In the hot weather it can seem like being eco-conscious is no fun – but it is possible to have an enjoyable and sustainable summer.
Keep cool by closing windows and shutting curtains/blinds during the heat of the day and opening for a through breeze early morning and evening when the air is cooler.
Enjoy a more sustainable BBQ with friends. Only cook what you will eat and freeze the rest. Food waste costs you money and also contributes to climate change. If you buy your meat from small local farms you can have better confidence that animals have been well treated; or go veggie with some vegetable/halloumi kebabs. Use a reusable BBQ, crockery, and cutlery. If possible, buy ethically sourced UK-made charcoal (much of the commercial bagged charcoal comes from tropical forests).
Sustainable water use is even more important in the hot, dry weather. Anglian Water www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/save-water suggest using water butts and watering cans instead of hose pipes, showering for just one minute less than usual, flushing the toilet less frequently, and ensuring dishwashers and washing machines only go on when full, amongst other helpful tips.
For travel, use Cambridge Carbon Footprint’s calculator cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/carbon-footprint-calculator to calculate your own personal carbon footprint and see what kind of difference the holiday you take makes to it. For shorter haul flights consider trains instead. Don’t forget there is a lot to see and do within the UK. If you use Tentshare
www.tentshare.co.uk or rent a tent, camping can be both affordable and sustainable.
