5 Ways to Make a Difference on Earth Day

Climate change is an ever-present issue in our society. Huge strides must be made to protect the world for generations to come.

It’s all well and good making grand statements like this, but you might sometimes wonder what you can actually do about it yourself. Can the actions of one person make a difference?

The answer is: YES!

From businesses to individuals, everyone can effect positive change. And while major developments need to come from governments and leaders around the world, there are small efforts we can make in our everyday lives to protect the environment.

So, to celebrate Earth Day, we’ve pulled together some suggestions of things you can do to make the world a greener place…

1. Take your green message on the road

For decades, cars have been powered by fossil fuels. But times are charging, and the world is waking up to the benefits of electric vehicles.

The average electric car can save 1.5 million grams of CO2 a year compared to a standard petrol or diesel car. Incredibly, that’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona.

When coupled with one of the green energy suppliers mentioned below for charging at home, you can truly ensure you are doing your bit to reduce fossil fuel usage. And when you’re out and about, take advantage of the fact that our network of rapid EV chargers across the UK is powered exclusively by renewables.

2. Disconnect for the day

We live our lives surrounded by screens and we’re constantly surrounded by the buzz of technology. So sometimes it’s important to take a break.

Why not take the opportunity on Earth Day to turn off your phone and your laptop and get outside to enjoy the great outdoors? Go for a walk in a local park or forest, or take a stroll along the beach to connect with the world around you.

3. Go green at home – and at work

Fossil fuels are a major contributing factor to climate change – both from traffic and from powering our homes and offices.

Where green power might once have conjured up images of ‘going off-grid’ and erecting a giant turbine in your garden, it’s never been easier to make the switch to renewables at home. There are numerous suppliers out there that can help you make the move – so many, in fact, that last year the UK’s production of renewable electricity eclipsed that of fossil fuels. It’s a massive step in the right direction.

And it’s not just private property that can make a difference – did you know, for example, that all energy used by McDonald’s restaurants comes from wind and solar power?

4. Do your bit for the local area

During lockdown, we’ve all learned the value of our daily walk – but how many times have you been annoyed by the amount of litter that you find lying on the pavement, along paths and in fields?

Ensure you’re doing your bit to reduce litter by taking any rubbish home with you and recycling what you can. You might also consider collecting litter as you walk, to ensure that the people visiting after you can experience the natural world as intended.

5. Say goodbye to single use

According to the UK Government, it’s estimated that five million tonnes of plastic is used across the country each year – with almost half of that being packaging. Single use plastics like straws, carrier bags and drinks bottles are a major contributor to landfill sites overflowing and are a danger to wildlife… so what can we do about it?

Think about the single use items that you regularly use and look for an alternative. Consider using a shampoo bar instead of a plastic bottle; take a leaf out of Booths’ book and bring reusable containers for your fruit and veg while shopping to ditch plastic bags; or try to avoid generating waste by taking reusable cups and Tupperware with you to takeaways – like Starbucks’ recycled, reusable coffee cup.

These are small, simple changes – but they all add up!