Sustainability starts at home

Ever since the lockdown in the UK was imposed on 23 March it’s fair to say most of us have been spending a lot more time at home. Except, it must be said, unless you’re on the front line fighting the coronavirus and for which you have the eternal thanks of a grateful nation.

There are also those who have unfortunately become ill with the virus, or have family members who have been affected. And countless others face untold financial hardship due to the economic consequences of the lockdown.

For those of us lucky enough not to be in that situation it is vital that we don’t forget our compatriots in this difficult time, be that through donating to the NHS or other charities, volunteering, helping a vulnerable family member or friend, or, most importantly, abiding by the social distancing guidelines.

What is also clear is the world this virus leaves behind will not be the same one that it arrived in. Whole industries have come to a standstill and governments around the world have had to inject unprecedented amounts of money into stalling economies.

Something I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the past few days is what that new world could look like and the possible implications for the environmental movement. I will write about this in more detail in the coming days, but the purpose of this post is to introduce a new series I’m starting called ‘Lockdown Sustainability’. The journey to a greener life really does start at home and there are so many ways you can reduce waste and live more sustainably.

Please take good care of yourself and your loved ones in this difficult time, stay at home, and if you are in the fortunate position of having a bit of time on your hands keep checking back in the coming days!