Beyond Earth Day: Why we need to invest in our planet all year round

Lily Holbrook

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The recent UK heatwave is a stark reminder of the damage we’re doing to our planet – and from wildfires to buckling train tracks, the severity of the problem is now closer to home than ever before.

With temperatures soaring, now is a critical time to reflect on where we are in the climate emergency. Back in April, the theme for Earth Day was ‘Invest In Our Planet’. At times like this it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin, but it’s important to realise that there are things we can do. While small actions alone aren’t enough to turn back the clock, there are large-scale changes that can happen now that will, and in many places already are, making a huge difference.

Here are 5 top tips for things you can do right now that have the potential to reverse our current trajectory, if we all come together collectively:

1. Switch banks

Switching my bank provider in January has been one of the most empowering changes I’ve made when it comes to personally investing in a better future for the planet. It can feel like a minefield before you start, but once you’ve made the decision, I promise that the switching process is so easy. Starling, Triodos and Monzo are just a few UK-based options worth investigating – and there’s a wealth of information and reviews online if you need further support.

2. Boycott fast fashion 

The most sustainable outfit is the one you already own…

When you look at the painfully unethical online penny sales, the throwaway culture of fast fashion becomes pretty sickening. Whether it’s the unfair treatment of people in sweatshops who work tirelessly to keep us up to date in the latest trends or the polluting effect of dyes running into vital water sources, the consequences of fast fashion are terrifying and far-reaching.

I try to be as mindful as possible when it comes to buying clothes and avoid buying from high street brands. I still own clothes from places I wouldn’t necessarily choose to shop now – but that’s the point! I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve worn the same sparkly sequin top from Primark throughout university and beyond. The most sustainable outfit is the one you already own… so take this as your sign to rediscover and rework your wardrobe’s hidden gems.

If you can’t give up the retail therapy completely, second-hand shopping is weaving its way increasingly into the mainstream. Shopping second-hand doesn’t mean you can’t feel good in what you wear – for me, finding pre-loved clothes that bring out my best self is definitely a big part of that process.

3. Go Hybrid

I’m fortunate to share a car with a family member which cuts down the need for another vehicle between us, while also being a greener alternative to pure petrol or diesel. With fuel costs sky-rocketing, maintaining a vehicle has never been harder – so if you can, consider sharing a car or opting for public transport where practical. There are also options out there for hiring electric cars as and when you need them – Onto is one example of a monthly car subscription service that provides an all-inclusive driving package without the hassle of ownership.

4. Eat more plants

It’s a well-versed fact that the biggest step any of us can take towards reducing our carbon footprint is to change our diet. In 2016, I became pescatarian before gradually phasing out fish, cutting down my intake of dairy and reaching the point I’m at now where I eat a predominantly plant-based diet. I try to eat as many whole foods as possible, sourced from local farm shops where I can. Another plus to this change is that investing in small local businesses is another great way to support sustainable production that doesn’t rely on the destructive livestock industry.

5. Invest in you

Investing in our planet is important – but sometimes, it’s just as much about where we don’t spend as where we do. A lot of us have fallen into the trap of feeling like we need to buy the latest trend – when, in reality we’re okay just as we are. Invest in yourself – in the most authentic way possible, without the need for material good. Invest in your education (Call of The Wild and Sounds Like A Plan are a couple of my favourite podcasts in the environmental space), invest in your mind, and make the best possible effort to tread lightly on the planet. Everything you do leaves a mark, for this generation and every one that follows.

What will be your legacy?

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Featured image courtesy of Alexander Cifuentes on Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.