With the third heatwave of summer about to take hold, it’s becoming hard to not notice that our summers are changing in the UK. Now, I’m not going to bang on about climate change here, at least not yet. I will say that I understand that sometimes it can feel like there’s nothing we can do to make any impact. Thankfully, that’s not true. As the summer takes hold and schools start to finish for the year, here are some ways that we can all live more sustainably for the season.
1. Shop Locally
Head to your local market for produce that hasn’t had to be transported for miles and miles. If there isn’t a market in your town, try searching for a local farm shop or check out a veg box scheme. Shopping locally doesn’t only mean for groceries. Local independent businesses and restaurants or cafes provide better quality, unique items. Plus shopping there boosts the local economy.
2. Get Outside
Celebrate nature and do something for wildlife or plant something new in your garden. If you don’t have a garden or outside space, visit your local green spaces, nature reserves or parks.
3. Travel closer to home
Instead of a long-haul flight or long waits in airports, look for local day trips or longer breaks with a shorter travel time. You can cut your travel emissions and help local businesses too.
4. Look for ways to save
Turns things off at the plug that you don’t need to save energy. Save water by taking shorter showers and reuse water on the garden. Wash your clothes on cool and hang them outside to dry.
5. Repair things (or at least don’t throw it away!)
Instead of heading out and buying a whole new wardrobe for summer, use what you have and maybe repair or repurpose it. Take it to a clothes exchange or donate it. Similarly, make use of your local repair shop if you have one instead of replacing something that might be broken. Often this saves money as well.
6. Celebrate more sustainably
Think about borrowing what you need if you are celebrating or having an event. Many towns now have a library of things or a place to hire party stuff. Search the Party Kit Network for local reuseable kits for your next party.
7. Eat more plants
Summer is a great time for salad or trying something new on your plate. Seasonal produce like lettuce, beans, peas, courgettes, beetroot and tomatoes are so versatile and all grown locally at this time of year.
8. Limit your single-use plastic
It’s not too late to take part in Plastic-free July. Take the pledge and get lots of hints and tips for removing single-use plastic in your home.
