Earth Day is a global event celebrating and supporting environmental protection. There are plenty of ways that you can play a part, and you know what? Many of the following tips are also great for your health and wellbeing (and your pocket), as well as the planet. Good for the planet and good for you too.
1. Try your hand at making your own condiments
One of the largest contributors to household waste is the packaging that remains long after the food has been eaten. A simple way to cut down on food packaging is to make your own condiments. Usually, these can be made with just a few household ingredients. Mayonnaise is the perfect example and can be made with just a few simple, cupboard staples. When you’re done, you can store the condiment in a repurposed ramakin or glass jar. They look super-cute on your shelf too.
Try this easy, homemade mayonnaise recipe here.
2. Fix those leaky taps in your home
Although a small leak may feel like more of a nuisance than a problem, that leak is contributing to the trillion gallons of water that are wasted annually nationwide. If you’ve got a tap that’s dripping away, today is the day to tighten those pipes (you CAN do this!) By fixing a leaky tap, not only will you help to reduce the amount of wasted water, you’ll also save money on your bills. Yay!
3. Help the bees and don’t mow the lawn
As the weather gets warmer and your lawn grows do. absolutely. nothing. (Or at least for just part of your lawn) Pull up a chair, grab a VÖOST and watch the grass grow wild to help pollinating insects thrive.
4. Declutter your home
A thorough spring clean can be good for the soul, but remember to follow the three Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle. Sort your unwanted stuff into piles, from items that can be donated to a charity shop to those that can be recycled. Try selling or giving stuff away and consider buying second-hand yourself in the future. This reduces the need for more products to be manufactured and uses fewer resources.
5. Swap your cleaning products for eco-friendly ones
Eco-friendly cleaning products aren’t just better for the environment. They also contain fewer chemicals which can cause or exacerbate health problems, such as asthma. The more natural ingredients your household products contain, the better.
6. Grow your own fruit and veg
Growing your own organic garden is a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Food grown locally travels a shorter distance to reach your plate, cutting down on ‘food miles’. This helps to reduce CO2 emissions. Not only does it help to protect the environment, it also helps to decrease the amount of pesticides that you consume.
7. Eat less meat
Meat production has a huge impact on the environment, so cutting back can be a positive step. Make sure you speak to your GP or seek nutritional advice if you’ve decided to go vegan, as you may need to top up on essential vitamins and minerals.
Food supplements should not replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, however if you sometimes struggle to obtain your daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals VÖOST can help fill in the gaps.
They’re all in handy effervescent form, simply add to water and enjoy the taste. Find out more here.