Today we are consuming more energy than ever which is pushing our planet further and further towards extinction. To make the transformational change our world needs, action is required at all levels. As a small business, we are playing our part in this. We ensure all of our packaging is free from plastic and fully compostable, our meals are made-to-order to prevent food waste and we support projects and charities in the countries which inspire our meals. There are lots of ways you too can yield your power as an individual to help…
1. Eat Sustainably
This doesn’t mean living on a diet of grass and water, it just means being more mindful of what you are consuming and where it comes from to benefit the plant and yourself.
- Eat a More Plant-Based Diet: Meat and dairy production are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture industry. By eating less red meat and dairy, you can help to reduce these emissions. At Packed Meal Prep we offer lots of vegan options, the vegan cooked breakfast is a customer favourite!
- Think About Packaging: Avoid anything using plastic and remember to take reusable bags to the shops. At Packed Meal Prep, our food trays are made from natural wood fibres, sourced from FSC certified and renewable Nordic forests. They can be recycled or composted!
- Don’t Waste Food: 30% of all food produced is wasted! Do some research into what can be frozen and you might be surprised to discover that it includes everything from grated cheese to wine! Additionally, purchasing items individually rather than in multi-packs can help to reduce waste and cut down on packaging.
- Grow Your Own: There are few things more rewarding than eating fresh, home-grown produce straight from your garden and anyone can get involved! If you don’t have any outdoor space then windowsill boxes are great and you will be cutting down your carbon footprint. At Packed Meal Prep, we incorporate the fruit and vegetables grown in our allotment into lots of our meals!
2. Invest in Reusable Products
Try to replace your single use papers and plastics with eco-friendly alternatives. Over time, the swaps will pay for themselves!
- Water Bottles & Coffee Cups- There are a huge range of pretty and practical reusable bottles so invest in one that is the right size to take everywhere with you. Plus, you’ll get a nice discount at high street coffee stores for bringing your own cup!
- Straws- In October 2020, a ban was placed on the supply of single-use plastic straws by businesses in England. Follow this rule in your own home by investing in a reusable straw.
3. Find Eco-friendly Ways to Travel
- Consider an Electric or Hybrid Car: The government has pledged to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2030 so why not get ahead and make the change. Electric cars run on batteries rather than combusting fuel sources, reducing the number of greenhouse gases they produce.
- Make Use of Public Transport: Public transport is typically more sustainable than car travel because it allows a greater number of people to be transported by a single-vehicle.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Check if your employer participates in this government-run scheme. If so, you could save up to 42% on cycling equipment. The benefits of cycling are innumerable from improving your cardio-vascular and aerobic fitness to helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
4. Shop Smartly
When shopping, most consumers have little awareness regarding the environment but don’t let this be you!
- Eco-friendly Cleaning Products: Packaging aside, the cleaning chemicals you use can also have a huge environmental impact. Detergents, preservatives and foaming agents can cause harm to nature so, switch to non-toxic alternatives that contain sustainably grown or raised ingredients.
- Recyclable or reusable Wrapping Paper: In the UK, we send 5 million tonnes of paper to landfill every year. As a solution to this problem, you can try green gifting by purchasing recyclable paper or using decorated cloth gift sacks which can be used many times.
- Use fully biodegradable teabags: You may be shocked to find out lots of teabag brands contain plastic that is not recyclable or biodegradable. Make sure to research into exactly what is going into your cuppa!
We hope that you embrace these helpful tips for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. If you feel a bit overwhelmed by all of the changes then why not start small and let us take all the hassle out of being eco-friendly by supplying your meals in a way that respects our planet!