Green Glow: 5 Ways to Help Environment in 2021

Three-quarters of adults get a ‘green glow’ from doing something positive for the environment, according to a study from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

A feeling of joy comes from sorting the recycling into the correct boxes, batch cooking to minimise food waste, and purchasing second-hand clothes. Other satisfying tasks include buying eco-friendly tech, cycling or walking instead of driving, and upcycling.

There’s also a feeling of joy that comes with the installation of a solar panel system that provides the household with solar energy capable of being monitored and stored.  

The two-part study polling a total of 5,000 adults by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) found more women (60 per cent) than men (51 per cent) feel a responsibility to address climate change. Although men believe they have a better understanding of eco-friendly tech like energy usage monitors. (33 per cent of men to 23 per cent of women).

Even little things like only filling the kettle with as much water as needed leave many of those polled with a sense they’re doing their bit. It also emerged more women recycle plastic than men (86 per cent compared to 79 per cent), while females are also more likely to use reusable water bottles (59 per cent compared to 47 per cent).

Women are also more willing to choose a ‘green’ delivery slot than men (65 per cent compared to 55 per cent) and avoid products with unnecessary packaging (52 per cent compared to 46 per cent).

But despite the differences, 82 per cent of adults polled by OnePoll for the IET believe every single person has a role to play in helping the environment. And 87 per cent are clear there is still lots more they could do to be more eco-friendly – including turning electricals off at the socket when not in use (37 per cent) and wasting less water (34 per cent).

Other ways people think they can be greener include monitoring energy use more closely (31 per cent), using eco-friendly alternative methods of transport more often (17 per cent) and only using energy-saving bulbs (24 per cent).

Says the IET’s green energy systems expert Olivia Carpenter-Lomax:

“Green technology has huge potential to make a real difference in our lives and to the planet.

“I am passionate about levelling up our collective understanding of how we can do this.

“We’re starting the process of helping the public to get to grips with what’s out there by revealing a list of five ways to think about being green.

“From electric vehicles to green tariffs to home insulation – adopting existing tech can have a significant positive impact on the wider world around us.”

IET’S FIVE WAYS TO BE GREEN IN 2021

1. Shout about wanting environmental choices.

Making environmentally ethical decisions will be made a whole lot easier if they are accessible (and understandable).

The more you ask for better choices and more transparency, the more industry, producers and the Government will need to listen.

2. Jump on the electric vehicle bandwagon.

Pretty soon (2030), we will not be able to buy petrol or diesel cars. Now is the time to get an EV if you can or start thinking about the transition to EV.

3. Don’t forget the ‘long established’ green technologies; insulation, upgrading windows and draft proofing.

The fabric of your home can make a huge difference to the energy it takes to keep it at a comfortable temperature.

It really is one of the most important things we can do and if you’re renting, there are schemes you might want to make your landlord aware of.

4. Now is the time to really start planning how you will heat your home without burning fossil fuels

Green tariffs as the easiest thing you can do but that’s just the start.

5. Replace travelling for meetings with logging in from home.

With COVID, many of us have experienced the benefits of working more flexibly and from home.

While the in-person brainstorming workshop might not be dead, seeing remote meetings as a viable alternative will have the added benefit of cutting down on travel by road and air.

TOP 20 GREEN GLOWS

1. Putting the recycling out
2. Sorting the recycling into correct boxes
3. Re-using leftovers to cut down on food waste
4. Only filling the kettle with as much water as needed
5. Cycling or walking to places rather than driving where possible
6. Monitoring the heating
7. Showering rather than having a bath
8. Washing out the recycling
9. Upcycling household items
10. Washing clothes on a low-temperature wash
11. Cooking in batches to cut down on food waste
12. Home growing fruit and vegetables to reduce food waste
13. Buying second-hand clothes
14. Using eco-friendly cleaning products
15. Eating eco-friendly foods
16. Using eco-friendly toiletries
17. Inspiring others to be green
18. Buying refurbished or second-hand tech
19. Having a vegetarian diet
20. Buying eco-friendly tech