As the seasonal baton passes from March to April, the UK has finally shaken from the grip of winter. Welcoming swathes of new life, longer days, and brighter skies, spring is the long-awaited forerunner to the vibrance of summer—a period of new beginnings and rejuvenated optimism. Why not implement some small changes this season that make you feel good and the world feel greener? Read on for some beginner-friendly guidance on becoming more sustainable throughout this springtime and beyond.
Green Fingers
There is something wholesomely gratifying about consuming food grown with your own hands. If you have the space and time, growing your own produce is an excellent way to avoid shop-bought plastic whilst increasing self-sufficiency. There are endless fruits and vegetables you can plant throughout the year but here are my favourite three plants you can grow this springtime, perfect for beginners:
- Tomatoes: now is the perfect time to sow tomato seeds, either in a greenhouse or a sunny area indoors. With some effort and maintenance required, this is an ideal project for those stepping into growing their own fresh produce.
- Perennial herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme, and chives: directly in your garden or pots. With minimal care needed, you can have an abundance of fresh herbs at your disposal.
- Chillies: this spicy addition needs minimal space and can be grown outdoors, in a greenhouse, or in a sunny spot inside. Chillies are great for those requiring something low maintenance with minimal space. Place your pot on a south-facing windowsill and watch them grow!
Nifty Thrifting
New season, new wardrobe? As seasonal fashion trends begin to shift to spring-inspired pastels, floral, or shades of sorbet, April is often a time for a clothing refresh. Instead of contributing to the mass-consumerist nature of high-street shopping, perhaps you could dabble in some second-hand bargains. I made the switch to buying 90% of my clothing second-hand and have secured an abundance of high-quality, affordable pieces, it just requires a keen eye and a little patience!
Thrifting is not only for clothing either. Find pre-loved furniture, appliances, books, gadgets, and more! Shop eco-friendly this spring (saving your pennies too) by rummaging around your local charity shops—they may look daunting but I promise there is a trove of gems to discover if you dig deep enough. If you are unable to reach your local shop, online platforms such as Vinted, Depop, Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace are also great options. To save landfills from unnecessary waste it is also important to donate your unwanted items back to the charity shop or try your hand at reselling.
Mindful About Waste
Food scraps? Compost it! Shopping? Bring your own bags! Grabbing a coffee? Remember your reusable coffee cup!
Did you know roughly one-third of food made for human consumption goes to waste, causing unnecessary harm to the environment and climate? Luckily there are many small ways you can maximise your household food, such as freezing overripe bananas to use in future bakes or smoothies. Likewise, most food is safe to freeze for two months or longer. If you struggle with wasting food, try to plan meals in advance or buy less more often, as and when you need it.
For those who menstruate, you can opt for reusable period products such as menstrual cups, reusable pads, or period pants. Not only does this reduce synthetic plastic heading to landfills, but it’s also a chemical-free and cost-effective option, as opposed to disposable pads and tampons. There is a wealth of reusable products out there; find what works for you but do not worry if you cannot implement every single one. Every effort to reduce your waste, no matter how small, is never a redundant action.
Get Inspired
Turn your social media feed into a realm of inspiration. Urban gardener Alessandro Vitale (@_spicymustache_) is a must-follow for advice on growing food, foraging, and low-waste cooking, providing expert tips in an educational and friendly format. For an accessible safe space for all things gardening, Martha (@marfskitchengarden) has an Instagram full of educational reels to get you truly hooked on transforming your outdoor space. Additionally, for tips on reducing your fast-fashion footprint, Penny Hindle (@penny_hindle) has cultivated a platform promoting sustainable secondhand fashion and home inspiration. Social media can be an insightful and educational tool when learning something new, with a copious amount of creators to choose from.
However you decide to greenify your life this spring, know that these small actions really do make a difference as we collectively move to a more sustainable world.
Words by Anna Farrer