It’s World Environment Day, when people across the world come together to raise awareness of the impact emissions are having on our environment and how we can reduce them. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) since its inception in 1973, this year’s theme is #BeatPlasticPollution - the aim is to advise individuals, businesses and governments on ways in which we can all collectively become less reliant on plastics which harm the environment. 

Of course there is a lot to be concerned about in the world at the moment, so it's understandable that taking steps to reduce our reliance on plastic and our overall carbon footprint could be quite low on the priority list. But this World Environment Day, we’re highlighting some ways in which you can both save the planet and save some money. 

What is plastic pollution? 

Plastic is an amazingly versatile material which is embedded into every aspect of modern life. It is in our homes, clothes, shampoos - and cars. But we take it for granted and throw it away. According to UNEP, approximately 7 billion of the 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic produced from 1950-2017 became plastic waste, ending up in landfills or dumped.

Plastic pollution can have devastating impacts on our ecosystems and wildlife, our health and well-being and the global economy. But plastic pollution is preventable. Taking action across all sectors of society can halt and reverse it. 

What is the car industry doing?

Car makers are trying to find innovative ways to drive down the overall carbon footprint of their vehicles. Rather than just focussing on local emissions from the tailpipe, manufacturers are also reducing their reliance on plastic.

Citroen is a trailblazer in this area with the Oli concept car. Its flat bonnet, roof and rear load bed panels are made from recycled corrugated cardboard formed into a honeycomb sandwich structure between fibreglass reinforcing panels. 

From 2025 onwards, BMW will start making certain car parts by using plastic with raw material containing around 30 percent recycled fishing nets and ropes. BMW plans to use plastic waste from the maritime industry as a raw material for vehicle components in order to conserve valuable resources, reduce CO2 emissions and counteract ocean pollution.

Although they’ve no plans to fully electrify their models any time soon, Dacia is also making waves when it comes to the sustainability of their cars. Unveiled in Autumn 2022, the body of Dacia’s Manifesto concept is partially constructed with their new ‘Starkle’ plastic, which is made up of 20% recycled plastic and is itself 100% recyclable. It will feature on all upcoming Dacia models, starting with the new Duster.

And finally, carbon cutting measures feature throughout the Kia EV9's design. One example of this is post–consumer material (PCM) plastic, made using recycled material rather than new, ‘virgin’ pellet, being used in the door garnishes. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is among the most easily recycled plastics in the world, and it can be found in numerous areas of the EV9's interior, including the seats, headliner, sun visor, trims and headrests. The car also incorporates at least 70 recycled bottles.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint and reliance on plastics whilst saving money? 

There are a number of different ways in which you can do this; UNEP has produced a handy guide to help people on their plastic reducing journey, with tips including bringing your own bags when shopping, avoiding purchasing over-packaged products and purchasing items with extended warranties that can be repaired.

In terms of reducing your overall carbon footprint whilst saving money:

1. Check ‘vampire’ electrical appliances​ 

There are some electrical appliances in the home that use energy even when they are not being actively used. This means they are constantly drawing energy that you need to pay for. With prices for electricity already high, making sure these appliances are switched off properly could save you quite a bit of money each month. In fact, British Gas estimates that the average household could save £147 each year on their electric bill just by turning these off at the mains! Examples of vampire appliances include phone chargers, printers, televisions and laptops.

2. Make the switch to energy efficient light bulbs

Although they are slightly more expensive upfront, energy efficient bulbs can last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. They also use 80% less power to provide the same light, meaning overall, you save money.

3. Control your heating via an app

our home heating can now be controlled by the touch of a button through an app on your phone. While this may sound like a gimmick, it is a great way to monitor your energy usage and adapt to a more environmentally friendly way of living. Why power and heat rooms that are empty? Heating just the rooms you are using will save you a lot of money in energy bills.

4. Eat foods that are 'in season'

All food you buy has a carbon footprint attached to it, so if the food you eat is not currently 'in season' where you live, it might need to be imported or worse, grown in a climate controlled greenhouse. Both transport of the product and climate control are large emitters of carbon dioxide. If you are happy to eat 'in season', not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, but it supports local farmers and is cheaper to buy.

5. Have 'Meat-Free Monday'

You are probably already aware that eating less meat will help to reduce your carbon footprint, but it doesn't mean you need to cut out meat altogether. Even a reduction in the amount of meat you eat will have an impact. The price of meat is also currently increasing, so a vegetarian day might also be better for your wallet too.6. Buy second-hand clothingCharity and up-cycling shops, as well as second hand clothing websites like Vinted, mean you can buy (and sell!) second-hand clothes at a fraction of the price they would have cost new. Not only that, but that means you're buying less new stock, which would have released carbon dioxide in the manufacturing process. 

7. Change to a green energy tariff

You do need to do a bit of homework on this one. Green energy tariffs can be called 'green' if some of their energy is at least off-set, whilst others guarantee 100% of your energy will come from sustainable sources. All of them will cost a little more than a standard tariff so this won't be for everyone, but it will reduce your carbon footprint considerably.

8. Off-set your own carbon

There are some companies that you can sign up to where you can pay to plant trees and/or contribute to projects to off-set the carbon you do need to produce. There are a number of different ones, so it's worth checking each one out properly before you hand over your cash. 

 So, this World Environment Day, why not see if there are any ways you can help protect our planet whilst at the same time, perhaps save a little money too.

Plastic is embedded into every aspect of modern life, including the cars we drive