Many of us are looking to make 2020 a more sustainable year. But it may seem impossible. You can make a big difference by making small changes to your daily life. You don’t have to sacrifice everything to be more environmentally-friendly. Making small, everyday changes can give you a sense of accomplishment and make you feel better.
How to be more eco-friendly at home
It is easier to adopt an environmentally-friendly way of life thanks to new innovations. These innovations help you save time and money, while also protecting the environment. They include reducing the plastic waste, using biodegradable goods, and composting leftover food. You can also save energy by using appliances and lighting in a more efficient manner, as well as saving water by turning off the taps when brushing your teeth or taking shorter showers.
How to become more environmentally-friendly at work
Businesses can play an important role in the battle against climate change. However, they will need to receive support from governments, consumers, and other stakeholders if they are to achieve their sustainability goals. It is therefore important that companies get the buy-in of all departments and ensure their products are ethically manufactured and sourced.
Also, it's important that the supply chain of the products we buy is transparent and ethical. That way, we can make better decisions about the things we purchase.
Andrea George, Vanderbilt University director of Sustainability and Environmental Management Office, explains that overcoming resistance from consumers is the most challenging part of sustainability. It is important to not promote products that aren't sustainable and to offer incentives to customers who switch to eco-friendly options.
Eco-friendly living around the globe
There is a growing willingness to adopt sustainable behavior across the globe. This is great news both for individuals and businesses. OnePoll conducted a global study and found that more than two thirds said they were willing to make changes to improve their health and environmental impact.
Research shows that people are more likely than not to change aspects of their life when they think it's relatively simple to do. It could be because they think it would benefit them or that they can afford it.
The results also indicate that people are more likely adopting these behaviors when the costs are affordable. This is why it's important for companies and organizations to continue to develop environmentally-friendly products and services while still being financially viable.
The UK has cut its emissions 16 percent since 2014 but there is still much work to be done before reaching net zero by the year 2021. The UK must take the initiative in developing a comprehensive framework for climate change, with a detailed, long-term plan. This will require a great deal of funding as well as greater public-private cooperation.