#PlasticFreeJuly – How You Can Make Better Environmental Choices On The Road
Most of us would like to do more to conserve and protect the planet, but just don’t know where to begin! There’s a lot of information out there on how to become more environmentally friendly. However, sometimes, these details can either be expensive, difficult to implement, or simply ineffective all together.
We know a number of our drivers care about the planet as much as we do here at Barnes, so if you’re looking to get involved with #PlasticFreeJuly, or reduce your overall carbon emissions, then we have some advice to share with you. We can all do our bit to make for a happier planet, after all.
Become More Aware
So, start by taking a second look at your daily life. Pay attention to how you choose to heat your home, to travel, to use water, and the products you use. That way, you can identify areas that could be improved. You could even use an app to track your carbon footprint and see what you can change. They say that little changes make big differences after all.
Go Plastic Free
As a driver, it’s not easy to cut plastics from your life, but why not try it out for Plastic Free July at least? Swap single use bottles for a refillable carton instead (then you can use apps such as Refill to get water for free). Or why not even try a ‘no plastic shop’? Choose loose fruit and veg over shrink wrapped or pre-packaged ones, or see if you can spot plant-based packaging for snacks on the road over the unfriendly plastics we are so used to.
Practice Conservation
Although it’s Plastic Free July, there are other things you can do to make better environmental choices on the road outside of this area too. Now that you’ve checked your bills and reminded yourself of the natural resources you use daily, you could practice minimising your usage. This can be as simple as turning off the lights when they’re no longer needed or shutting off the water as soon as you’re done. Perhaps whilst driving, if you can, turn on any auto start functions you may have in your cab to help save fuel and reduce emissions whilst stopped at red lights or in heavy traffic.
Waste Not
We’re all guilty of having eyes bigger than our bellies sometimes, leaving food waste as an unintentional by-product. Uneaten food is a waste of a whole host of resources such as seeds, water, energy, land, fertilizer, hours of labour, and money invested (and spent by you too of course). It also generates greenhouse gases at every stage, including methane when what you dispose of ends up in landfill. So, why not cook your own meals for taking with you when trucking, or making sure that you only buy what you know you’re hungry for!
If you implement any of these suggestions into your lives, we’d love to know! Send us anecdotes and pictures on our Twitter or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you! Or, if you like to read more of our news and blogs all about HGV driving and the warehousing and transport industries, please visit our website.
