Sustainability
 

People are starting to come around to the idea that we need to become more sustainable to protect the Earth for future generations.

Everything you do in your day-to-day life has an impact on the planet, from the food you eat to the car you drive.

This doesn't mean you should only eat vegetables and start riding a bike everywhere. Although, you could try consuming less meat and only driving when necessary.

Its small changes like these could help you to lessen your environmental impact.

10 ways to do your bit
 

1. Ditch the disposables- remember the slogan reduce, reuse and recycle there’s a reason why reduce and reuse come before recycle.  A proactive way to tackle waste is to use … instead of taking away coffee cups.
    

2. Food waste- there are over a million tonnes of food wasted each year in Ireland and one-third of it comes directly from households.

       Try to buy fewer multipacks, freeze food, and use as needed. A good way to reduce waste is to make smoothies or soup out of leftover
       fruit or vegetables.
 

1. Saving water - did you know a 15-minute shower uses on average 150 liters of water? Cut your shower time back by 5 minutes could save 50 liters of water.
    

2. Switch your energy - for every € 10 you spend on coal and turf €8 goes up the chimney. Switch to renewal sources of energy such as wood logs. You could replace your open fire with a wood stove or pellet burner.  Open fires are only 25% efficient.
    

3. Turn off the power- plug out your phone once charged, plug out all household devices. Try to dry clothes outside instead of using the tumble dryer.
    

4. Trade your transport – use the car less, walk, or use public transport, car-pooling is also an option.
    

5. Change your cleaning- make the switch to environmentally friendly products.
    

6. Beauty care swaps – use a washable cotton cloth instead of facial wipes, switch your toothbrush to a bamboo toothbrush, use eco-friendly cotton buds.
    

7. Retrofit your home - grants of up to 50% are available to retrofit your home to make it more energy-efficient. Visit https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/
    

8. Encourage wildlife - use fewer pesticides, plant flowers that attract pollinator-friendly plants, and if you have a large garden you might want to consider having a grass verge as a wildflower area. Visit www. pollinators.ie