Sustainability has become an increasingly important aspect of our lives, as we strive to create a greener and more eco-friendly future. It's essential for all of us to make conscious choices in our daily routines that contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
In this blog post, we will explore practical tips and tricks that can easily be incorporated into your everyday life, demonstrating just how simple it can be to make green choices. We will highlight how living in our Quintain Living homes goes hand-in-hand with sustainability, as we try our best to support sustainable living whenever we can. Join us as we delve into the realm of sustainability and discover ways we can make a positive impact on the planet.
How to be more sustainable
In our modern world, sustainability has become a noble pursuit that requires a conscious and proactive approach. It's no longer enough to simply acknowledge its importance - we need to actively seek out ways to integrate sustainable practices into our daily lives. Admittedly, being sustainable can be challenging. It demands a shift in mindset and a commitment to making small yet impactful changes that collectively contribute to a greener future. But fear not! We are here to guide and empower you with four everyday tips and tricks that will make your journey towards sustainability a little less daunting.
At Quintain Living, we understand the importance of fostering a sustainable lifestyle. From something as small as free reusable coffee cups to our eco-friendly waste management system, we provide a supportive environment where sustainable practices are integrated into your daily life whenever we can.
Ways to be more sustainable: 4 sustainability tips
Here’s how to be more sustainable at home and when out and about.
1) Reuse
When it comes to becoming more sustainable, reducing and reusing plastics is a great first step in the right direction. We understand the importance of minimising our reliance on single-use plastics. That's why every Quintain Living resident is given a free reusable coffee cup, eliminating the need for disposable alternatives. By embracing this simple change, residents can actively reduce their plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Sustainable shopping is also right on our residents’ doorsteps. The Grocery Store in Wembley Park is within walking distance of our apartments and features organic produce, eco-friendly groceries and sustainable goods. They have BOYCE (Bring Your Own Container) refill stations for a variety of everyday items, ranging from nuts and seeds to cleaning products. By bringing your own containers when you shop, you not only reduce the consumption of single-use packaging but also actively participate in the circular economy by refilling and reusing.
2) Keep it local
Reducing your carbon footprint can have an enormous positive impact on the environment. By minimising the amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with your daily activities, you can contribute to mitigating climate change and preserving the planet for future generations. One notable concept that promotes carbon footprint reduction is the idea of the 15-minute neighbourhood.
So what is a 15-minute neighbourhood and why is it important? Research has shown that living in a 15-minute neighbourhood, where essential amenities and services are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, can have profound benefits. Not only does it significantly reduce the reliance on cars and thus carbon emissions, but it also fosters a sense of community, improves health and wellbeing and enhances overall quality of life.
Here at Quintain Living, we have fully embraced the 15-minute neighbourhood. Everything you need is conveniently located right on your doorstep, from grocery stores to fitness facilities, restaurants, parks and more. This design promotes walkability and encourages residents to embrace sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking or cycling, for their daily needs. By eliminating the need for lengthy commutes and reducing car usage, QL residents have the opportunity to significantly reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the convenience and vibrant community that comes with living in a well-connected neighbourhood. It's an embodiment of sustainability where every step you take brings you closer to a greener future.
3) Buy sustainably
Being mindful of our purchasing choices and opting for sustainable options is a crucial aspect of living a more sustainable lifestyle. From food to household essentials, there are various ways we can make environmentally conscious shopping decisions. For instance, instead of disposable face wipes, consider switching to reusable microfibre cloths that not only reduce waste but also last longer. When it comes to toilet paper, opting for sustainable alternatives, such as recycled or bamboo-based options, helps protect our forests and minimise environmental impact. Additionally, supporting local farmers by buying free-range and organic produce not only promotes healthier eating habits but also reduces carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.
At Quintain Living, we are lucky enough to have sustainable shopping options like farmers’ markets and The Grocery Store within walking distance of our apartments. The farmers’ markets provide an excellent opportunity to connect with local producers; residents can find an array of fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce and goods for sale. By purchasing from these markets, you can actively support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.
4) Reduce your energy consumption
Reducing energy consumption is another great way to be more sustainable - and the first step towards doing this is monitoring and managing your energy usage. To make this easier for residents, we provide one itemised bill that clearly outlines energy consumption, allowing individuals to identify areas where reductions can be made. This transparency empowers residents to take charge of their energy usage and make conscious choices to minimise their environmental impact.
Insulating living spaces is a crucial aspect of reducing energy consumption. Our buildings were designed with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, with excellent insulation throughout. Our newest and most sustainable building, Repton Gardens, sets the bar even higher, with sustainable-conscious design choices and the Envac system waste management system. This innovative waste collection and recycling system features refuse chutes, which you dispose of your waste in. All rubbish is then transported underground at up to 70km an hour using suction to a collection centre in Lakeside Way. From here refuse trucks take your rubbish for further treatment.
Learn more about Repton Gardens.
Not only that, our maintenance team is always on hand to provide support to residents in all buildings, ensuring that common areas are always equipped with energy-efficient systems and that any potential energy wastage is promptly addressed.
Helping the environment one day at a time
Embracing everyday sustainable practices is crucial for our planet's well-being and the betterment of future generations. By making conscious choices in our daily routines, such as reducing plastic waste, minimising our carbon footprint, mindful purchasing and energy conservation, we can collectively make a significant positive impact on the environment. Together, through mindful choices, we can make a difference.
Here at Quintain Living, we support sustainability whenever we can. If this is a value you share, why not explore our buildings and find your next home?
