5 (Non-Solar) Ways That You Can Be Good to the Environment

We’re big fans of solar energy here at Project Solar, but let’s face it—there’s more to sustainability than just harnessing the sun’s rays. It’s about making conscious choices in our daily lives and supporting larger initiatives that benefit the planet. Whether it’s small tweaks to our routines or collaborative projects that require collective effort, every little bit helps.

Here are some of our favorite ideas to inspire you:

1. Ditch Single-Use Plastic

Chances are, you’ve heard a lot about the plastic crisis. From corporations ditching single-use plastics to microplastics infiltrating our oceans, it’s hard to ignore the problem. The more plastic finds its way into marine environments, the greater the harm to sea creatures. And yes, humans are part of this equation too. Fish consume microplastics, and when we eat those fish, we’re inadvertently ingesting plastic fragments. No species was built to digest plastic, so it’s crucial to keep it out of ecosystems altogether.

Even though many countries recycle, less than 10% of the plastic produced globally is actually reused. Much of it winds up in landfills, the ocean, or is incinerated, leading to further pollution. While the scale of the issue can feel overwhelming, here are some practical steps you can take to reduce plastic waste:

Shop locally for fruits and vegetables at independent grocers who avoid excessive plastic packaging. Supermarkets often fall short in this regard.

Request paper straws instead of plastic ones when dining out. If your favorite spot doesn’t offer them, advocate for change!

Invest in a Brita water filter and a reusable Klean Kanteen bottle. Your tap water is just as safe and refreshing, and it saves money—and resources.

Switch to BPA-free food containers instead of disposable sandwich bags. Brands like Sistema and Addis are great options.

Carry reusable shopping bags instead of relying on single-use plastic bags. Your kitchen might even thank you for it!

2. Cut Back on Meat and Dairy

We’re not here to debate the ethical implications of eating animal products. Our focus is on the environmental impact. Spoiler alert: producing meat and dairy takes a heavy toll on the planet.

Think about it: how much water do you think it takes to produce one kilogram of beef? The answer is 15,000 liters—enough to fill nearly 200 bathtubs. To give you some context, that’s just two standard packs of ground beef. Other common meats aren’t far behind: lamb requires over 10,000 liters per kilogram, pork needs close to 6,000 liters, and chicken demands nearly 4,500 liters.

Only 2.5% of Earth’s water is freshwater, and most of that isn’t easily accessible. This means just 0.007% of the planet’s water is usable. Should we really be wasting such a precious resource on meat production? On top of that, all this livestock generates methane, and transporting the final product adds to carbon emissions.

We’re not suggesting everyone goes vegan or vegetarian. But cutting back—becoming a “flexitarian”—would undoubtedly benefit the planet. Even reducing your intake occasionally can make a difference.

3. Keep Showers Short

We all know showers are more efficient than baths, but they still consume far more water than you might expect. A five-minute shower is considered short, yet it uses between 40 and 50 liters—or 80 to 90 pints. That’s a lot of water!

To save water, only turn on the shower during key moments. You don’t need water running while you’re lathering up. Just turn it on briefly at the start and end of your shower—about a minute each time—for a total of two minutes. That’s roughly 20-25 liters of water, significantly less than the usual amount.

4. Go Hybrid

In 2017, the UK government announced plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2040. Some environmental groups are pushing for an earlier deadline. Either way, the writing’s on the wall: the future of cars is greener.

Switching to a hybrid vehicle is a smart move. Hybrids run partly on electricity, emitting less CO2, especially at lower speeds. The UK market already offers a variety of hybrid models, from reliable Toyota Priuses to luxury options like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

5. Master Recycling

Most of us recycle to some extent, but there’s a difference between recycling and REALLY recycling. A dirty baked-beans can isn’t useful to recycling plants. Rinse out food containers before tossing them in the bin—it makes a big difference.

Pay attention to your local council’s recycling guidelines, as rules can vary between neighborhoods. Putting incorrect items in the wrong bins can render an entire batch unusable. Also, remember to recycle when you’re out and about—don’t throw a soda can in a general waste bin if there’s a recycling option nearby.

Let’s Make a Difference Together

What do you think about these tips? Chances are, you’re already doing some of them. Taking it to the next level requires teamwork and mindfulness. If we all commit to making conscious choices and staying aware of our habits, we can create meaningful change.

Of course, our specialty at Project Solar is solar power. We’ve helped countless families transition to eco-friendly homes powered by renewable energy. Learn more about the advantages of solar energy and contact us for a no-obligation consultation tailored to your needs.