, be sure to reduce the energy expenditure by turning off light bulbs, water, electricity sources and anything else using unnecessary energy.

It may also be possible to make the switch to more energy-efficient bulbs and alternatives.

With small but effective changes and a proactive approach, you can make a positive difference to the environment whether at home or at work!