Top 10 eco tips for 2026
As we enter a new year, it’s a great time to adopt positive habits that benefit both our wellbeing and the planet. Here are 10 practical eco tips to help you make a difference:
- Save energy: Switch off lights and appliances when not in use and avoid leaving devices on standby. This reduces unnecessary power consumption and lowers your energy bills.
- Choose efficient appliances: Opt for energy-saving devices and LED lighting. Boil only the water you need, use lids on saucepans, microwave when possible, and minimise showers to 7 minutes.
- Insulate your home: Draught-proof doors and windows, repair leaks, and ventilate to reduce damp. These steps help keep your home warmer and cut heating costs.
- Switch to renewables: Consider a 100% renewable energy tariff, install solar panels, or upgrade to a heat pump or infrared heaters to generate clean energy.
- Travel sustainably: Walk, cycle, use public transport, car share, or switch to an electric vehicle. Reducing car and air travel cuts pollution and supports your health.
- Avoid food waste: Plan meals and use leftovers. Food waste squanders the resources used to produce and transport it, especially if it’s imported.
- Eat local and seasonally: Choose locally grown, seasonal produce to reduce food miles and packaging. Supporting local farmers also benefits the community. Even if you have limited space, you can grow your own food – herbs, salad leaves, or tomatoes can thrive in window boxes.
- Compost: Compost food and garden waste to enrich soil and reduce the need for waste transport.
- Repair and reuse: Fix items before replacing them or buy second-hand. Repair cafés can help extend the life of your belongings and save money.
- Reduce plastic: Buy loose produce, avoid unnecessary packaging, and recycle as much as possible. Most household waste can now be collected for recycling.
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