NEW YEAR, NEW OPERATING SYSTEM: 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE MORE ECO-HEALTHY IN YOUR LIFE

Last week I shared my easy-peasy, no-sweat tips for making your household more eco-friendly. This week I’m taking it a step further and sharing some bigger changes that require a bit more research, but will have a big impact in the long run. You could make each one a project for a weekend — something that might even pay back financially or make you feel good knowing you're playing your part for the environment. And remember that your little action is tiny in the grand scheme of things, but its influence and reach is unending. Doing something with intention has an energetic effect, which in time will inspire others around you to do the same. Together we can create lasting change.

1. CHANGE TO A GREENER ENERGY COMPANY

Gas and electricity are a major, wide-scale source of pollution and environmental damage, but it doesn’t have to be AS bad as it is right now. Startups are popping up that deliver cleaner energy that works just as well as the stuff from mainstream providers. I like the sound of Bulb, Ecotricity and People’s Energy but I highly recommend doing some research to find a provider that makes sense for you — and for the planet.

2. INVEST IN A BERKEY WATER FILTER

This cool, stainless steel water filter comes with two filter inserts that last up to ELEVEN years, so you don’t have to replace them until the ‘30s! All my friends invested in this after Sjaniel (Turrell, my best friend and designated makeup artist) discovered it and did the homework for us. It looks sleek, plus the water is filtered to a higher standard than with your average plastic filter, removing the majority of contaminants whilst still leaving in the essential base minerals that water is naturally important for thus making it better than bottled water both health-wise and for the planet. Kids love helping themselves with the nifty spout!

3. START USING ECOSIA AS YOUR SEARCH ENGINE

Ecosia is the sustainable and planet-friendly alternative to Google. Ecosia plants trees around the world for roughly every 45 searches on their engine. To date, Ecosia has already financed the planting of over 80 million trees worldwide with detailed information on where and how their projects are happening. The more people who use their platform, the more trees can be planted! Your search results may not always give you as many results as Google but simply add #g after your search and it will take you straight there — I’ve been using Ecosia for a few weeks now and haven’t felt the need to do that yet! If you’d like more information on how Ecosia compares to other mainstream search engines, read this unbiased review.

4. MAKE GIFT-GIVING AND RECEIVING MORE SUSTAINABLE

What to do with those unwanted Christmas and birthday pressies from years past?? January is a great time to have a big swoop around your house and collect up all the items you don’t use  — from toiletries to clothes, books to kitchen goods that you know are not to your taste or you simply don't need. Get them redistributed amongst people who need them ASAP rather than a charity shop middle man that converts it to money with all the admin fees that have to come out — do some research on orgs in your area that will take your things and distribute them to people directly, including shelters, homeless charities and women’s charities. For cosmetics and other personal care items, Beauty Banks — co-founded by journalist Sali Hughes — is an amazing place to turn. You could also call your local Women’s Aid refuge to see if they could use your clothes, etc. Help Refugees always have a regularly updated list of items on their website and you can contact them at calaisdonations@helprefugees.org to find a collection point close to you.

5. TRAVEL GREENER

Planning a 2020 holiday? Check out Responsible Travel — I spoke with them when hosting my podcast with Selfridges (SELF-Sustainable series) last summer and spoke with Justin Francis about his company, which helps you make more eco-conscious choices when travelling. Responsible Travel connects you with companies that help out the local community and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of your destination. They are committed to the environment and to people worldwide, making tourism a more caring activity. They have destinations around the world, but if you’re looking to stay closer to home here’s a list of places you can go in the UK.