Top tips for a more sustainable 2022

As the hubbub of the Christmas season subsides and we all begin to look towards the year ahead, it’s the perfect time take stock and contemplate some of the changes we’d like to make to our daily lives.

With COP26 and the G7 last year, the environment was the word on everybody’s lips, but as 2022 dawns, now is the time for action.

It’s easy to think it’s all down to governments and major corporations to do the leg work, and whilst there’s some truth in that, the power of ordinary people can have a truly transformative effect.

From reducing and recycling, to shopping local, and getting involved with environmental projects, the changes we make to our own lives can have a surprising impact, and feed into a considerable collective effort, whilst changing the culture of our society.

The secret? Start small. Whatever small step you can take is a step in the right direction and there are plenty of ways you can make a difference to our planet without it costing the earth.

Read on for more ideas.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Known as ‘The Three Rs’, these three rules are the bedrock of sustainable living. Each year, the UK produces more than 100 million tonnes of waste, but we can do our bit to reduce how much we waste by giving things a new lease of life. Today’s world of convenience means it’s often quicker and easier just to replace items that are past their best with new ones, but a more old-fashioned approach of “make do and mend” is a lot friendlier to our planet – and can be easier and more fun than we think. Upcycling is also a great opportunity. Could plastic containers be washed out and reused for a different purpose? Perhaps old clothes could be turned into a blanket, or rags for cleaning? And how do we dispose of items that are inevitably destined for the scrapheap? Double check your local recycling options and keep an eye out for any other recycling schemes. Some organisations such as local schools, parishes, and community garden projects might take soft plastics that can’t be recycled at home and use them to make eco bricks. Just one or two of these simple steps could have more impact than you think – and could be a nice treat for your wallet too!

Save

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a UK household uses on average 349 litres of water each day. Lockdown life will have undoubtedly taken its toll on our water and energy consumption but there are ways we can try and cut down even a little in 2022. Whether it’s taking one minute less to shower each day, reducing our washing by one load a week, making sure we don’t leave taps running while cleaning our teeth, there are plenty of small steps we can take to make a difference. Why not set up a competition to get the whole family involved, giving out a point for each minute you save in the shower, or each light you turn off, then deducting points everyone someone leaves the tap running? This is a fun, free way to get the whole family invested in saving energy, whilst having a positive environmental and economic impact.

Shop smarter

Our consumer habits can have a big impact on the world around us, not only on our own individual footprint but on the collective consumer culture. Already, we’re seeing some affordable, plastic-free, ethically-sourced products making their way onto supermarket shelves; from cleaning products, to toiletries, to groceries and everything in between. This is just the start and there’s a long way to go, but by selecting these products as opposed to our usual brands, we can make a significant impact on our own environmental trail, whilst voting for change through our consumer habits.

Shopping local is also key. The more miles we save from farm to plate, the better for our planet, so why not take a trip to your local farm shop or ask your butcher a little more about where their meat is supplied from? Don’t forget, many parish or community garden projects often have produce to sell, so it’s always worth checking out what’s available in your local area.

Volunteer your time

Sometimes making these changes is easier said than done and if it’s not an option to change your buying habits or avoid using your car, there are still ways you can help. Volunteering with charities and organisations helping to combat the effects of climate change is a great way to start. Charities such as CAFOD, The Climate Coalition, ActionAid UK, Tearfund, Friends of the Earth, and more all carry out vital work supporting communities hardest hit by climate change and campaigning for the changes we need to protect our planet. Following and sharing posts on social media can help raise awareness, and signing petitions and emailing your MP can keep climate justice in the minds of those who have the power to make a big difference

Appreciate the Beauty

We live in a beautiful world. Even in the heart of a concrete jungle, there’s usually something of beauty to appreciate. Next time you see it, stop, and appreciate it. Go for walks, inspire your family and friends. The first step towards caring for the planet is to love it and by pointing out the beauty we see to others, perhaps they can love it too.

And when we are struck by the beauty around us, take time to stop and think. Whatever your background or religion, many of us believe prayer or meditation to be powerful, so why not try taking time out of your busy day to simply sit and appreciate the world around us, and meditate on any changes we can make to help others and our common home.