As climate change and plastic pollution harm the environment, living more sustainably will help prevent further damage and conserve resources.
Sustainable style
Mass-produced fast fashion is made from synthetic materials, which are cheap to manufacture. However, the artificial fibres release plastic particles into the environment when washed.
Choose clothing made from natural fibres, such as organic cotton, or innovative materials such as wood-pulp based Tencel.
Mending and altering clothing helps to extend its life. This means fewer clothes are thrown away or need to be purchased. You could also consider donating items you no longer wear.
Make up with less waste
Mainstream retailers and online low-waste stockists supply sustainable makeup, typically made from natural ingredients. The wood or metal containers can also be refilled to reduce plastic waste.
Sustainability on the go
From coffee cups and drinks bottles to reusable natural straws – using your own reusable products allows you to turn down single-use items destined for landfill.
Eco-friendly travel
Walk, take public transport, or cycle where possible to reduce road congestion. While electric cars are better for your personal footprint, they still contribute to traffic in which there will be many fossil fuel engines.
For long-distance journeys, use trains or boats instead of planes. Air travel disproportionately consumes resources and contributes emissions to the atmosphere.
Creating a sustainable home
Eco-friendly furnishings and decor
From jute rugs to organic upholstery – natural furnishings can create an eco-friendly haven. Synthetic fibre carpets and furniture will go to landfill once replaced, and release microplastics when cleaned or disturbed.
Indoor plants can bring colour and life to your home. There’s no need for cut flowers wrapped in plastic when fresh blooms decorate your space.
Make your kitchen more sustainable
Eating more plant-based products is a good start. Try also growing your own produce. Fresh herbs grown on a windowsill help to avoid packaging waste, while adding flavour to meals. Growing produce also makes seasonal eating easier, which requires fewer chemical fertilisers.
You can reduce food waste by planning meals before shopping, and using leftovers or older produce for soups and stocks. Start a compost heap to turn peelings and scraps into nutrient-rich organic matter for gardening.
Reduce energy usage
If you have the means, proper home insulation can reduce reliance on resource-intensive heating. Installing solar panels can also provide renewable energy, while cutting standard energy bills.
Switch televisions and other gadgets off instead of leaving them on standby. When buying new appliances or tech, consider energy efficiency as part of your decision.
When older lightbulbs die, replace them with LED bulbs. They require less energy and last longer, meaning less physical waste.
Only boil as much water as is necessary in electric kettles, and fill washing machines and dishwashers fully before beginning a wash cycle.
Be a responsible and green pet owner
Shop sustainably for your pets. Use compostable waste bags, metal food bowls in place of plastic, and leads, collars, and toys made from natural materials. It is even possible to buy treats in non-plastic packaging, and goodies made from leftover brewery grains.
Shop sustainably
Buy compostable products or those in compostable packaging wherever possible. Home composting is simple, when compared with the responsible disposal of waste , e.g. understanding multiple plastic types and recycling rules.
If compostable products are unavailable, going zero plastic is the next best option. This can be as simple as choosing bar soap instead of liquid dispensers, and investing in glass or metal refillable spray bottles for natural cleaning products.
Look out for certifications, such as the FAIRTRADE Mark, which indicate that companies use sustainable manufacturing practices.
Avoid unsustainable ingredients such as palm oil. Its manufacture is responsible for mass deforestation and permanent ecosystem damage.
Remember to bring your own reusable shopping bags with you, instead of using disposable paper or plastic ones.
Make sustainable living easy on yourself
Turn to companies that want to help make sustainable living more convenient. Compostable products of natural origin are the easiest way to reduce household waste and lessen your impact on the environment.
If you’re planning a dinner party or buffet, compostable palm leaf tableware and sugarcane bagasse tableware are both convenient and sustainable. FOOGO green’s eco-friendly plates, bowls, and cutlery are 100% natural, home compostable and free from chemicals.
Palm leaf and sugarcane bagasse tableware are also durable enough to hold oily and sticky foods, as well as liquids. They can also be cleaned and reused.
To see the full range of FOOGO green’s biodegradable catering utensils, visit our online store .