What you do today…
There is something about the word ‘sustainability’ that I’m sure confuses people. I hear it so much – on the news, on documentaries – it’s in the papers and advertisements… and wonder how many people actually haven’t got a Scooby Do what ‘being sustainable’ actually means.
For me, being sustainable is a different way of thinking. It’s not about the immediate, it’s about the future. It’s about our children. And their great, great grand children. It’s about being mindful, thoughtful, considerate, sensible and aware of our decisions and actions… Which sounds simple enough, but I know that for myself, when I really started to think about it, there were lots and lots of tiny lifestyle changes I could make, which, if everyone did them, there could be an enormous impact on our glorious (and it is glorious) planet.
Things like turning the tap off when I brush my teeth, making sure that I’m recycling properly, hanging my clothes to dry instead of shoving them into the drier, turning down the heating thermostat a notch and wearing a thicker jumper…
Simple stuff, but so, so easy to do.
I find, that when looking for inspiration on how to live better and more sustainably, I just think back to my grandparents and how they lived. When they were born it was all milkmen on horse-driven carts, coal fires and NO central heating.
Towards the end of their lives they were getting their heads round the internet, Skype and even texting made their minds boggle. Although, my incredible grandpa, who is still going strong aged 95, has embraced every new thing that has come his way – he is an amazing inspiration.
My grandparents, throughout their lives, saved everything, (used wrapping paper, buttons, bits of string ) they fixed everything (garden hoses, chairs, clothes) and they grew actual FOOD in their actual garden. Fresh tomatoes were always on the table whenever I visited…and they always beat any supermarket’s produce hands down…
It’s a completely different way of thinking to how we approach ‘stuff’ today. They carried their early 20th century way of living through to the new millennium… and for this reason, this extraordinary generation are beacons of inspiration for all of us who wish to live a more sustainable existence.
Research was recently carried out by LG, which brilliantly revealed that us Brits are far more mindful and concerned about the environment than you might think. Over a quarter of us consider the environment and climate change a bigger concern than fears around cost of living… and many would be willing to make changes to their lifestyles to make a difference. Things like delaying washing your clothes until you have a full load, taking showers instead of baths…. and women will get at least 6 of more wears out of a bra before adding it to the washing pile!
Here are the top ten activities that we do, but feel guilty about because of the negative impact on the environment.
How many of these do you do? (I won’t tell…)
I am definitely a culprit of popping things in the wash before I have a full load, and I am stopping that immediately. I’m also looking into getting a more eco-friendly washing machine – a great example of this is the LG Centum washing machine – LG’s most eco-friendly model ever ever ever! And it will save me at least 67% off the electricity running costs, because it uses so much less. (217kWh less electricity every year than an A+ rated model of the same size…)
This ticks so many boxes for me – I’m not just saving money but I’m reducing my own carbon emissions and my actual, personal environmental impact at home.
So excuse me while I go and turn off that dripping tap, switch my washing machine, plant some seeds, shop locally and have a shorter shower – I’m on a sustainability mission…
Care to join me?
This post is sponsored by LG and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
