Many of want to be sustainable in 2020. However, it can feel like a daunting challenge. Small changes can have a huge impact on your life. You don't have to give up all the things you enjoy just to be more environmentally friendly, and making small changes can help you feel good about yourself while also doing your part for the planet.
How to reduce your carbon footprint at home
Living an environmentally friendly lifestyle is easier than ever before thanks to a wide range of innovations that help you save money and the environment. You can reduce the use of plastics, use biodegradable products and compost food scraps. You can also save energy by using appliances and lighting in a more efficient manner, as well as saving water by turning off the taps when brushing your teeth or taking shorter showers.
How to become more environmentally-friendly at work
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. To achieve sustainability goals, it's important to have buy-in across the board and for all parts of a company.
For businesses, it is crucial to work with suppliers who are known for their ethical and transparent supply chains.
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 includes not promoting unsustainable products, and providing incentives for customers switching to more ecofriendly alternatives.
Eco-friendly living around the globe
Globally, people are more willing to adopt sustainable behaviors. This is good news for businesses and individuals alike. OnePoll's and Micro Cotton's global survey found that two-thirds or more of the respondents said they would like to make changes in order to live a healthier, more sustainable life.
Research shows that people are more likely than not to change aspects of their life when they think it's relatively simple to do. They may do this because they believe that it will be beneficial to them, or because they feel they could afford it.
Moreover, the findings show that people are most likely to adopt these behaviors when they can find them affordable, so it is essential that companies continue to develop products and services that are not only better for the environment but are also 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.