Eco-Conscious Living: Small daily habits that add up to big environmental impact

Reducing single-use plastics

Growing up, my mom always brought reusable bags on our grocery shopping trips. We had loads of them in the pantry, and as a child, I never really understood why; especially when the store gave out bags for free. But as I began grocery shopping for myself, I carried this habit forward naturally. Now, with many places banning or charging for plastic bags, it’s become more common – but for us, it was always just what we did.

Reusable bags help reduce CO2 emissions, minimise plastic waste and reduce microplastic pollution.^1,2 I’ve always been big on reusable containers and water bottles as well. I never could quite get to grips with why people used single-use plastic bags for snacks or a sandwich instead of using a container. Overall, not only is it better for your wallet, but it’s also another great way to reduce plastic pollution, and lower fossil fuels.³ Switching from single-use, disposable make-up wipes and cotton pads to reusable ones is another easy switch to be more sustainable and reduce microplastics.⁴ Bonus: I personally also find them to be much kinder on my sensitive skin.

So, whether it’s using a cotton tote bag, or using the plastic Tesco bag for the eleventh time (which will eventually double as a future small bin bag), I’m always looking for a way to reduce my plastic waste in my everyday routine.

Vegetarian eating

At age 14 I became a pescatarian. Initially I wanted to go fully vegetarian, but my mom encouraged me to keep fish in my diet to ensure I got enough protein. At the time, my main concern was the wellbeing of animals, but as I dug deeper I learned about the significant environmental benefits these diets can deliver. I was very aware that I was only one small person in a big world, but every little bit helps right?

While vegetarianism has personal health benefits, it also has a powerful environmental impact. Research shows that a vegetarian diet produces about 2.5 times fewer carbon emissions than a typical meat-based diet.^5,6 In 2021 a study showed that animal agriculture is responsible for up to 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.⁷ If you want to make an even bigger difference, a vegan diet can be up to 60% less emissions than meat-diets.⁶

At Salt, our ESG practices help ensure our company stays on track environmentally. This includes supporting sustainable food choices, with a policy I really value. As a company, we have gone vegetarian. Now, of course as individuals at home, it’s up to use how we eat, but all company meals follow this policy. Whether we’re leading the way or just joining a growing movement, I think it’s an inspiring step more companies should consider.

Energy use

We’ve all heard it before – “keep your showers short” or “turn the tap off while brushing your teeth”, so you don’t waste water. These small habits conserve water and are stepping stones to the bigger energy conservation moves we can make.

Beyond water, I try to be conscious of how I use electricity. The simple things like turning off lights when you’re not in a room hopefully are obvious and easily done, and I make sure to unplug appliances I’m not actively using, like my blender or work screen. I’ve also switched to a green energy provider, which to my surprise was more affordable than many conventional tariffs I looked at. More than 80% of global energy production still relies on fossil fuels, contributing to today’s global energy crisis.⁸ When I can, I try to wash my clothes with cold water instead of hot. This simple switch can cut the load energy in half.⁹ Easy, effective and budget-friendly.

Final thoughts

Conscious living isn’t about perfection – it’s about awareness, intention, routine and choosing what aligns with your values. Whether it’s swapping a plastic bag for a tote, enjoying meat-less Mondays, or simply turning off the lights, small changes add up. As more of us take these steps, the ripple effect can become a wave of positive environmental impact.

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References

1. Ravenwood Packaging. Plastic, paper or reusable: What is the most sustainable shopping bag? Available at: https://www.ravenwood.co.uk/plastic-paper-reusable-sustainable-shopping-bag. Last accessed April 2025.
2. ENVI Reusable Bags. Reduce plastic waste and fight microplastic pollution with reusable produce bags. August 2024. Available at: https://www.envireusablebags.com/blog/use-reusable-produce-bags-to-fight-microplastic-pollution. Last accessed April 2025.
3. Cube Packaging. The environmental impact of single-use vs. reusable food containers. Available at: https://www.cubep.com/single-use-vs-reusable-food-containers. Last accessed May 2025.
4. The Good Boutique. The environmental impact of disposeable makeup wipes. Available at: https://www.thegoodboutique.com/inspiration/the-environmental-impact-of-disposable-makeup-wipes. Last accessed April 2025.
5. BBC. The climate benefits of veganism and vegetarianism. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20220429-the-climate-benefits-of-veganism-and-vegetarianism. Last accessed April 2025.
6. Scarborough P, et al. Clim Change. 2014;125(2):179-192.
7. Twine R. Sustainability. 2021;13(11):6276.
8. IEA. World Energy Outlook 2022: Key findings. Available at: https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022/key-findings. Last accessed April 2025.

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