So here’s the thing, I started off this month thinking I was already environmentally friendly, wondering if I’d be able to make any major changes over the next month or so…
I recycle bottles and jars, I walk to school everyday, eat meat only once a week, recycle old clothing, have a yearly clear out of clothes, which all go to Oxfam or other charities, and try my best to stay in a routine of making sure I am making a difference to lowering the levels of my carbon footprint.
So, I decided to take on the challenge. As soon as I started I realised how much I wasn’t doing and COULD be doing! I had a paper clear out and got rid of all it by recycling it… I have stopped using my hairdryer for the month which is definitely a challenge as I have to reschedule when I wash my hair making sure I don’t wash it in the mornings, step out to go to school and in the process manage to get a cold!
There is also turning the thermostat sneakily down, no ones noticed yet, let’s see how much lower I can get it without someone noticing!
It’s been 21 days and I’m feeling greener already! Whilst I was in Wales for a geography fieldtrip I tried my best to continue taking on the challenge. The paper bags we were given to put our lunches in, I replaced with my own bag which held a few of my geography books and equipment, as I knew there was nowhere I’d be able to recycle it.
I noticed I’d taken a lot of plastic carrier bags- I tend to pack everything in carrier bags so it’s all labelled and specifically organised! Instead of using them all and disposing of them after one use, I only used a couple on the trip and left the rest in my suitcase which made me realise I didn’t really need them and I could use reusable bags and cases instead!
I also made sure I charged my phone for a couple of hours in the day rather than all night saving energy in the process and when I got back managed to persuade my mum to do the same! She didn’t even realise a phone only needs 3 hours of charging to produce a full battery! So make sure you let people around you know what you’re doing and why because they can also make small changes which add to a BIG DIFFERENCE!
When I got back to London, I ended up with a cold and in the sanctuary of my bed for four days! Now I’d normally go for the option of switching on the heating, but I was on my own and I realised that would be a huge waste, so instead I decided to pile on the warm jumpers and used lots of blankets to remain warm.
So 10 days to go and still so many changes to make! Give it a go, it’s a challenge but once you realising you’re changing habits it feels good…
