{"id":3300,"title":"Being kind during self-isolation: Kindness to the planet","description":"Kindness to the planet when you're stuck at home... and how to get out in to nature by staying in","content":"

Kindness during self-isolation<\/h2>

Part two: Kindness to the planet<\/h3>

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National lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic mean many people are stuck at home for some time. For others, prolonged periods at home might be the norm. We know that access to nature is important for mental wellbeing, so how can you get out in to nature by staying in? And how can you do your bit for the planet at home?<\/h3>

In part two of our three-part blog on kindness to people, planet and self during long periods at home, here's some planet-themed inspiration. We'll keep adding to the list - let us know what you've found useful too!<\/strong><\/p>

Six top tips to protect the planet at home<\/h3>

1. Get energised<\/strong>: You'll be using more electricity and gas if you're at home for longer, so why not review your energy bill now? How could you make savings or could you switch to a more sustainable or renewable energy supplier? Check out the Energy Savings Trust <\/a><\/strong>for inspiration and top energy-saving tips.<\/p>

2. Water good idea:<\/strong> If you're suddenly at home for a long time, you'll probably be using more water too. For water-saving tips, check out this handy info from Waterwise<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

3. Get the recycling sorted: <\/strong>Now's a good time to get to grips with the recycling, especially as local Councils might experience difficulties in running their normal refuse services during the pandemic. If you're still not sure what you can recycle or how, why not set the kids a project to see how you could improve recycling at home? For top tips, check out what Wise Up to Waste say here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

4. Create a wildlife-friendly garden and grow your own veg:<\/strong> If you're fortunate enough to have some garden space outside, the RSPB<\/a><\/strong> has an online planner that suggests six simple activities you can do to give nature some help in your garden. Pop your postcode in, answer three questions and there's your personal plan! Head here for more<\/a><\/strong>. <\/strong>With more time at home, you might also want to try growing fruit and vegetables in the garden or kitchen. There's some great advice on the RHS website here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

5. Put unavoidable waste to good use: <\/strong>There's some great tips from Recycle Now<\/a><\/strong> on how to compost waste at home if you have a composter<\/a><\/strong>. If you don't have one, Garden Organic <\/a><\/strong>have guidance on how to make one here<\/a><\/strong> - they reckon that around 40% of average dustbin content can be composted!<\/p>

6. Get totes organised: <\/strong>And if you're keen to ditch the plastic bags for when you do need to shop, or if you want the kids to tidy their bedroom and store homework and PE kits neatly, check out our tote bags<\/a><\/strong>! With designs to inspire kindness, promote positive careers to children and say thanks to the NHS, they're great for all manner of tasks and they're machine-washable too.<\/p>

For more inspiration on tips for the home, check out what WWF say here<\/a> <\/strong>and see their Earth Hour tips here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>

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Help scientists from your sofa<\/h3>

Zooniverse<\/a><\/strong> is the world\u2019s largest 'people-powered research' platform... and it's great! From your sofa and without any special knowledge, you can help scientists research things like climate change, nature conservation, and biology. It's great to keep the kids occupied too - they can even help explore space! It's all free - just head to Zooniverse.org<\/a> <\/strong>to see the latest live projects. When we last checked, cool planet-related projects included:<\/p>