Sustainability starts at home: Here are 11 ways to help the environment
So here you are, drinking out of a reusable coffee cup while your favorite celebrities take their second or third flight in their private jet that same day.
According to a research report by the UCL, Rishi Sunak, David Cameron and King Charles are just three of the more than 70,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries that attended UN climate summit in Dubai, COP29. But they are among hundreds who will have travelled there by private jet. In fact, the UK prime minister, foreign secretary and king even travelled in three separate planes.
You may think: Are all these “small” actions we “normal” people are taking in favour of our planet even worth it when a few people create so many emissions in such a short time?
It’s a valid question.
And we get it. But the answer remains: a strong YES. Every action counts, and you can be a force for the greater good on this planet.
And as a reminder, a radical change doesn’t have to be a radical action but rather consistent, small actions done repeatedly.
At Woola, our team dedicates our working hours to replacing plastic bubble wrap with sustainable wool packaging. But we also do our best to make sustainable lifestyle choices outside of working hours.
Here are some impactful ways you can help prevent the worst climate doomsday scenarios from becoming a reality:
1. Eat sustainably
The food we eat affects more than just our health — it also impacts the planet. What we eat contributes around a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and is one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss.
Eating sustainably means choosing foods that are better for the environment. By shopping for local, in-season produce, you refine your cooking skills, bless your palate, and help the environment.
Choose plant-based alternatives over regular meat dishes
Reducing your intake of meat and dairy products even on two days a week will not only reduce your food bill but also reduce the carbon emissions of your diet.
Get to know your local farmers
Knowing what your farmer does allows you to be mindful of where you buy and what you support. Meet them at the local farmer markets, have a chat and purchase your produce from the makers directly!
When building Woola, we got acquainted with the sheep farmers we source the wool from — and it helped us understand sustainable shepherding. If you haven’t visited any farms in your area, be sure to do so — we guarantee it’ll change your perspective on local food.
2. Reduce the amount of waste you generate
The world produces over 2 billion tonnes of waste yearly and most of it ends up in landfills or nature — even oceans. Reducing your personal waste is a small change that you can do consistently.
Here are a few simple ways to do that:
Carry a reusable water bottle.
Replace single-use plastic and paper bags with reusable tote bags.
Shop secondhand whenever possible: for clothes, household items, furniture, cars, and tech.
Reusing materials and items that have already been created is one of the most effective ways to reduce our impact on the world and prevent waste.
At Woola, reducing the impact of ecommerce is at the heart of our work. We're transforming waste wool — a byproduct from sheep farms that was previously burned or buried — into beautiful, functional packaging that replaces bubble wrap.
“These wool-based packages can be reused, repurposed, or returned by the end user, with the ultimate goal of making the solution “closed-loop” so nothing goes to waste.”
— Mike Butcher, Editor-at-large at TechCrunch
What was considered waste is now protecting products that are shipped worldwide, from skincare to small electronics.
3. Be political about sustainability
Sustainability isn’t getting the attention it deserves in the proverbial oval offices of the world. If it was, we wouldn’t be in the mess we’re in today. But you aren’t powerless to change the big things like billion-euro fracking tenders and legislation that affects climate change.
[CALLOUT] Make your vote count. Whether it’s for using less plastic at your child’s school, selecting your town mayor, or electing your country’s leading political party.
If you vote for and participate in sustainability actions, you’re adding positive traction that can ultimately keep our planet healthy for generations to come.
4. Devote your time to environmental causes
In a world where time is money, devoting your time to sustainability is an option, too.
Consider your working hours, for example, could you choose to work with a company that is a force for the greater good? Or if you’re a freelancer, you can choose to work only with brands that have a sustainability angle. Entrepreneurs can also consider their companies’ impact.
Similarly, investors can make the decision to consider financial return alongside ethical, social and environmental goals of the companies they invest in.
Finally, should you be able to volunteer your time, start by finding ways to support a non-profit that tackles issues that are close to your heart.
Look for small-scale initiatives in your area or join global campaigns that resonate with your values.
5. Support sustainable brands
Where you spend your money matters. When you support businesses that prioritise sustainability, you're voting for a cleaner, more responsible future.
Look for brands that use recycled or renewable materials, are open and transparent about their supply chains, actively strive to reduce carbon emissions, and prioritise ethical labour.
6. Give your personal items a second life
Before tossing things out, consider if someone else could use them. Marketplaces for pre-loved items are increasingly popular — or you can always find a way to donate them.
Donating gently used clothes, books, electronics, or furniture helps keep items out of landfills and supports communities in need.
Really, the possibilities are endless with this one, and every small effort helps.
7. Minimalism is the way to go
We have all been tempted to buy something that seemed desirable, only to have it gather dust on the shelf for years to come.
Consumerism is one of the biggest drivers of environmental damage, so instead of buying more, choose to buy less and buy better.
If you choose timeless, high-quality pieces that will last for years, if not decades, you will simply need to buy less. Opt for ethically made and packaged goods — or skip the packaging altogether if you can.
Minimalism isn't just about making do with less but making the most of what you have.
8. Opt for sustainable transportation
Transportation accounts for a large share of global emissions. One short-haul return flight can account for 10% of your yearly carbon emissions, so shifting how we move can lower that impact dramatically.
Whether it means enjoying a local vacation or using public transit to get around, a small change really drives a significant result. Even working from home a few days a week helps reduce commuting emissions.
We’re big fans of cycling as a method of transportation, as it creates less pollution and results in fewer emissions. A more active lifestyle is a nice bonus, too! If the weather permits, make your best attempt at cycling to work or a social gathering.
9. Switch to renewable energy
If your energy provider offers it, opt for electricity sourced from renewables: wind, solar, or hydro. Switching your home from oil, gas, or coal-powered energy to renewable energy sources can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 1.5 tons of CO2e per year.
You can also install solar panels and improve your home insulation to reduce energy waste throughout the seasons.
Sustainable energy may have an upfront cost, but it pays off for the planet —and your utility bill — in the long run.
10. Conserve water wherever you can
Fresh water is a limited resource, yet it's often wasted without much thought or care. Conserving water helps reduce the energy required to pump, heat, and treat it.
Simple, sustainable water-saving habits include turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, collecting and using rainwater for your garden, and running your infamous dishwasher and washing machines only when they’re full.
11. Educate yourself and others
Sustainability starts with awareness. The more we understand the environmental challenges we face, the more empowered we become to change things.
We have the world at our fingertips, so learn from credible sources, keep up with climate news, and research organisations that are working to slow down man-made climate change.
Here are a few excellent-quality resources that will spread awareness, backed by facts and knowledge:
Final thoughts
Helping the environment doesn't have to feel overwhelming. It's about making better and more intentional choices.
Whether you're swapping out plastic packaging for wool, reducing food waste, or giving a second life for your old clothes, every action counts.
At Woola, we're proud to be part of a movement toward a more sustainable world — and we invite you to join us. Follow us on social media platforms and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about sustainability in ecommerce.
