How can I help the environment? Top tips for a greener future

With only 20 firms responsible for a third of all carbon emissions, it’s not hard to see why Brits are feeling hopeless about climate change. Alarming statistics prove thissentiment, with figures from a recent poll suggesting that one in 10 adults believe the crisis has gone too far for any personal actions to make a difference.

However, it’s not too late to make changes that could benefit the environment, no matter how small. Here are four simple steps you can take to become more eco-friendly in your daily life.1. Upcycling

You’ve heard of recycling, but what about upcycling? This trendy practice involves taking a preloved item and giving it a new lease of life through restoration. Your old favourite furniture or clothing could be given a new purpose entirely – or sold on for a higher price.

If you choose to use an online marketplace like eBay, you could make surprising profits. A UK-based lender analysed listing and sale price data from the site and found thatupcycled tables and lights could fetch up to £268 and £234 respectively, with old cupboards potentially reaching the highest bids of almost £350!

The study also showed that around 3600 Brits are searching for ‘upcycling ideas’ and the last 12 months have shown searches for ‘upcycled furniture’ rise by 60%. But it’s not just furniture that’s bringing in the money for sellers! Upcycled bags can bring in a potential profit of £248, based on initial reworking and material costs of £80, meaning having a keen eye for fashion trends could benefit you. 2. Sustainable shopping

If you’re guilty of buying products with single-use plastics in your weekly shop, you’re not alone. Independent stores offering loose produce to fill your own containers with can be hard to come by, but it’s worth doing your research if you’re serious about being greener.

Make sure it’s still within your budget, though, as food shopping can be pricey, especially ahead of Christmas.3. Reducing energy use

Do you turn the lights off when you leave a room? If not, you could be adding to your electricity bill unnecessarily – not to mention wasting energy resources that could be needed elsewhere.

Instead of taking your car for short trips, why not walk instead? Getting more steps into your day is a great way to boost your physical and mental wellbeing. It could help reduce air pollution in your local area too.4. Changing your diet

An environmentally-conscious diet is normally plant-based, but you don’t have to stop eating your favourite foods. Simply reducing your meat intake could help contribute to the demand for alternative options in supermarkets. The less meat you buy, the less you’ll contribute to a harmful, polluting industry.

It’s more important than ever to consider how to improve our habits to create a safer future for everyone – and for the planet.