Breaking Bad Habits: A Path to a Greener Future 

In our daily lives, we often engage in habits that, while convenient, can be detrimental to the environment. Breaking these bad environmental habits is crucial for the health of our planet, but also, they have financial and personal health benefits. Breaking these habits can be integrated into all aspects of our lives from home to our work life. 

Here are some common bad environmental habits and practical steps to overcome them. 

1. Over consumption

We’re all guilty of buying “stuff” we want but don’t necessarily need. Items don’t get used or are hidden away in draws or end up as dust collectors.  

Solution: Get into the habit of questioning your purchase. Ask yourself, do you need it? Will it enrich your life? Could you do without it?  Consider the energy and consumption of materials that went into making this product to then be thrown away. Save yourself or your business money. 

2.  Overuse of Plastic 

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue. Single-use plastics, such as bottles and bags, contribute massively to landfill waste and ocean pollution. 

Solution: Switch to reusable alternatives. Use a stainless-steel water bottle, always carry reusable shopping bag with you, and avoid products with excessive plastic packaging.  

3. Excessive Water Use 

Many of us use more water than necessary, whether it’s through long showers, leaving the tap running while brushing our teeth, a leaky pipe or dripping tap. 

Solution: Implement water-saving techniques. Take shorter showers around 5 minutes, fix leaks promptly, and install water-efficient fixtures such as greywater recycling systems and water saving devices in toilets.  

4. Energy Waste 

Leaving lights on, using outdated appliances, and not unplugging devices can lead to unnecessary energy consumption. 

Solution: Adopt energy-saving habits. Turn off lights when not in use, switch to LED bulbs, and unplug devices when they’re not needed. Also try sensor lights, set timers on appliances or plugs also use mirrors to reflect more light into a room. Get colleagues into the habit by sticking useful reminders near switches and appliances. 

5. Improper Waste Disposal 

Not recycling or disposing of waste properly can lead to increased pollution and resource depletion. Have the same mindset about properly segregating waste when at home, at work or when out and about. 

Solution: Educate yourself on local and product recycling guidelines and make a habit of separating recyclables from general waste. Avoid putting organic waste into general waste. Instead try composting or feeding suitable leftover/offcuts to pets or wildlife e.g. birds, to reduce landfill contributions. 

6. Overreliance on Cars 

Frequent use of personal vehicles contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Solution: Plan your days ensuring you avoid making unnecessary/repeat journeys. Consider other methods of transport. Use public transport, carpool, bike, or walk whenever possible. This is not only good for the environment; it is also financially appealing and good for your health & wellbeing. 

7. Buying Fast Fashion & from Large Multinational Corporations 

Fast fashion is not only wasteful but also can involve unethical labour practices and significant environmental degradation. They are usually imported from the other side of the world with a high carbon footprint.  

Solution: Choose sustainable fashion. Buy second-hand, support ethical brands, buy local and invest in quality pieces that last longer. 

8. Ignoring Food Waste 

Throwing away food contributes to methane emissions from landfills and wastes the resources used to produce that food. The average household spends £470 on food that ends up in the bin every year, according to Waste Managed. 

Solution: Plan meals, store food properly, and get creative with leftovers to minimize waste. Think about growing your own. 

Steps to Break Bad Habits 

Scientific evidence shows that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, 66 days on average, to change your behaviour so that you don’t automatically repeat unhealthy patterns. Steps to start you on this journey include:  

1. Awareness: Recognize the habits that are harmful to the environment. 

2. Set Goals: Define clear, achievable goals for changing these habits. 

3. Replace with Positive Habits: Find sustainable alternatives to replace the bad habits. 

4. Track Progress: Keep a journal or apps to monitor your progress. Check your consumptions on utility bills and keep track of your sending.  

5. Stay Motivated: Remind yourself of the positive impact your changes are making on the environment. Also support others who want to change their bad environmental habits too. 

6. Encourage your colleagues to join in. 

Set yourself a challenge 

1. Try a plastic free week. 

2. No food waste month. 

3. Avoid buying any new unnecessary piece of clothing or non-food items for a month. 

4. Reduce the amount of car journeys you take a week. 

5. Incorporating more plant-based meals into your weekly meal plan.  

Conclusion 

Breaking bad environmental habits is a journey that requires commitment and mindfulness. By making small, consistent changes, we can collectively make a significant impact on the health of our planet, your finances and your heath & wellbeing. Don’t just do this in your personal lives take these attitudes to your workplace too. Let’s take the first step towards a greener future today!