A significant amount of rubbish that comes from our home each day ends up in landfills and oceans and has a hugely detrimental effect on the environment. Going greener with eco-friendly products has never been more prevalent. Create a more positive impact on the environment in lots of little ways and help work towards eliminating ocean clean up, reducing carbon footprints and diminishing plastic waste.

1. Shop at zero-waste stores

Eradicate single-use packaging that comes into your home by shopping at zero-waste stores. From cereal boxes to packaged pasta and coffee jars to shampoo bottles, single-use packaging creates unnecessary plastic and cardboard waste. Using stylish refillable containers not only creates a great aesthetic in your home but also stamps out plastic use. Refillable stores are popping up everywhere and you can fill up your containers with everything from cereal, spices and grains to bathroom products and laundry detergents.

2. Switch to LEDs

Unlike incandescent lighting, LEDs use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. The benefits work all round; you save on your energy bills whilst also doing your bit for the environment. Go one step further and reduce the amount of electricity consumed by always turning off light switches that are not in use. Invest in smart lighting and you can use audio commands instead.

3. Buy bamboo

Fast-growing and renewable, buying products made of bamboo is a great way to start your sustainable journey. From toothbrushes to toilet paper and wood flooring to mattresses, bamboo is used to make a variety of products. Biodegradable, anti-bacterial and natural, it is a fantastic alternative to plastic and its pesticide-free cultivation doesn’t harm the environment.

4. Create your own vegetable patch

Cut down your carbon footprint by growing your own produce and not only will you have a more positive impact on the environment but green fingers are highly rewarding. Grow everything from tomatoes and strawberries to herbs and curly kale and eat cleaner and healthier the sustainable way.

5. Say no to fast fashion

Studies show that in Britain alone we throw away around £140 million of clothes per year. Fast fashion is responsible for a great deal of the throwaway lifestyle, so consider investing in classic pieces designed to last. Another great way is to support shops that put the environment at the forefront. Tentree plant ten trees for every t-shirt bought and Adidas by Stella McCartney works with Parley for the Oceans, using eco-innovative ways to make materials out of upcycled plastic waste found on shorelines, beaches and coastal areas.

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