Five everyday things to help the environment — They won’t require a big lifestyle change

We’ve spent the last few days in Queensland with Lac’s mum and have been enjoying warm tropical weather and many, many home-cooked meals.

​What we’ve also been enjoying are our new takeaway coffee cups made of glass, which were waiting for us as a little welcome present. So good.

​It’s really such a no-brainer to use a re-fillable cup instead of constantly buying a new one every time you get a takeaway coffee somewhere. It’s good to finally hop on that train.

When it comes to climate change and all the effects of it, it’s easy to get overwhelmed envisioning a gloomy future. I’m sure I’m not the only one having doubts as to whether one’s daily actions actually help the environment or if it really doesn’t matter what we do as individuals.

Call me an optimist, but I still think that we can all contribute a little bit to help things on a larger scale.

​While some people go for radical lifestyle changes to save the environment, I was looking for things to implement into my day-to-day life that can be easily done, while still having a positive impact.

• As I mentioned before, it’s easy and relatively cheap to buy a re-usable cup for your daily coffee takeaways instead of using disposable cups. We’ve been doing the same with our water bottles that have been accompanying us all over the world in the last 4 years. It’s so much easier to carry your stainless-steel water bottle instead of constantly having to look for, buy and throw away a plastic one. It’ll become second nature once you get used to it, too
• Another point, which is not hard to implement, is the use of public transport/carpooling/your bike instead of your car as much as possible. Easily done in major cities, but with a little bit of planning everyone can reduce their time driving, especially going by themselves instead sharing a car on the same trip. I love going for a walk, because it gives me an excuse to take a break from work and I often combine my break with a stroll to the grocery shop
• When we shop for groceries, we always try to bring our own linen shopping bags instead of using the plastic ones from the store. I’ll look for “naked groceries” e.g. fruit and vegetables without a plastic sleeve. Also, if you have your tote bag hanging next to your door, you won’t forget to grab it whenever you go out
• Lac and I intend to buy local and seasonal food as much as we can, which means our dinner didn’t have to travel around the world twice to land on our plate. It’s even better if you can support local farmers and buy everything fresh off them. Usually, we’ll end up shopping 80% at the markets and only get the rest at the supermarket
• Last but not least, when you’re looking for a piece of furniture or appliances, clothes and books there is often a way to get these items second hand instead of having to buy them brand-new. I personally enjoy the vintage element when it comes to used items and I love the smell of used books. A slightly withered leather chair has much more personality compared to the brand-new one that comes in five different colours. If you have the time, pop into your local antique shop and go for a treasure hunt. You might just find a bargain with an interesting story to tell