Returning to a Sustainable Lifestyle Post-Pandemic

There have been so many difficult things about the pandemic. And while it is by no means the hardest, the impact on the environment is one of the things that will remain with us for years to come. As I walk with my little ones each day, I can see the impact strewn across the ground - discarded face masks, hand sanitiser bottles, wipes. All have been so necessary in one sense, of course, but they are leaving a lasting impact on our planet. And simple, straightforward habits that had become woven into daily life now seem so distant. Bringing along a reusable coffee cup used to be second nature, but I haven’t had my cup on hand for months.

Fortunately, it is beginning to look like the end is near for the pandemic. With a successful vaccination program, readily available lateral flow and PCR testing, and access to a private covid test for those who wish to travel, life is beginning to return to some semblance of normality. So how can we return to ‘normal’ in a way that honours the planet we’ve been given?

1. Continue to reduce food waste

Food waste continues to be one of the most impactful and least understood areas of sustainable living. And I truly believe it is one of the easiest places to start living a lower impact lifestyle. Meal planning can be tedious but is always the first step for me. Beyond that, start eating leftovers once a week, regrow your cut vegetables or rescue wasted food through a scheme like the Olio and Too Good To Go apps.

2. Reconsider travel

I’ve been yearning to travel ever since that first lockdown, to once again see the world that seemed so distant when travel was first restricted. Yet while I still hope to see countries beyond my own, I’ve been surprised at how excited I am at the idea of exploring the UK. Joyfully, it’s also likely to be much gentler on the environment, since we’ll be travelling a shorter distance and not using air travel. There is so much beauty on our doorstop, and I hope that one of the pandemic’s long lasting effects will be an appreciation for the joy of a staycation.

3. Support local businesses

My local high street, once full of beautiful independent shops, has been so sadly hit by lockdown after lockdown. Many have had to close their doors for good. Yet others have been spurred on to find creative and innovative ways to keep going and help support the local community, offering delivery services, unique product ranges or online workshops. There was never a more important time to support small businesses, so friends, now is the time to shop local.

4. Use reusable items where you can

While there have been difficulties in using reusable items, there are small opportunities available, especially as restrictions ease. Without a doubt it’s worth switching to reusable face masks, if you haven’t already - they’re much more comfortable! A small number of coffee shops are now accepting reusable cups, so it’s worth asking if you can.

And if you’re one of the hundreds of people that tried out reusable nappies when the supermarkets were running low on disposables, let me encourage you to keep trying! While there have been many sad, sad impacts of this time, I hope that there may be at least one silver lining.