Adapted from ‘100 Ways to Live More Sustainably’ by Ben at Tiny Eco Home Life, free to download
www.tinyecohomelife.com.
1 - Think Minimalist
Reduce the number of things that you buy. Give space between thinking you need to buy something and buying it. This will stop you making quick decisions and save you money and space at home.
2 - Buy Second-hand
Try and buy on the second-hand market. I’ve created this list from my refurbished second-hand laptop. It’s great and works just as well as any new laptop I’ve had in the past. Ramsgate Town Council is now using refurbished laptops.
3 - Shop Local
Shop local where possible to reduce transport emissions, support small businesses and provide a boost to the local economy.
4 - Use a Refillable Bottle
Always take a refillable water bottle with you. I’ve used my stainless steel one for years. In Ramsgate we have a new water fountain on the Main Sands and businesses signing up to the Refill Scheme, allowing people to pop in and refill their water bottles for free. Like a coffee? Take a reusable coffee cup to work or on your day trip.
5 - Household Recycling
Recycle everything you can in your household Thanet District Council kerbside recycling - plastics, metals and paper are the main types. Try not to ‘wish cycle’ This is putting something in the recycling you’re not sure about but hoping it will be magically sorted out. It usually causes more problems.
6 - Collect Other Recyclables
Collect items that are recyclable but can’t be recycled with your local collection. The best items to collect include batteries, light bulbs, plastic bags and other plastic films. Take these in one go to your nearest recycling point.
7 - Donate, Sell, Swap
Getting rid of clothes, furniture or something that is still in good working order? Sell it, donate it or share it via apps like Olio. You can even give it away on apps like Freecycle, Freegle or Facebook Marketplace.
8 - Don’t Charge your Phone Overnight
It takes roughly an hour to charge your phone from 0% to 80%. Charging at night wastes energy. It also isn’t great for the long-term health of your phone battery. I charge mine first thing in the morning or at my desk.
9 - Unplug Devices
Unplug devices and appliances when they’re not in use to avoid phantom load energy drain. Over time, this can add up.
10 - Check the Energy Rating
When upgrading electrical items, check the energy rating for the most energy efficient model you can afford. This is particularly important for fridges and freezers that are never switched off and tumble dryers and other machines that are on for multiple hours.