The impact that human activity has had on the planet over the years is now an inescapable truth and while it’s true that serious change may well have to come from big businesses and corporations, it’s not true that individuals can’t make a difference on their own.

Sit down and have a big think about how you live your life, weighing up the amount of waste you create at home and elsewhere, considering how making a few simple changes here and there could really reduce your own individual impact on Planet Earth.

When it comes to shopping, there are sure to be ways in which you can make a few changes. If you know, for example, that you use too many plastic bags, investing in a reusable canvas bag or a bag for life can really help.

You can also think about the products you buy in the supermarket - why go for a pack of three peppers in a plastic bag when you could buy the same three peppers loose, without the plastic?

When it comes to clothing, there is a lot you can do to make some changes. Instead of buying cheap clothes that you know are likely to fall apart after a couple of wears, why not buy fewer pieces at higher prices, since they’re more likely to last you the rest of your life if you take proper care of them.

Visiting charity shops in Worthing and elsewhere can also help if you want to update your wardrobe without having a big impact. 

Buying second-hand clothes means you can enjoy fresh new looks without having to worry overly about the effect your shopping trips are having - and you can also take it even further by bringing in your old unwanted clothes to charity shops and helping in that way as well.

Have a think about the materials you’re choosing as well. Some may be better options than others, such as organic cotton which needs fewer pesticides to grow, or hemp which is very ecological. Organic wool is also produced in line with sustainable farming practices.

All it takes is a little bit of research and a bit of time, and before you know it you’ll be a far more sustainable shopper and won’t have to worry as much about the effect that you and your family are having.

It’s also worth looking into your favourite big-name brands to see if you’re happy with their practice in terms of environmental policies, as well as how their workers are treated.

It’s worth taking the time to think about all this so that you know the clothes you buy aren’t going to end up in landfill after a few years. And you’ll save yourself some money into the bargain!

Find more tips on the Fair Wear website.