Everybody knows that the pursuit of environmental sustainability is important. But did you know how easy it was to achieve? You don’t have to spend every hour of your day doing it, spend lots of money on reusable products or go through a dramatic lifestyle change of veganism and wearing hemp clothing! You can do little things that won’t drastically impact on your busy schedule, your bank balance and could even enhance your life, your family’s life and be fun too!
1. Drive less.
Why not walk or ride your bike to the shops rather than taking your car all the time. Walking to the shops as a family, especially in nice weather, can be a surprising treat! You could also go for walks and long bike rides as a way of keeping fit or as a nice and free family day out. Using your car just a little less each week will help reduce harmful gases which are a major cause of global warming.
2. Eat less meat.
I’m not saying you should become a vegetarian. I love meat and have no intention of giving it up! But it is a fact that we consume far too much of it. If more animals are being raised for our consumption, then more land is needed to raise livestock and less land is used to grow crops. Maybe add more plant based recipes to your weekly meal plan. This also has the added benefit of boosting energy levels and aiding the prevention chronic diseases. There are many recipe ideas that are easy to make and taste great.
3. Support your local businesses.
Buying locally from shops selling local produce for example is a great way to get cheap and fresh food that helps local farmers and helps reinvigorate the local economy. Also, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Buying unpopular cuts of food, like lamb neck and beef brisket, are cheaper options but taste just as good as more expensive alternatives. Why not take a look at the farm shop in Shrivenham that opened early 2020 or Bloomfields Fine Food
4. Use less plastic.
Single use plastic is terrible for the environment. Items such as drink bottles, plastic straws and plastic bags are produced and transported using large amounts of fossil fuels and once we use them they pollute the environment, are mistaken for food by animals or can get wrapped around them ending their lives by immobilizing or strangling them. Buying reusable bags, straws and water bottles may seem small but is a great way to help reduce the amount of plastic that we use.
5. Get involved with groups.
There are groups in your area who are committed to improving the environment while stopping and reducing the depletion of natural resources. If you would like to know or do more about reducing your carbon footprint or if you’re bursting with great ideas on how we can help our environment and would like to share them with like-minded individuals, get in touch. Sustainable Shrivenham aim to provide the community with alternative choices to help cut down on single use plastic, reduce food waste and encourage more plant based cooking. To join or get in touch with the team at Sustainable Shrivenham, please click here .
