How to Help the Environment While Self-Isolating

With no end in sight to the current coronavirus pandemic, it seems as though the majority of Britons will be spending a significantly larger portion of their day indoors than they normally might. This is already having a beneficial effect on the environment, since the reduced number of cars on the road and the falling energy demands mean that less emissions are finding their way into our atmosphere.

However, that doesn’t mean that we should rest on our laurels while waiting for this crisis to take its course. As the scientific community battles to find ways to tackle the spread of COVID-19, we can all do our own bit to ensure this enforced downtime has as beneficial an effect on the planet as possible. Here are a handful of suggestions on how you can do your bit to help the environment during the quarantine period.

Conserve energy

This is one that you really should practice all year round, seeing as how small things like leaving lights on or keeping the television on standby can add up to a cumulatively sizable energy bill not just for your household, but for the planet as well. While self-isolating, you’re more likely to spend more time at home, meaning the need to conserve energy becomes even more pronounced.

Spend less time in the shower

It’s important to stick to your daily habits during lockdown in order to protect your mental health, and for many people across the country, that means starting the morning with a hot shower. But with the average person spending 8 minutes under the showerhead, that’s equivalent to 60 litres of water each time. Try to take shorter showers or, even better, purchase a water-saving shower head.

Ease up on the central heating

We might finally be emerging from the depths of another frosty British winter, but that doesn’t mean we’re not affected by the odd cold snap now and again. Since you’ll be staying home all day, it might be tempting to lean on your central heating heavily, but doing so places a large demand on fossil fuel companies. Why not wear an extra layer instead?

Be kind to the bees

Bees have been in decline across Britain and beyond for several years now. With spring on our doorstep, it’s time to give them a helping hand by planting seeds for the flowers they love best in your garden. If you don’t have one, you can always make the most of your windowsills and place pots filled with the best plants for pollinators on them.

Don’t forget the birds!

Birds also play a vital role in our ecosystem and feeding them couldn’t be easier. You can either purchase a feeding station or birdbox from a garden centre online or, if you prefer, make your own! Again, a garden is preferable to undertake this particular task, but it’s not a necessity if space is at a premium. Your window ledge can serve its purpose here, too.