Welcome back to Wellness Wednesday, an online series where I will share some of my own wellness wisdom and words. Each week I want to address something different.

This week, COP26 is dominating headlines (2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference) which is taking place in Glasgow, Scotland. World leaders have gathered to discuss climate actions, climate bills etc. Key note speakers, climate activists and more are tackling issues on the topic ensuring we can create a better future for the next generation.

I am not going to say that I am a climate activist or that I am living a totally sustainable lifestyle. But I am making small changes around what I do and how I act. Here is some things I do:

• Recycle
• Drive less
• Clothes from charity shops
• Eat local produce
• Eco settings on appliances
• Reusable coffee/ water bottles

I recycle what I can in my apartment. That means washing out plastics of all food residue which can be time consuming but it’s worth it.

I drive my car as little as possible. I know you might say, why not use public transport? I come from rural Ireland, we need cars. When I lived at home, I drove so much more but now that I live in a City, I leave my car parked as much as possible. I need it to travel to work and not all destinations are within distance of public transport. I’ve a small car which is economical to run and my next car will be electric. I car pool to training and matches. Again, I am not perfect but I am trying.

My mother has a charity shop and I’ve been shopping in them for as long as I can remember. I love a good bargain and something unique. Any new clothes that I do buy, I shop locally, in a local boutique. I’ve invested in some pieces from Irish designers too. I no longer purchase clothes from online retailers or high street stores. Clothing waste and fast fashion is causing massive issues when it comes to climate change. Read more HERE.

When it comes to my diet, I eat as locally as possible. I eat meat from local butchers. For me, the most sustainable diet, is buying locally. I do not bulk buy. I buy as I need but living close to shops, makes this very convenient for me. Again, not as easy for everyone. But, I have recently discovered how many food items can be frozen. Learn more HERE. One day, I hope to have my own veggie patch and be able to live off my own land.

I’ve all appliances set to the Eco setting. Living in shared accommodation can make it more difficult to ensure sustainable living but I make sure I do my part.

During the pandemic, reusable cups were refused by many places for health and safety reasons but now that restrictions are easing, we need to get back to using them. So many coffee cups were being used during the pandemic, at times, take away coffee was all we could purchase. Our good habit of always having a reusable cup, gone, for me anyway. I am changing that now.

For this weeks, Wellness Wednesday, I’ve teamed up with my friends at Global Wake Up, an eco friendly brand producing and selling reusable, eco conscious and sustainable products. They reached out to me some time ago and I love the brand and concept. They also donate 10% from each product sold to the Marine Conservation Society. It’s brands like Global Wake Up that we need to support and encourage more people to get behind climate action and sustainability.

I’m very aware that income and cost play a large part in peoples livelihoods so we need to put pressure on our Government to make sustainable living available for all.

As I have said, I’m not perfect, I’m taking small steps, I am learning and I am educating myself.

Want to win a personalised reusable bamboo coffee cup? Then head to my Instagram.

Meghann x