From Guest Blogger "SustainaFreak": Effective Ways to Live More Sustainably in 2015

With Obama unavailing his Clean Power Plan aiming to reduce emissions from America’s power sector 32% by 2013, it seems that global warming has again become a heavily debated topic. However, sustainable living is not just an issue to be debated by those in positions of authority. There are many methods which if utilised, can help an individual to live in a much greener way and when combined, has the potential to make a huge difference to the environment.

Reusable Bags

New statistics show that the amount of plastic bags used in British supermarkets has risen for the fifth year in a row, from 8.3billion in 2013 to 8.5billion in 2014. The environmental consequences of this consumption are worrying, as plastic shopping bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Starting in October, UK supermarkets will be required to charge 5p for each carrier bag used. So, save some money and help the earth by taking your own reusable non-plastic bag.

Source Local Products

Transporting products via land, sea or air consumes large amounts of fossil fuels and can therefore have a costly impact upon the environment. This is particularly true for tropical fruits and that are flown in from exotic corners of the globe. A simple way to live more sustainably is by sourcing local products. To do this, shop at green grocers and farmers markets, making sure to buy seasonal fresh produce – out of season products tend to require more chemicals and adapted growing environments.

Equip Your Home

In 2014 it was revealed that the average annual fuel bills for British households totalled a monumental £1351. Not only can this make a severe dent on monthly income, but can also greatly contribute to CO2 emissions. To reduce yearly bills and minimise environmental impact, there are several steps that can be taken. Consider generating your own energy by installing solar panels, equipping light fittings with low energy environmentally friendly bulbs, unplugging appliances when not in use and turning down the thermostat.

Choose Second Hand

Just like groceries, new furniture, soft furnishings and appliances carry a large carbon footprint. Rather than choosing brand new products, aim to find second hand items. Websites such as Gumtree offer a variety of finds, as do charity shops and dedicated second hand stores. Whether searching for a new bedroom suite, kitchen units or materials for an upcycle project, used items are an environmentally and financially friendly option.