Use refillable containers
Plastic single-use is a growing problem. Every day, 700,000 plastic bottles are littered in the UK. One commercial solution is to sell water in cartons and cans. These aren’t necessarily better for the environment.
All materials have environmental effects that could lead to different environmental burdens, Libby Peake (head of resource policy at the independent think tank Green Alliance), says.
She cites research that shows that half of UK’s plastic water bottles could be replaced with aluminium cans. This would create enough toxic waste to fill the Royal Albert Hall six times per year. A switch to cartons could result in almost 9,000 bin lorries being filled with waste that cannot be recycled at this level every year. Refillable containers are the only sustainable option.
Invest in renewable energies
Perhaps it is time for renewable energy resources such wind, solar and hydro to be considered.
Harry Roberts, managingdirector of Cop26, has been appointed. My Favourite Cottages, provided guidance on how to make homes more sustainably.
He suggested that solar panels could reduce your home’s carbon footprint up to 88% in just one-year. Solar panels can last up to 50 years. They don’t need to be replaced often and require very little maintenance. They can also reduce your electricity bill by up to 120-310 dollars per year, according to the Energy Savings Trust.
Smart alternatives such as LED lightbulbs are more energy-efficient and last 25x longer than traditional lightbulbs. They can convert 95% of the energy into light, as opposed to 5% for fluorescent bulbs. Swapping will reduce power consumption and eliminate the need for specialist disposal.
Also, it is important to ensure that all appliances have an A++ rating. These ratings are more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Water conservation
We are often told to turn off water taps while we brush our teeth. This will prevent water waste. How serious should we take this advice?
The average person consumes 142 litres of water per day. This combined with increasing demand on natural resources means that the UK could be facing water shortages by 2050.
Water-efficient shower heads, low flow taps, and dual flush toilets can be installed in households to prevent wastage. They use four-six litres of water compared with standard 13 litres.
You can also choose modern energy- and water-efficient appliances to reduce water consumption and lower your water bills.