7 Small Changes That Make a Big Difference in the Environment

Most people want to do their bit to help the environment. However, a lot of us assume that one person can’t make a massive change. In fact, small changes make a big difference in the environment. If everyone makes small and easy changes, it will make a massive difference overall. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some small changes you can make that will have a large impact on the environment.

• Reuse everything – There is only one place to begin, and this is with reusing things. Before you throw something into the bin, and contribute to filling up a landfill, think about whether the item can be reused, fixed, upcycled, or recycled. Find out here how to reuse some everyday items.
• Go veggie once a week – Giving up meat for good is something a lot of people won’t want to do, but surely you can give it up for one day per week? Meat production is very resource-intensive. Did you know that 840 gallons of fresh water would be saved if you give up meat for one day every week?
• Switch to solar power – Solar panels will convert sunlight into electricity. Not only will this make a massive difference to the environment, but you can reap the rewards in terms of lower monthly expenses as well. Companies like Essential Solar will charge for the installation of solar panels, and so this does represent an upfront expense. However, you will soon make this money back (and more), as your monthly utility bills will be significantly lower. It’s a win-win!
• Recycle – This is an easy one, as it is likely that you have different bins for various items that have been provided by the council, or at least different coloured bin bags. Moreover, if you have any household goods, toys, or unwanted clothes that you don’t want, sell them at a car boot sale or donate them to charity rather than throwing them away.
• Clean the back of your fridge – Who knew that cleaning your home could have an impact on the environment? Well, dusty coils in your fridge can actually cause energy consumption to increase by a huge 30 %!
• Change your light – You may not realise this, but lighting accounts for just less than 20 per cent of most homeowners’ electricity bills. Of course, if you have followed the earlier point about using solar power, you will have a great solution to this. If not, at least change your light bulbs. Using more energy efficient bulbs is better for the environment and will lower your energy bill.
• Bring your own bag – Whenever you go shopping, take your own bag with you. Plastic bags have three times the impact of reusable bags when it comes to greenhouse gases. Plus, if you look at the damage plastic bags are causing to marine life, you’ll be horrified.

As you can see, there are a number of ways you can play your role in helping preserve the environment. If everyone starts making small differences today, the impact will be huge. Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of effort, does it?

What small changes that make a big difference in the environment are you taking part in?