Small eco-friendly habits that can last beyond Earth Day

Image by Alysia Georgiades

With Earth Day taking place yesterday we are more aware of our impact on the planet than usual. But how many of us mark the occasion with our actions, and more importantly, do these actions last longer than a day?

As well as participating in global events, virtual talks or local activities, there are small actions you can take to make your lifestyle a little greener.

Below are just a few ways you can be kinder to the planet on a daily basis, and start cleaner habits that can last.

Why not walk?

Unless it’s a long journey, try to walk instead of taking the car. You could also cycle, but the slower pace of walking might make you take in more of the world you speed pass so often.

If you do need to travel further, public transport is a good idea. Unless your car is electric or hydrogen-powered, in which case you’re good to go!

Think before you buy

Take a minute to think about your purchase before you hit the checkout button, or head to the till. Do you really need the product you’re buying? Could you wait a little longer and buy more products at once? Or could you buy your items from one shop?

We don’t often think about it, but the products we buy online often have to travel quite far to reach us. If you can buy more products together, even if that means waiting longer, it means the delivery vans are making less journeys, and less pollutants are released into the air.

The same goes for quick trips to the shops to pick up a few items. If you can walk to your local shop instead, or pick up everything in one trip, it’s more economical for you and the planet.

This was taken at home in the garden, what will you find in yours? Image by Alysia Georgiades

Spend the day with nature

On days where you have no plans, or nothing to buy, take the opportunity to visit your local park, or even spend some time in your garden.

Nature can do some incredible things for your mind and soul, and simply taking in the patterns of the leaves, the texture of bark, or the scents of flowers can change your mood and mindset.

And there’s nothing like delicate birdsong to keep you company while you wander.

Phone? What phone?

Earth Day is a great opportunity to challenge yourself to go on a digital detox. Work and emergencies aside, when it comes to free time and taking breaks during the day, instead of reaching for your phone, laptop or tablet, try something more traditional.

You can’t go wrong with a book, magazine, or really anything to read. Doodling is also a creative outlet that allows your mind to relax, and if you reach for the radio, maybe search for some old CDs instead, or play the instrument you might not have picked up in a while.

It’s hard to think about a time before smartphones and screens were essential to daily life. But it really wasn’t that long ago. And if you’re able to stop the scrolling and searching for a day, you might find you can be less dependent on it for longer.

Flick the switch

It’s an obvious one, but turning off electrical items when not in use is a simple way to start greener habits. If it’s sunny outside, turn the lights off. If no one is using the toaster, unplug it. If you could air dry the washing instead of using the tumble dryer, why not?

Not only are you saving money, but the stress our daily electricity use puts on the planet is reduced. Now that really is a win for everyone.

Switching off electrics is a simple way of reducing your carbon footprint. Image courtesy of Unsplash

Recycle

As well as your usual recycling habits, if there’s anything larger that you’re thinking of throwing away, why not look up if you can recycle it somewhere.

Whether this means recycling at a refuse centre, donating to a charity shop, or just offering it to a friend or family member (if it still works of course), you can easily give unwanted items another life.

Even jars, pots and glasses can have new purposes in your home for storage or decoration, ranging from toothbrush holders and pen pots to tea lights and plant pots.

Be aware

If nothing else, when going about your day, just be conscious of your actions, and if and how they impact the planet.

Simply being aware can have an affect on how you act, and that can lead to world where humanity and nature can live in harmony.