6 tips for sustainability in spring

Sustainable initiatives are actions that help protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations. Spring is a wonderful time to start implementing sustainable initiatives in your daily life, especially in the UK where the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. If you’re looking for seasonal ways to improve your footprint, there are plenty of simple, affordable, and fun things you can do to reduce your impact on the environment. In this blog post, we'll discuss some sustainable initiatives you can do in spring in the UK, along with examples of innovative sustainable businesses and what they do.

Composting

Composting is a natural process that turns organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil. Composting reduces the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. You can compost at home by setting up a compost bin or heap, or by using a worm bin if you don't have space for a traditional compost bin. We use Squareco’s compostable packaging liners as bin bags for our food waste bins. Composting is an easy and affordable way to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your soil quality.

Innovative sustainable business: Wiggly Wigglers

Wiggly Wigglers is a UK-based company that sells composting supplies, including compost bins, worm bins, and composting tools. The company also offers advice and resources to help customers start composting at home.

Create a garden

Spring is a great time to start gardening. Not only is it a fun and relaxing activity, but it can also help reduce your carbon footprint by providing you with fresh produce. You can start small by planting herbs in your windowsill, or if you have a garden, you can plant a variety of vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, peas, strawberries, and lettuce. Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and promote biodiversity, and it's also an opportunity to reduce your reliance on supermarkets, which often rely on long-distance transportation for their produce.

Innovative sustainable business: Riverford Organic Farmers

Riverford Organic Farmers is a UK-based company that delivers organic vegetables and fruits directly to customers' doors. The company prioritises sustainable farming practices, reducing food waste, and supporting small-scale farmers.

Sustainable transportation

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to use sustainable transportation. In spring, the weather is usually mild, making it a great time to bike or walk to your destination. Using public transportation is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, as it reduces emissions associated with individual cars. If you have to use a car, you can reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling or using an electric or hybrid car.

Innovative sustainable business: Lime

Lime is a UK-based company that provides electric bike and scooter rental services in major cities across the UK. The company aims to provide affordable and sustainable transportation options to reduce reliance on cars and promote clean energy.

Reduce energy usage

Reducing energy usage is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy bill. You can reduce energy usage by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and setting your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. You can also consider using renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines to power your home. Simply opening your windows can be a sustainable switch. A cool breeze entering a home through open windows can reduce the temperature inside of a home without having to turn on fans or air conditioners. This not only helps save money, but also it reduces reliance on gas and electricity.

Innovative sustainable business: Ecotricity

Ecotricity is a UK-based company that provides 100% renewable energy to homes and businesses. The company generates its energy from wind turbines and solar panels and invests in building new sources of renewable energy.

Sustainable shopping

Shopping sustainably is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable businesses. You can shop sustainably by buying local and organic produce, reducing your consumption of single-use plastics, and using reusable bags, bottles, and containers. You can also support sustainable fashion by buying clothes made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics.

Innovative sustainable business: Squareco (obviously)

Squareco is a UK-based retailer that sell sportswear made from recycled materials. The clothing industry is the second-largest industrial polluter, accounting for 10% of global pollution, ranking higher than emissions from air travel. Squareco provides a fashionable solution to an endless struggle in finding sustainable and affordable activewear.

Reduce food waste

Reducing food waste is an important way to reduce your carbon footprint and help tackle the issue of food insecurity. In the UK, over 9 million tons of food are wasted each year, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental issues. You can reduce food waste by planning your meals, buying only what you need, and using up leftovers. You can also compost your food waste to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Innovative sustainable business: Too Good To Go

Too Good To Go is a UK-based company that provides a platform for restaurants and other food businesses to sell their surplus food at a discounted price. The company aims to reduce food waste by connecting customers with excess food that would otherwise go to waste.

In conclusion, there are plenty of sustainable initiatives you can do in spring in the UK, no matter your level of experience with sustainability. From gardening to composting to reducing energy usage and shopping sustainably, there are plenty of simple and affordable ways to reduce your impact on the environment. By supporting innovative sustainable businesses, you can also contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone.