5 ways you can be more sustainable in daily life

As the effects of climate change take their toll, it becomes more and more important that we start doing something about it.

 

It’s time for us to start living sustainably, perceiving it as a complete lifestyle change rather than simply a short-lived habit.

Fortunately for us, we don’t need expert scientific knowledge to start making a difference. It’s the little changes we can make each day that will have the largest impact.

So, how can you be more sustainable in daily life?

 

1. Consume less

Consumerism is a major culprit of climate change. As we look to buy more goods, the demand for them increases - and it’s this that causes so much damage to the environment.

And as we throw away disposable, non-biodegradable items, the planet’s natural systems start to suffer - from our water supply, to natural habitats.

So, how can we change this?

The ‘minimalist’ way of living has become more popular over recent years. Many have adopted this lifestyle because it offers a welcome mental declutter; others, meanwhile, choose minimalism as a sustainable way of saving our planet.

You don’t need to be a minimalist, though, to make your contribution to the planet. You could make a start by purchasing eco-friendly products, avoiding those that contain harmful chemicals. 

You could also spend a little time thinking about what you really need. When you’re shopping, think about whether the item you’d like to buy will add anything truly useful to your life. If not, think twice about making a purchase.

At Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, it’s important to us that we create as little waste as possible. Our ‘zero-to-landfill’ policy means that we prioritise recycling and reusing items, always looking to avoid non-biodegradable products.

 

2. Reduce your plastic use

One of the most effective ways we can help the planet is by reducing our plastic consumption. It’s non-biodegradable, and is one of the most harmful substances to the planet - particularly to aquatic life. 

Plastic water bottles are a major culprit of environmental damage and financial strain - yet, easily, one of the most preventable. Try purchasing a reusable water bottle; you’ll save money in the long-term, and you’ll significantly reduce your carbon footprint. 

For more sustainable living, you could also swap plastic straws for paper/metal ones, and trade plastic shopping bags for reusable options.

Reducing plastic waste is something we’re proud to be implementing at the hotel. We take care to use biodegradable straws, and we’re excited to introduce our switch to eco-friendly toiletries.

 

3. Eat seasonally and locally

Sustainable living can also involve supporting your local farmers. You’ll be helping to reduce air miles, whilst supporting your local economy.

Full of nutrients and flavour, local and seasonal produce is highly nourishing for the body. It’s less likely to be tarnished with harmful chemicals/pesticides, contributing positively to human health and the surrounding environment.

If you don’t already buy locally, try visiting your local farmer’s market/grocery store. You could start by collecting some fruit or vegetables, before moving on to a more diverse range of high-quality, seasonal produce.

We’ve really enjoyed doing our bit here at the hotel, in-line with today’s environmental awareness. We’ve been working on introducing more vegan options, and placing more focus on local and seasonal produce.

 

4. Resell and donate your items

If you find old clothes or items that you no longer need, try to resist the temptation to simply throw them away. Most items can be reused or recycled in some way - whether that’s passing your unwanted clothes on to a friend, or donating old household items to a local charity shop.

By doing so, you’ll not only be helping the environment; you’ll also be giving to those in need.

 

5. Re-think your method of transport

In today’s world, so many of us rely on cars to get around. But what most don’t realise is that it’s not always the necessary option. 

Where possible, it’s highly beneficial to the environment to take a method of public transport - even if it’s just one day per week. By sharing carbon emissions, we’re slowly, but surely, reducing our individual carbon footprint.

There’s no better method of transport than walking or cycling - so it’s a great idea to try and do this wherever you can, too - particularly in Chipping Campden, which is small enough that you can visit anywhere on foot.

At Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, we’re fortunate enough to be surrounded by the picturesque Cotswolds - so we’re always thinking about how we can preserve its beauty, whilst implementing sustainable practices. The sustainability swaps we’ve made have really helped us to support the local economy - something that’s really important to us all.

Whether you’d like to pop in for a cup of tea or treat yourself to an overnight stay, we’d love to see you. To find out more about us, please click here.

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