Lifestyle changes to make a difference

Sweden has a word to shame people for flying. Now 1 in 4 people are staying on the ground.

Get active and walk wherever you can.  It will help fitness, reduce the demands we make on the earth's resources - and it's a great way to start the day!

Polar Bears International have a Thermostat Challenge you can take to lessen your impact on the planet.

Or if you really have to use straws, use those which AREN'T plastic! e.g. Bamboo Straws

Stop them, don't take part in them, try to stop your local authority allowing balloon releases.  Balloons KILL wildlife and livestock.

A lot of deforestation occurs because the land is needed to provide food for livestock for people to eat.  Plus it's kinder to animals not to eat them.

Instead of sending flowers, send a tree or bush as a gift.  Tree2mydoor.com has something for every location. 

Sponsor an acre as a gift for an animal lover and help the thousands of animals living there.

Don't wait for Governments & Commerce to solve problems.  Act and join in others who are acting as well.  

Ask stores to re-fill your water bottle for you.  You could always give them a tip for doing it and it will cost you & the planet a lot less!

Do you really, really, REALLY need what you're about to buy? 

Can you mend what you're about to throw?   If not, can you use it for another purpose?  e.g. old t-shirts for dusters

Find a purpose in life and devote your energies to that, something which helps others, rather than anything material.

Volunteering can be a great way to help wildlife, so look for volunteer opportunities near you. 

Support rescue centres rather than breeders.  

What is your Ecological Footprint?   How many planets do we need if everyone lives like you?  

Not easy, but look for plastic free items where you can.  Talk to your local supermarkets about getting rid of plastic. What are they doing? 

Save water when you shower and brush your teeth - turns the tap off when you don't need the water to run. 

Look for local produce that has been produced locally to support local farmers.   Why not have a go at growing your own? 

Give wildlife a pond, a bird-bath, anything they can drink from.  Many get dehydrated, especially in hot weather.   It doesn't have to be large.

If you haven't got a garden, check out the RHS's campaigns to get people gardening and green grey Britain! 

Use Ecosia as your search engine and they will plant trees as you search!  So far they are up to over 124,000,000 trees!  

This is easier said than done, becuause so many products now have palm oil in them.  Ethical Consumer has produced a guide to help you work out which companies don't use palm oil or at least use sustainable palm oil

Plan what food you need to eat before you shop.  Look at what you throw away each week.  Reduce waste the next week.