If 2020 has taught us anything it's that our planet needs protecting. Lockdown taught us to appreciate the natural beauty around us and that in order for our planet to stay beautiful we need to change our ways and try to live a more sustainable lifestyle. 

The first thing to remember is that it is simply impossible to get it right all the time, but the tips and tricks below are easy to implement and make a real difference.

1. Cut down on plastic: try to buy fruit and veg that’s unwrapped, invest in reusable cutlery and beeswax wraps and always decline plastic straws. It’s almost impossible to avoid entirely, so make sure to recycle what you do use.

2. Plant a tree: with deforestation happening at an alarming rate, you can make a small difference by planting a tree either in your own garden or donating to a charitable initiative. Also, switch your web browser to Ecosia to plant a tree every time you search

3. Ditch the makeup wipes: made of non-biodegradable plastic fibres and a cocktail of chemicals, makeup wipes are bad for your skin as well as the planet. Opt for reusable options. 

4. Cut down on meat and shop local: avoiding meat and dairy is the ‘single biggest way’ to reduce your impact on Earth. And let’s face it, with such good alternatives now readily available, it’s never been easier. Also, get up to scratch on what’s in season, support local farm shops or even grow fruit and vegetables at home. Did you know you can re-grow shop brought veggies? Regrow Leeks, Onions, Herbs, Mushrooms and so much more!

5. Ditch fast fashion: voting with your money is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference. With environmental corners constantly cut in the name of money, not only is the process of making fast fashion detrimental, but the majority of clothes ultimately end up in landfill. Do your research, be critical of brands, support sustainable business and don’t be afraid to rewear, borrow and shop second hand

6. Upcycle in your own home: whether it’s a gin bottle you transform into a vase, or old jars you use as storage containers, get creative and work with what you’ve got available. Live by the mantra: fix it, don’t throw it.

7. Be energy conscious: you know the drill, turn off appliances when you’re not using them, switch the heating off when it’s sunny outside, and research eco-friendly energy providers such as Bulb and Octopus Energy.  

8. ditch the single-use water bottles and coffee cups. With an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year, it really is time to invest in a reusable water bottle shop our Perky Peach ones here.