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Responsible living

How to clean up your act!

Article by : SpunOut.ie
  • Leave the car at home whenever possible and get a lift with someone else, use public transport or cycle.
  • Read the news and magazines on the Internet instead of buying them (much cheaper too!).
  • Use rechargeable batteries. It’s cheaper and better for the environment.
  • Choose products that use natural materials or recycled materials when you’re shopping. Beware of products using the words 'natural' or 'nature' in their brand. The ingredients might show a heap of chemicals hidden inside.
  • Don’t use aerosols (on your armpits, hair or smelly feet!). Use roll-ons or pump action sprays instead.
  • Buy locally (it’s always nice to give your money to the small business guys) and get organic (grown without chemicals), in-season food whenever possible. The local shops need your money more than monster chains like Tesco and Lidyl.
  • Don’t buy anything that involves cruelty to animals. Look for cosmetics that haven’t been tested on animals and buy free-range eggs and chickens. Never buy fur.
  • Buy ethically when possible as well. Most shops have Fair Trade goods now. These might be a bit more expensive, but it means that third world suppliers get a fair price, much higher than when they sell to multinationals.

Take action on the environmental problems in your community:

  • Start by getting support for your ideas about the issues you want to tackle. Is there an environmental group in your area? If so, join it. If not start one up!
  • Does your school, youth group, workplace or community centre have an environment policy? Ask them and if there isn’t one in place, then suggest that you help write one and put it into action.
  • Help protect wildlife with projects such as planting wild flowers along the roadsides, creating a community garden with a pond or leaving patches of land free of farming or industry. Contact wildlife groups for support on projects like these.
  • If you live near the coast, organise a beach clean up. It only takes an hour or two and you get rid of litter left by visitors and tourists. If you see anything unusual on the beach or an injured animal/ bird, than contact your local authorities.
  • You or your family farm could start moving towards organic farming. This means farming without artificial fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Make sure that all livestock have access to open air and fields.
  • Protest about things you feel strongly about. You can report local pollution and make a formal complain to the local authorities.
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