Easy Planet-Friendly Actions You Can Take Today

With Zero Waste Week in the bag and Recycle Week just around the corner, we’re sharing some brilliantly simple eco tricks to try right now. And the bonus is that most will save you money too!

Recycling rules differ around the country so check your local authority website to see what’s what in your area. Don’t be a ‘wishcycler’ (someone who puts items in the recycling without being completely sure they’re recyclable) and be clear on plastics so you know which to avoid.

As zero waste is about producing as little waste as possible, check what’s going into your recycling bins and bags to see if you can cut it out altogether. Talking of which…

The UK goes through millions of tonnes of paper each year with the average family using an estimated 6 trees worth annually. Do your bit to cut down by opting out of paper bills and statements and saying no to junk mail. Switching to digital magazine subscriptions and using the library for books and papers is also a big help.

Around the house, use washable cloths and rags for cleaning and you’ll also save a fortune on paper towels and disposable wipes. At the table, enjoy the loveliness of real napkins and tablecloths (get more zero waste entertaining ideas here).

Plan meals and shopping around what you already have at home. Do a weekly menu and always write a list before you shop to save food waste as well as cash.

Never forget your shopping bags and produce bags again by keeping them in the car or popping foldable versions in your purse. Look out for wonky fruit and veg as well as local, seasonal produce and get to know your refill options to cut out packaging.

Make saving water part of your daily routine. Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth and keep a container in your shower to catch the water while it’s heating up to use on plants or for flushing the toilet.

To cut down on packaging (and save money too) switch to soap and shampoo bars and put skin toner in a spray bottle to spritz your face instead of using cotton pads. A ‘one in, one out’ rule on products, where you finish what you have before buying more, is another good green incentive.

Take the heat off your energy usage! Dialling the thermostat down a notch and washing laundry at 30°C will both cut energy – good news for the environment and your bills. And skip the tumble dryer when you can.

Get clued up on ‘vampire devices’ (energy drainers like TVs, microwaves and phone chargers) and turn them off at the wall instead of leaving them on standby. It may be small savings, but they soon add up.

Did you know that cooking with an air fryer uses less energy than an oven? Quicker to heat up and cook with, an air fryer uses less than half the energy of a conventional oven, so plan some tasty air fryer meals right now.

For more eco tips, check out our recycling week actions and climatarian blog and get set for eco festivities with our sustainable Christmas ideas. We’ve got your back!