Many of us want to be more sustainable in 2020, and it can seem like a daunting task. However, it is possible to make a difference with small changes in your everyday life. You don't need to give up your favorite activities to become more eco-friendly. Small changes can make you feel great about yourself, while doing good for the environment.
How to be more eco-friendly at home
It is easier to adopt an environmentally-friendly way of life thanks to new innovations. These innovations help you save time and money, while also protecting the environment. This includes reducing the amount of plastic used, using biodegradable items, and composting your food scraps. Energy can be saved by using lighting and appliances in a more efficient way. Water can also be conserved by switching off the taps while brushing your teeth, or by taking shorter baths.
How to make your business more environmentally friendly
Businesses can have a major impact on the fight against climate changes, but to do so, they need government, consumer and other stakeholder support. It is therefore important that companies get the buy-in of all departments and ensure their products are ethically manufactured and sourced.
For businesses, it is crucial to work with suppliers who are known for their ethical and transparent supply chains.
Andrea George, Director of the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office of Vanderbilt University, says that the most difficult part of the journey to sustainability is overcoming the consumer's resistance. This means not promoting non-sustainable products and offering incentives to encourage customers to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives.
How to make the world more eco-friendly
The world is becoming more environmentally friendly, which is great for people and business. More than two thirds of respondents to a global survey by OnePoll & Micro Cotton said they would make a change to become healthier and more eco-friendly.
Research shows that people are more likely than not to change aspects of their life when they think it's relatively simple to do. This could be because people think that the change will benefit them. Or they may believe they can afford it.
Moreover, the findings show that people are most likely to adopt these behaviors when they can find them affordable, so it is essential that companies continue to develop products and services that are not only better for the environment but are also financially viable.
While the UK's emissions have already been reduced by 16 per cent from 2014 to date, it still has a long way to go before it achieves net zero in 2021. It is therefore important that the UK takes the lead on developing a long-term, consistent and detailed strategy for climate action. This will need a lot of funding, and will require greater public-private collaboration.