Electric Ireland explains the 7 changes that people can make today that will help the planet. These include:
- 1. Explore ways to reduce carbon footprint
Look around right now. Chances are there are a lot of things that could be made more efficient or more environmentally friendly in everyday life.
For instance, in the case of home residents, they could consider turning their heating down a notch, or unplugging some of those appliances that aren’t being used at the moment – or if they’re outside, start thinking about how they could maybe get involved in planting more sustainable foods in the garden or shared community spaces, cutting the overall commutes for errands per week, or taking the bus or cycling instead of driving.
- 2. Look at the things to buy a little closer
Examine where they come from really, and ask if those things could be bought from a more local source, or, if people could buy them from a company that delivered them in more environmentally friendly packaging. Also, question if they are truly the most efficient products available.
For instance, LED lights are far more efficient than the old lightbulbs. Or, perhaps it’s time to swap an old appliance for a newer, more efficient one, which will enable savings on both energy, and money in the long run.
- 3. Think before discarding things, or transform it
Not many know that coffee grounds and eggshells are ideal for composting? Or maybe it’s time to donate those old paint cans to a community project. Just purchased a plastic bag out of necessity? Don’t chuck it, keep it for something else in the future.
Looking to get rid of some old furniture, first ask could they be recycled? Or even just donate it to a charity shop. Same goes for old clothes. In fact, they could even be used as fabric to wrap a gift in. Turn something old into something unique. Stuck for ideas of what to do with old goods? Have a browse online first and avail of lots of inventive ideas.
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- 4. Collaborate or team up with someone
By making little commitments to each other, they can all add up to make a huge difference
Taking on changes doesn’t have to be all alone. See if there is scope for collaboration or join up with a neighbor or colleague even. Perhaps setting a weekly goal of cutting back on one thing or taking up another will help, like walking to the shops instead of driving, or only putting on the dishwasher when it’s properly full.
By making little commitments to each other, they can all add up to make a huge difference. It can be as simple as carpooling with someone, or finding a community group online that can help out with, or get tips from.
- 5. Have a vegetarian day once a week
There are so many tasty plant-based or vegetarian dishes online these days, and in stores. Try and set a goal of having at least one all plant-based dinner, or day per week. There is no need to give up on meat forever, but rather explore other options.
There’s bound to be something out there to satisfy all taste buds, be it jackfruit tacos or even a soya-based burger. Pair up with a friend or family member and go with a vegetarian day together. Keeping to more plant-based foods tends to be better for the environment, and helps to reduce the carbon footprint.
- 6. Use all of that paper
Millions of tons of paper are wasted every year by homes and businesses. Be it notepads that are only half full, or sheets with only a few words on them. Try and fill the note pads, and help save trees the world over from being unnecessarily chopped down. What’s more, make sure to recycle the newspapers.
- 7. Get a better understanding of energy usage
Take a look at how energy is being used, when, and with which appliances. With the rollout of new smart meters all over Ireland, users have the perfect opportunity to really get to know how they are consuming energy, and to find ways to use less, and save more.
A smart meter can enable users to see their electricity usage in a whole new light, and reveal personalized electricity insights, make better choices, and perhaps help them realize that they could switch to a different, better plan – like a time-of-use price plan where they can avail of cheaper, greener electricity at night time.
