The global battle with COVID-19 continues and many people around the world are still restricted in their movements. However, the pandemic may have allowed the environment to breathe a little during this time as many carbon-emitting industries have ground to a halt. You may feel a bit helpless when it comes to making an impact on the environment, but you can still improve your sustainability goals from the comfort of your own home.
Over the course of 2020, many people have become innovative in finding ways to improve their waste output and continue living an eco-friendly life. There are many ways in which you can continue to be environmentally-friendly, just by making a few small changes or by shifting your thinking during the lockdown. Being sustainable doesn’t have to mean big changes to your lifestyle; it can be as easy as watching tv and posting on social media.
Six steps to being environmentally-friendly during the lockdown
1. Buy eco-friendly products
In most countries, shopping is considered an essential activity and is not restricted by the local lockdown rules. This means that you can still make a difference at the supermarket or grocery store. Try to find eco-friendly alternatives to your favourite cleaning and hygiene products, such as detergent, toothpaste and shampoo. Make an effort to buy products from brands that are committed to sustainability. Buy waterless hand sanitiser and similar products that use natural ingredients and are not harmful to the environment once used.
2. Post about sustainability on social media
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are vital sources of information, especially when you are confined to your house. These powerful tools can be used to spread a message and share tips on sustainability. You can make an effort to share helpful articles and videos that deal with the environment and sustainability. This will encourage your friends and family to think about their involvement in the protection of the environment. Just remember to fact-check the content before you share it.
3. Watch shows about our planet
There are numerous blockbuster films that deal with environmental issues and almost countless nature documentaries that show the plight of our planet. These films and documentaries are informative and entertaining; they are valuable educational resources that can help you to expand your knowledge and commitment to the environment. These shows can be inspirational and motivate you to improve your sustainability efforts.
4. Use gardening as a way to boost your environment
For those lucky enough to have a garden, use it as a way to look after your immediate environment. Even people living in apartments can grow their own plants in pots. Gardening is a great way to clear your head during the lockdown, and it is a creative outlet that allows you to nurture your own green space, whether indoors or outdoors. Plant succulents that require little water or grow some indigenous plants to attract nectar-feeding animals, such as sunbirds, bees and butterflies.
5. Grow your own food at home
This point is directly linked to nurturing a garden, except that this involves growing vegetables and herbs that you can eat. There are many plants that can be grown in pots, so not having a garden is no excuse. It also allows you to access a free source of food from your own home. Tomatoes, beans, baby spinach, lettuce and chillies can all be grown indoors if there is enough water and sunlight. Larger vegetables, such as pumpkin, butternut, peppers and cabbage should be grown in a garden with more space. Herbs can be grown in pots and some are very resilient, like rosemary. Growing your own food at home helps the environment and saves you money.
6. Eat and drink sustainably
Don’t forget about food and drinks when it comes to sustainability and the environment. This does not mean changing your diet and becoming a committed vegan, although studies suggest that this is the best way to live a sustainable life. You can simply have one vegetable-based meal per week or simply cut back on your consumption of meat and dairy products. Vegetarian meals have become sophisticated, delicious and sometimes indiscernible from meat-based food. Just a small change to your eating and drinking habits is better than no effort at all.
These six simple steps allow you to help the planet and become more environmentally-friendly during the global pandemic. These eco-friendly practices will allow you to preserve the environment and make an impactful difference to the lifestyles of those around you. None of these steps are hard to implement or require too much effort; they can all be achieved from the comfort of your own home.
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Look after our planet and the creatures that inhabit it too. We share ways to maintain a garden and protect the environment through sustainable practices.
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