Global warming is a constant hot topic these days and many of us are seeking out ways to do what we can in our everyday lives to contribute to a healthier environment for ourselves now and also for future generations.
Our lifestyle is the primary cause of global warming. Burning fossil fuels for heating and industry is a big contributor to warming carbon emissions, and our consumerism-driven society is creating an overwhelming amount of waste.
We all want to play our part in slowing down climate change, but how can we do that without compromising on the quality of life we desire? We‘ve compiled a list of five ways to live a greener lifestyle without losing out on luxury.
Upgrade your vehicle
Given that vehicles traditionally rely on petrol and diesel, it is not surprising that they are one of the least eco-friendly aspects of our life. Having said that, new technologies are allowing us to move away from internal combustion engines and government initiatives are encouraging more of us to go green with our cars.
Now is the time to invest in a car with an electric engine – there are many options to choose from, including Elon Musk’s iconic Tesla. If you are not ready to switch to electric, consider a luxury second-hand model from a local dealership as an interim choice that is greener than buying a brand-new fuel-powered car.
Say no to fast fashion
One of most environmentally damaging industries is the fashion industry. From the production of clothing on a mass scale to the huge amount of waste textiles that go to landfill each season, the industry naturally places a significant strain on the natural world.
Instead of being a part of the fast fashion cycle, choose to invest in fewer key pieces from high-end or independent designers. You can take it one step further and prioritise brands with strong environmental ethics such as the iconic fashion house Vivienne Westwood. Stick with classic styles in your favourite colours and you’ll have a wardrobe that can last for years.
Change up your food habits
Another way that you can contribute to a better environment is through your food choices. Consider your wastage, and the locality and seasonality of the ingredients you are purchasing. Try and avoid buying foods that are wrapped in plastic, for example fruit and vegetables and, if you can, why not try your hand at growing your own foods? From vegetables to herbs, you can supplement quite a lot of your diet, and your food miles will be non-existent.
Try your best to cut down on food waste too, and seek out information on what you can do with common leftovers, such as composting, also a lot more food can be frozen and kept for a later date than you might think.
Having said this, don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a delicious dinner out, most of the top-tier restaurants work hard to produce local, season-led ingredients on their menus and support local suppliers to produce amazing meals for you to enjoy.
Embrace green heating and power
Our home’s heating is a big contributor to our consumption of fossil fuels. Traditional boilers are powered by gas and become less efficient as they age, so with each year that passes you end up using more gas in an effort to keep your home warm.
Eco-friendly alternatives are available and are often more stylish than clunky traditional boilers. A popular option is to install solar panels on the roof to harness solar power to generate heat and electricity. Investing in a solar powered generator will allow you to power key appliances in your home in the event of an emergency. You could also consider air source heat pumps which draw heat from outside the home into the property via a complicated under-floor network of pipes. This may require significant financial investment, but it is guaranteed to deliver long-lasting green heating.
Choose tailored travel
Package holidays to large resorts are rarely an eco-friendly type of travel. Using a tailor-made travel company allows you to personalise your itinerary to your exact requirements, so you can ensure a commitment to being green for the duration of your trip. Even if you are seeking a fly and flop type of holiday, you can opt for luxury lodges and eco-retreats or smaller boutique hotels with strong ethical values rather than a standard resort.
