The topic of climate change has been at the forefront of discourse for numerous years. Hence, it comes as no surprise that a study published by Healthy & Sustainable Living Global Consumer Insights shows that the public is more concerned than ever about environmental issues and their effects at an individual and societal level. In this article by Well Thought Through, we’ll explore a host of eco-friendly changes individuals in the UK can consider to develop a green and sustainable lifestyle.
Consider Purchasing an Electric Car
Compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions and can be powered by renewable energy. By transitioning to an EV, you’ll significantly reduce your personal emissions and keep more money in your pocket. This is because, as reported by Joint Bonnet, the UK government provides various rebates and incentives to make owning and maintaining EVs easier and cheaper.
For instance, with the Plug-in Car Grant, EV owners can save up to £2500 annually. Additionally, EV owners are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty, which is typically levied on all cars with a value over £40000.
Moreover, electric cars offer lower running costs compared to traditional vehicles, mainly because the cost of electricity is lower than fossil fuels (which don’t seem to be coming down anytime soon). Additionally, given that EVs have fewer moving parts, they are easier to maintain and don’t require regular visits to the mechanic for oil changes or other common problems that come with combustion engines.
Use Solar Energy to Power Your Home
Harnessing solar power to meet your personal energy requirements is a great long-term option for spending less on energy bills and making your home self-sufficient. While generating enough power for your entire home can be challenging, especially if you don’t live in an area with consistent sunlight, you can generate enough power to run everyday appliances such as toasters, TVs, HVAC, and more.
Additionally, by generating your own power, you reduce reliance on the electrical grid and reduce your energy bills. As reported by Greenmatch, the price of installing solar panels for households has been reduced by 80% over the years. Additionally, the installation and maintenance processes have become simpler, making solar power a viable energy solution for homes of all sizes. Additionally, the UK government provides the chance to further reduce energy costs through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which allows homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid.
Using solar energy to power your home lowers your carbon footprint and acts as a safeguard against fluctuating energy prices owing to factors beyond your control.
Run a Green Business
If you’re a business owner in the UK, here are various ways to implement green practices into day-to-day operations that not only help reduce costs but emissions as well.
- Work with Green Complementors: Whether it is a manufacturer, delivery service, or any other complementor, choose to work with businesses that share the same passion and commitment towards saving the environment.
- Be Smart With Marketing: While print advertising is still popular and useful, it requires heavy use of paper, ink, and energy. If you haven’t already, consider pivoting to digital advertising through social media, website ads, and SEO. Not only do these mediums provide a much larger reach, but they are cost-effective as well.
- Uphold Environmental Values: Update your business’ code of conduct to include upholding eco-friendly practices in high regard. This can include mandating the recycling of all unwanted paper items, limiting the number of prints per employee and adopting a digital-first approach for all departments.
When it comes to transitioning to a green lifestyle, even small changes can have major effects. Transitioning to electric vehicles allows for significant reductions in personal emissions, while also taking advantage of government rebates and incentives. Furthermore, harnessing solar power to meet energy needs at home provides long-term cost savings and reduces reliance on the electrical grid. Additionally, businesses can also adopt green practices to reduce costs, and emissions, and uphold their environmental values.
by Andrew Hughes, vizzi.biz
Header Image Source is Pexels
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