​Tips for looking after our environment

​Tips for looking after our environment
 
The environment is becoming more of a hot topic every day, and many people simply want to know what they can do to help.
 
Here are a few simple tips to consider the environment in your lifestyle.
 
Environmentally minded buying decisions
 
More and more often, consumers are being given the chance to make decisions with their wallets, and as soon as you know what to look for, you can start making such choices, too.
 
Locally sourced produce, for example, doesn’t have to be transported from overseas or far away, so purchasing this instead of imported goods can help. At the larger end of the scale, consider the environment during your next large purchases, such as when deciding on a house or car. Does the house have double glazed windows to save on energy? Is the car efficient? Such choices can help you to lead a greener lifestyle.
 
Reduce first, then reuse, then recycle
 
The reduce, reuse, recycle mantra is a popular one, but something not everyone knows is that the three ‘R’s are listed in order of importance.
 
Many people will recycle their plastics, cardboards and glass, but priority should be first and foremost on reducing. This can be anything from using a carry bag instead of taking plastic bags at the supermarket, to reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower to save water.
 
Following that, reuse anything you can – an old pillow case can become a dish rag, for example.
 
Get involved
 
Keep an eye out for opportunities to volunteer for environmental work in your neighbourhood. There are often regular meetings for like-minded people to get together for beach clean ups to gather rubbish, for tree planting, for weeding, and so on.
 
Every year, volunteers help to plant as many as 20,000 trees in Tawharanui where we take many of our day and night tours. We’re proud to be part of this effort and love to see others get involved, too.