Led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), World Environment Day is the biggest global day dedicated to our environment. It inspires to motivate change and influences everything from schools to business to governments, in over 150 countries.
However, the world is pretty big and sometimes it can be difficult to think about how individual actions can combine to make our world a healthier place to live in, for both ourselves and our future generations.
Here at Host, we have you covered with some easy remedies to help you kickstart your positive change.
1) Recycling
One of the best everyday choices we can implement, is the decision to start recycling daily. By recycling, we can produce secondary materials, which lead to the conservation of natural resources, reduction of pollution and the saving of energy. Here is a list of materials you can start recycling to help you feel a bit more like a superhero.
If you want to go that step further, you can even “Buy Recycled”. Look out for that green arrow chasing itself, so that you can level up.
2) Say no to the bag
A plastic bag can take 1,000 years to decompose. To put that into perspective, a single plastic bag will outlive over 100 male lions. The production of polythene bags also emits harmful gases. So, let’s get out with the new and in with the old, say no to new plastic bags and use your old ones (they will last long enough). If you want to be a pro, then grab yourself an eco-friendly smart bag, such as a reusable organic cotton shopping bag.
3) Get thrifty
One of the biggest benefits of buying second hand is that you can get high quality products for an affordable price. Many new and branded items of clothing are more expensive and often of lesser quality when compared to the proven clothes, handbags, and furniture in your local charity shop. Save the planet and save your purse.
The fashion industry is the second biggest polluting industry on the planet. When you buy thrifty you will lessen the demand for new items and fight the damage being done. Fast fashion produces 92 million tonnes of waste every year. To put that into perspective, that’s the same weight as over 610,000 lions. There are only around 25,000 lions alive. Get that one-of-a-kind wardrobe and feel good doing it.
4) Donate old clothes
By donating or selling your old clothes, you will be providing more environmentally friendly alternatives to fast fashion. You’ll also free up more space in your cupboard, and even make some money. There are amazing apps out there that make selling old clothing simple, such as Depop, Vinted, Instagram and eBay.
Donating clothes also allows you to support brilliant causes, as well as helping the planet. That’s twice the benefit of one good act. This is one of the biggest sources of funding for charities, so find a charity that’s close to your heart and donate that jacket you no longer wear. It’s a no-brainer.
Here at Host, we like to collect clothes for the British Heart Foundation, so at most of our sites, we have a dedicated area where our students can give back.
5) Shop local
By shopping for, and eating food that has been locally grown, you will be helping reduce the impact of transportation costs for food. On average the food from your local supermarket travels 1500 miles, making it less nutritious, less tasty, and more damaging to the environment than your homegrown supplier.
You don’t need to apply everything we talked about today, even if you just utilise one of the ideas mentioned, you will have a better impact on the planet than you did yesterday, and that’s a win.
