How To Be a More Environmentally Friendly Blogger

Over the course of the last year, I’ve become more and more aware of the environmental impact of my actions. I mean, how could you not be? It’s everywhere. Back in January, I blogged about how I was embarking on a year of sustainable fashion and since then, I’ve only been more motivated to become a more environmentally friendly blogger.

Photo by Isabela Kronemberger on Unsplash

Every now and again, I’ll feel a pang of guilt over something or another. Throwing something away. Too much packaging in a parcel I receive. Not using a product I was sent months ago. It’s always something. Although I do tend to feel guilty about almost everything – all the time.

But that’s another post for another time. Today I want to talk about being an environmentally friendly blogger. It’s safe to say, our industry isn’t particularly environmentally friendly.

Fast fashion hauls and excessive buying to name just a few things that impact our environment.

Of course I’m very aware that we can’t ALL do everything. I’m a realist. But I believe that if we all do our bit, it would make a huge impact in the greater scheme of things. As bloggers or “influencers” however, I do believe we have some sort of responsibility to at least TRY and be adopt some environmentally friendly practices.

This may be easier for some than others, depending on your niche and lifestyle factors. Being a Vegan food blogger, it’s quite easy to see how they’re helping the environment. But someone like me, who isn’t Vegan and who blogs about a lil of everything sometimes, it’s much harder to see what I’m doing in order to be an environmentally friendly blogger.

This isn’t me trying to convince you I’m doing the world oh so much good. I know I could be doing more. Which I explained in my year of sustainable fashion blog post back in January (God doesn’t January feel like decades ago?) but these are all actions I’m taking or at least planning to take going forward with my blog.

If you feel like you’re in a similar position to me and need to refine your practices to become a more environmentally friendly blogger, here are some realistic suggestions for you!

Recycle all of your packaging from PR packages

This is a super obvious one and I’m sure you’re all doing this anyway *side eye*. But one of the easiest things we ca do is ensuring that we recycle everything we possibly can from the packages we’re sent. Some bloggers – especially big influencers with a lot of followers – are sent a LOT of stuff (I’m not one of them). Stuff = packaging. So the least we can do is dispose of that packaging sensibly.

Voice your concerns to brands who aren’t environmentally friendly

It’s always worth making a point if some brands aren’t being particularly environmentally friendly with their packaging too. Not blogging related, I tweeted Tesco once when our shopping was delivered with an unnecessary amount of bags and they did reply to me and look into the issue. So as long as you’re clear and explain your concerns respectfully, there’s nothing wrong with speaking out!

Donate anything you don’t use or won’t use

As I said, influencers are sent a LOT of stuff. I’ve watched YouTubers in the past do P.O Box hauls and I’m just flabbergasted at the amount of things that they’re sent. They only have one face, how on EARTH are they going to use all those products? If you’re sent a fair few things from brands, there’s no doubt that they’ll start piling up after a while. Instead of throwing anything you haven’t used, donate it instead. To friends, family or worthy causes.

Only accept gifted opportunities you’re really interested in

This is something I’ve really honed in on doing and I’d urge you to do the same. When we first start getting sent things to review or start getting noticed by brands, it can be SO EASY to say yes to everything. I’ve certainly said yes to gifted products in the past that looking back have me thinking, “what the heck?”. Just because something is offered to you, doesn’t mean you HAVE to say yes.

Consider only promoting cruelty-free and/or Vegan products

As well as shopping sustainably, another thing I’ve been trying to do more is only use and promote cruelty free and/or Vegan products. My main priority is cruelty free. But if they’re Vegan too? Great! Shopping for cruelty free and/or Vegan skincare, make up, hair care and body care is always a good move to make. I currently only shop at Superdrug for my skincare because they do such an incredible range of cruelty free and Vegan products.

Have no-buy months

I think everyone should do this anyway. Blogger or not. But within the blogging industry in particular, I can see why it’s a problem. HAULS. Wanting to grab a new outfit for every Instagram photo. Wanting to be seen with the latest products and latest clothing. Perhaps try creating content around what you already own? It’ll also help you save a ton of money!

Support environmentally friendly businesses

We promote a LOT OF BRANDS on our blogs and social media channels. Not all of them the most environmentally friendly. I know I’ve promoted a fair few in the past which are the furthest from environmentally friendly you can possibly get (fast fashion, I’m looking at you!) Instead, try and use your platform to promote brands which ARE actively sustainably and/or environmentally friendly.

Turn off your electronics as much as you can

Us bloggers… we use a lot of electricity. Laptops, phone chargers, camera chargers, camera equipment – the list goes on. It’s easy to rack up that electricity usage, especially if you’re a part-time or full-time blogger and on your devices for a large majority of the day. This is one I’m going to work on. But make a point of turning off your devices – especially over night! This will also give you a nice break from the screen!

What actions are you taking to be a more environmentally friendly blogger? Do you have any tips to add to this post? Let us know in the comments!