Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Environmental Wellbeing: How Caring for our Planet can Help You

There are some simple things we can do to help our environment and better ourselves in the process

Essential for the welfare of our planet, our health and our survival, environmental wellbeing encourages us to respect and live in harmony with our surroundings.

When we protect the planet by living in an eco-friendly way, we are helping to build a sustainable environment in which all life forms can thrive.

Yet while it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, excessive waste and pollution, there are many things that we as individuals can do to create a less toxic environment.

To inspire you, we’ve put together some tips and ideas.

Recycle, Reuse & Reduce

With an excellent local recycling service, there is no excuse for not recycling your packaging. We can also adopt a ‘make do and mend’ philosophy with clothing and furniture.

Upcycle or donate unwanted items to charity, or give away free to your local community. With vintage and retro now highly fashionable, think about buying quality pre-loved clothes and furniture as well as new.

Reusable bags, bottles and masks will also help to cut your carbon footprint. Replace cling film with reusable silicone lids or beeswax paper for storing food. Any food waste can be put to good use in a garden compost bin.

Try to reduce consumption of resources like water and electricity. This goes hand in hand with the opportunity for a daily digital detox, so try turning off all your devices at least an hour before bedtime – you’ll sleep better and save money.

Live Plastic-Free

Reducing the amount of plastic in our lives is both good for the planet and our health. Where possible, find a shop operating a refillable system for dried goods, cereals, toiletries and cleaning products.

Shop locally in markets and stores where packaging is minimal, and try growing or picking your own fruit and veg. Using a metal razor, bamboo toothbrush and plastic-free sanitary products can also help to reduce plastic consumption.

Transport

If it’s practical, walk or cycle to avoid using the car. Alternatively, think about car sharing for journeys to and from work or taking public transport.

When planning UK and European holidays, consider taking the train, which can become part of the adventure itself. Clearly, the COVID-19 pandemic is making some of these measures more difficult to implement, but looking to the future, it’s important to prioritise the protection of our planet and its limited resources.

Enjoy the Natural Environment

Spending time in nature is possibly the best motivator for adjusting our lifestyles. Walking, forest bathing, wild swimming, hiking and cycling in the great outdoors, or even just spending time in a beautiful garden, will help to deepen our appreciation of the natural world and heighten our resolve to protect the environment in every way possible.

More from Features

  • Take the Sussex Living reader survey for the chance to win a £100 M&S voucher!

    Complete our reader survey below for the chance to win a £100 M&S voucher!

  • Home Style: Time to Heal

    After losing her husband, Tracy Nors threw all her energies into renovating a period terrace in the pretty town of Rye

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Meditation and Movement

    Join Sara Whatley in stretching your mind and stretching your body as she looks at the practices of meditation, yoga and other similar movements

  • Experiential Travel: Take your trip to the next level

    Travel and holidays take many forms and this month Lisa de Silva investigates opportunities to take travel to another level for a full and authentic experience

  • Living the Dream with Eridge Green Kitchens

    A love of wood and making things has been prevalent in Rob Wheeler’s life since he was a boy, leading eventually to the creation of Eridge Green Kitchens. With business booming and a new showroom on the horizon we sent Robert Veitch to meet the man who is living his dream

  • Money Matters: Money on our Minds

    Adele Trathan explores the psychology of currency and understanding our relationship with money

  • Is it time for a Digital Detox?

    Do you feel your screen time across tablets, gadgets, televisions and more may be getting out of hand? Adele Trathan suggests we think about reducing them, in favour of putting greater prevalence on healthier pastimes

  • Apprenticeships 101

    If university is not for you, an apprenticeship might be just what you need to take the next steps in your education and career journey. Sara Whatley reports

  • British Science Week turns 30!

    Join the science celebrations from 8-17 March with British Science Week 2024. Sara Whatley finds out more

  • The Magic & The Power: A Celebration of International Women's Day

    As a celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March and with the wise words from some of the inspirational women in her life, Sara Whatley tries to unpick female friendships and the power of the sisterhood

  • NEW COMPETITION: Win A £50 M&S Voucher

    It's fair to say everyone deserves a treat right now, so we've got a £50 M&S voucher for someone to enjoy - just give us a like or follow on our Facebook page...

  • Rushfields: Celebrating 40 Years

    As Rushfields Plant Centre in Poynings gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, James Forryan talked to founders Colin and Kathryn Langridge about the keys to their longevity and what they’ve learned over their 40 years in business

  • Home Style: Farm Stay

    While living in a tiny cabin on the family farm, Freddie and Katie Pack saved up to build their dream house on a plot a few fields away

  • Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

    Mother's Day arrives a little earlier than usual this year on March 10, but don't worry if you're stuck for ideas - there are plenty of great places in Sussex to find the perfect gift for Mum. Take a look at our handy gift guide below!

  • What to Watch in March 2024

    From science-fiction epics to supernatural horrors and family adventures, here's our guide to the best new films and TV shows arriving in March...

  • Interview: Comedian Connor Burns brings his Vertigo tour to Sussex

    With his new touring show Vertigo about to arrive in Sussex, we talk to Scottish comedian Connor Burns

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Connections & Sports

    In the second month of this new health column, Sara Whatley looks at the health benefits of connecting with others and joining a sports club

  • Occupation: Weird and Wonderful

    Kevin Newman is a Sussex-born author, historian, tour guide and history teacher. He has written extensively about Sussex history and here, he shares with us an insight into how some local folk made their living in days gone by

  • Understanding Mental Health

    Mental health charity MIND’s ‘Time To Talk Day' on 1 February is all about opening up conversations around mental health. With this in mind, Adele Trathan explores understanding and recognising mental health issues and ways to access help

  • Money Matters: Food for Thought

    How does your household expenditure on groceries compare to the average UK household? Adele Trathan explores what we spend on food shopping and ways to help the weekly budgeting