Earth Day 2021: Top Tips for Shopping Sustainably

Earth Day 2021: Top Tips for Shopping Sustainably 

Thursday 22nd April marks Earth Day 2021 making it the perfect time to start thinking about the ways you can alter your shopping habits to incorporate more sustainable practices into your retail therapy. With the UK’s recent pledge to enact the ‘world’s most ambitious climate change target’ to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035, we can all start to think about our individual impact - even if it’s only on a very small scale. Take a look at these quick tips below to help make your next shopping spree that little bit greener.

Shop Local

Sustainable Connections report 26% fewer automobile miles when buying locally, highlighting just one of the ways staying local can reduce our harm on the environment. Choosing the locally-sourced product, over the mass-produced one will both benefit your local economy as well helping to do your bit to protect the environment. Taking some time to explore your local high street might also help you discover some new favourite stores that you otherwise wouldn't have come across, which is always a bonus!

Paperless and Plastic-Less

Understanding our impact on the environment as an individual, helps us see the steps we can take to become more environmentally conscious. Small changes can make a huge difference, even if just on a personal level. When you're next given the choice on your preferred receipt style, why not start opting for an email receipt to reduce your personal paper trail? There’s also value in little changes such as always keeping a reusable shopping bag handy so you don't end up buying another plastic carrier bag you'll never use again!

Recycle!

It's reported that ‘80% of the things we throw away are actually recyclable goods’. With this stat in mind we can start thinking about the ways we dispose of our unwanted items. Why not get into the habit of recycling your old clothes and products via charity shops or donation stations to save your unwanted goods going to the landfill. Those old jumpers you bought last season, or the old speaker you don’t use anymore ,could get a new lease of life - if given the chance. Next time you’re doing a huge overhaul of your wardrobe, or clearing out the loft, stop to think whether you could help stock your local charity shop to continue the cycle of sustainability.

Eco-friendly partners: 

One very easy way to make sure you’re shopping sustainably is to do a little research on the companies you choose to shop with. Making time to identify stores and services that promote environmentally-friendly practices will ensure that you’re engaging with businesses that are actively ecologically conscious. If you're looking for some new eco-friendly retailers, Payl8r have many retail partners dedicated to sustainable products and services such as E-bike merchants, eco-conscious furniture stores and vegan, organic salons - all of which can be found on our online shop directory here.