5 easy ways to help the environment

Helping the environment can seem like a daunting task at times. It can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that there are lots of little changes you can make that will make a difference. Chances are you are already doing some of these already. If so, give yourself a pat on the back!

1. Eat on the go a lot? Bring a fork with you.

If you often find yourself grabbing a salad to eat while commuting, say no to the single-use fork and carry your own with you to reuse any time you need it. Watch ‘The Story of a Spoon’ on YouTube if you need further convincing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg-E1FtjaxY

2. Use just one napkin.

When restaurants and canteens provide dispensers full of napkins, it can be super easy to grab more than you need. In reality, you probably only need one. Bingo, you’re already halving the number you use!

3. Be creative with leftovers.

It’s hard to completely avoid food waste but it costs Irish households around €700 per year. Look for recipes incorporating those leftover potatoes, make banana bread with those over-ripe bananas, bring the extra portion of pasta for lunch or check out http://www.stopfoodwaste.ie for more great tips to minimise waste and save money.

4. Cut the top off.

You’d be amazed how much product can be left in containers when you throw them away. Cut toothpaste, moisturiser and make-up tubes in half to use every last scrap. To help prevent spillages and the product drying out, store the halved make-up and moisturiser tubes in an air-tight container. Your products will last you for much longer than you might expect and save you money.

5. Recycle properly.

We all know that recycling is important but did you know that items need to be clean and dry?

If not they can contaminate other items like paper and cardboard, rendering them impossible to recycle. Treat your items for recycling like you would your dirty dishes and wash them at the same time to save water. Leave them to drip dry before adding them to your recycling bin.

Do you have any tips for helping the environment? Please share them below!