How to help the ocean (at home)

Have you ever wondered how you can positively impact the ocean?

Beaches swamped with plastic and news of serious oil spills can leave us all questioning what we can do. It is time to be empowered and know that there are ways to help, even from the comfort of our homes! Reflecting on the way we live is a great place to start. Check out these three easy ways you can adapt your lifestyle to live more sustainably.

Reduce your waste

Take a look at what you throw away each week. Is there a lot of uneaten food that’s gone past its best? Unnecessary single-use plastic packaging? Acknowledge what is there, then ask yourself what aspects of your life at home can you adjust to reduce your waste.

Planning meals can significantly reduce food waste and having a home compost is a great way to dispose of extra food scraps. Additionally, a weekly trip to the fruit and veg store can significantly reduce plastic wrapped food. Zero-waste shops such as the Naked Pantry are a great option to fill up food containers with essential food and non-toxic household cleaning products, comparable with supermarket prices.

Educate yourself on how to dispose of items correctly when you need to. Research the rules of recycling in your local area. Printing off diagrams are a fun way to ensure everyone can follow these rules!

Conserve water

Water is essential for all life. In fact, scientists use water as a clue to detect possible life forms on other planets. Since 71% of the earth is covered in water, why should we conserve this seemingly abundant elixir of life?

In reality, what seems like an infinite supply at the touch of a tap, is actually quite the opposite. CCAO water facts conclude that 97% of earths water is found in the ocean and is too salty to for use by people, agriculture or industry. Of the remaining 3% of fresh water 2.5% is locked away and inaccessible, leaving just 0.5% of earth water available for use.

So, despite the large volume of water on earth, the amount of accessible fresh water remains low. Using less water saves energy, money and the ecosystems that rely upon it.

Use water wisely by following these top tips:

• Install a low flow shower head
• Fix any leaky faucets and pipes
• Use a bowl when washing up
• Only turn on the dishwasher when its full
• Switch to a water-efficient toilet
• Be water conscious! Switch off the tap when not in use.

#EveryDropCounts

Use less energy

We all suffer from those not so bright moments in life where we forget to switch off the lights. However, if you are a regular offender have you considered both the cost and emissions that this adds up to?

In 2015 the UK lost £9.5bn on wasted energy. This is equivalent to the power generated by 37 nuclear plants! Since the majority of UK energy comes from fossil fuels, using less energy means reducing carbon emissions. In addition, conserving energy will reduce environmental degradation and harm to marine life from activities such as gas and oil exploration.

Here are 6 tips to use less energy at home:

• Switch to efficient LED light bulbs
• Switch off appliances when not in use
• Programme your thermostat to the hours you spend at home
• Wash your clothes at 30°C to cut energy cost by half
• Invest in solar panels to power your house