02 Apr 2021

It's easy to think you're just a small fish in a big pond. Nothing you do really makes a difference in the long run, right?

But oh my fishy lil' friend, your splashes cause ripples, tides and waves. You, just like every individual person on the dang planet, have the potential to make a beautiful difference. 

Here are just 15 little things you can do that'll make mother nature love ya.

 

1. Bring a water bottle

Nothing irks me more than people buying plastic water bottles on the reg. Not only do they cost the price of Jesus' tears, but around 90% of plastic bottles also end up decomposing in landfills rather than being recycled. 

Bring your water bottle everyyyywhere. That way you're saving money, you're keeping hydrated AND you're being a sustainable lord.

2. Ditch the meat for a meal or two

You don’t have to give up meat for life, but try to commit to a few vego meals, even a meat-free day each week!

Animal agriculture stresses out our land, water, oceans, rainforest, wildlife and humanity… I can't even begin to scrape the surface of how corrupt and environmentally detrimental the meat industry is on poor mother nature but the documentary 'Cowspiracy' will give you the hot goss on this topic.

3. Take the bus

I know I know, getting your license is gnarly, especially since you can go on Maccas runs whenever you like, but unfortunately, transport makes up 18% of all greenhouse gas pollution in Australia. It's so beneficial to opt for catching the bus or train instead, or even walking or riding your bike if you can to get around. I double dare you to go through the Maccas drive through on your bike lmao.

4. Bring a keep cup

Invest in a funky keep cup and drink your coffee with glee, knowing that you just caused less waste! Some cafes will even offer a discount for filling up your own cup rather than issuing a paper one. 

5. Buy less

Such a simple notion, yet so powerful. The less you buy, the less $$$ you spend. When you buy less, you're also reducing your environmental impact. 

6. Wear jumpers inside

Winter is coming my dudes. Instead of cranking the heater and using up electricity, wear a jumper. Or five. Layer up, use blankets, snuggle up to your doggo... whatever works.

7. Bring your tote bag

Going grocery shopping? Bring your tote bag! We alllll know how rank plastic is for the environment so get acquainted with your tote bag. 

8. Buy second hand

I'm not saying buy second-hand toothbrushes and undies... yikes. But hey, need some new clothes? A desk? A bike? A bag? Books? A laptop?... Suss out Facebook marketplace, ebay, op shops and garage sales... 

This saves you money and helps to reduce packaging materials.

9. Turn off your switches

Turn your switches off when you're not using them. Your light switches, your computers, your chargers... I hardly ever charge things overnight as it's just a waste and I've made a habit of charging my phone and laptop before I go to bed or in the morning. It's so easy and yet it makes a world of difference.

10. Always recycle glass

Did you know that un-recycled glass can take up to a million years to decompose? Sorry, what???!! By recycling glass, whether that's a pasta sauce jar or a water bottle, it can reduce related water pollution by up to 50% and related air pollution by up to 20%. 

11. Turn the tap off when brushing

When brushing your teeth, turning the tap off while brushing can save 10 to 15 litres of water per day. How easy is that? And what a difference that makes indeed.

12. Use rechargeable batteries

The corrosive acid in throw away batteries is extremely damaging to soil when they end up in landfills. Although the recharging unit is initially an unexpected expense, long term, this will save you money and help the environment. And you’ll never find yourself short of a battery when you need one!

13. Pick up five bits of rubbish on a walk

It's so easy and makes our streets a little cleaner! Just pick up a few bits of rubbish on your morning walk. Better yet, don't litter. Ever. Hehe.

14. Switch to a bamboo toothbrush

You get the vibe. Less plastic = good!!! We go through toothbrushes pretty frequently, so opt for a bamboo toothbrush instead. Bamboo is strong, biodegradable and has no negative impact on the planet! Plus, they're cheap as chippies!

15. Get creative

Get creative with it! Instead of buying new clothes, upcycle your old ones. Shower with a bucket, and then use that collected water to water your plants! Don't buy gift wrapping paper that goes to waste! Instead, paint scrap paper/newspapers/old high school notes... Think outside the box and have fun with it!!