We all want to be more environmentally friendly by 2020. This can seem like an impossible task. Small changes can have a huge impact on your life. It's not necessary to give up everything you love to be environmentally friendly. Making small changes will make you feel better about yourself and help the planet.
How to become more eco-friendly in your home
It is easier to adopt an environmentally-friendly way of life thanks to new innovations. These innovations help you save time and money, while also protecting the environment. You can reduce the use of plastics, use biodegradable products and compost food scraps. You can save water and energy by using your appliances and lighting more efficiently.
How to make business eco-friendly
Businesses can play an important role in the battle against climate change. However, they will need to receive support from governments, consumers, and other stakeholders if they are to achieve their sustainability goals. Companies must get all of their employees on board to make sure that they are selling products made and sourced ethically.
It is also crucial that the supply chains that bring the products we purchase are transparent and ethical, so that we can make more informed decisions about what we buy, which is why it is important for businesses to partner with suppliers who have a reputation for doing these things.
Andrea George of Vanderbilt University’s Sustainability and Environmental Management Office says that overcoming consumer opposition is the hardest part of the sustainability journey. This means not promoting non-sustainable products and offering incentives to encourage customers to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives.
Eco-friendly living around the globe
People across the globe are increasingly willing to adopt more sustainable behaviours, and this is great news for both people and businesses. OnePoll and Micro Cotton conducted a survey that revealed more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents would be willing to change their lifestyles to be healthier or more environmentally friendly.
Research shows that people are more likely than not to change aspects of their life when they think it's relatively simple to do. This could be due to the fact that they believe it will benefit them, or they think they would be able to afford it.
The results also indicate that people are more likely adopting these behaviors when the costs are affordable. This is why it's important for companies and organizations to continue to develop environmentally-friendly products and services while still being financially viable.
While the UK has already cut its emissions by 16 per cent since 2014, it has still a huge amount of work to do before it reaches net zero by 2021. The UK must take the initiative in developing a comprehensive framework for climate change, with a detailed, long-term plan. It will take a large amount of funding and a greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.