Today is Earth Day! A day bringing environmental issues to the fore. I am PASSIONATE about this – and it is so ingrained to our yoga practice and our responsibility as yogis to take care of the planet and the future. And it all pays back: reducing our energy consumption invariably costs us less and we feel better for it. One Life, One Love, people!
I’m going to take it as read that you already are keen recyclers and you know not to leave the water running whilst cleaning your teeth, but here are another 5 ways to help save the planet and Do Your Bit. There are no excuses. We all need to get involved!
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NO MORE JUNK MAIL
12 billion pieces of junk mail are delivered to UK households and businesses every year, an average of about 453 pieces of junk mail (both addressed and unaddressed) per year. That’s equivalent to between 4.6 – 6.1 MILLION trees. Bleugh.
And it’s really annoying.
- Register with the Mailing Preference System (UK) to cut down on addressed junk mail.
- Check the small print carefully every time you buy or subscribe and make sure to tick or untick the appropriate boxes to opt out of them sending you further information or passing your details to other companies.
- Opt out of the Royal Mail Door to Door service, which delivers unaddressed advertising leaflets and brochures etc on behalf of companies and organisations.
- Register with the Your Choice Preference Scheme, which helps people to cut down on unwanted unaddressed mail delivered by members of the Direct Marketing Association. Ironically, you have to ask them to send you an opt-out form, but once you fill in and return it, unsolicited mail should lessen (can take up to 12 weeks to take effect).
- Opt out of being on the Edited Electoral Register. The edited electoral register can be bought by any person or company and used for any purpose. When you fill out the annual electoral form, tick the box to ensure that your details appear on the FULL REGISTER only.
More very helpful and useful information from the Citizens Advice Bureau here and here.
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STOP PAPER STATEMENTS
Almost all high street banks now offer online banking. It’s easy, it’s quick and you can request to go paperless and instead have your statements at the click of a button online. Saving paper and energy in production and delivery, not to mention filing space.
Most phone companies too offer paperless billing. Receive your mobile phone statement via text and view online.
Close any unwanted/no-longer-used bank accounts etc that you never quite got round to closing and they’re still sending you statements for £0.01 (I’ve been there). Do it now! You’ll be glad not to have that nagging thought each month it comes through the door.
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MEAT FREE MONDAYS
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that livestock production is responsible for 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions; other organisations have estimated it could be as much as 51 per cent. Consider too that it requires 2500 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef, and deforestation that is taking place to farm animals for meat. Whatever your stance, there’s little doubt that eating less meat, and choosing local when you do, has got to be better, for the planet and our health.
The McCartneys run the Meat Free Mondays campaign and Jamie Oliver posts weekly veggie recipes for inspiration. Pledge your allegiance!
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DON’T BAG IT
500 BILLION plastic bags are used EVERY YEAR worldwide. They are not biodegradable and so it’s little wonder that they now litter every ocean floor on the planet and are finding their way into our food chains.
- Choose stronger, reusable bags;
- Keep shopping bags in the boot of the car to have them to hand;
- Fabric shoppers easily fold into handbags or pockets to have to hand whenever you need them.
Scout’s motto: Be prepared!
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GET A HIPPO
Around 30% of water used in each home each day is through toilet flushing. Simple, easy to fit water saving devices can be added to toilet cisterns and save approximately 3 litres of water every time you flush. These are often available for free from most water companies – check your provider’s website, or get a Hippo – easy, cost efficient and effective. It’ll save you money too.
Going Green doesn’t mean daunting life changes. It’s the little things every day that make the difference. As yogis we tread lightly. We trust in the collective energy of the human spirit to make phenomenal difference.
For more genuinely great suggestions to make a difference, check out 50 Ways to Help The Planet
Now go get outside and get some nature in your eyes! Happy Earth Day everybody!