4 New Hobbies To Try That Won’t Put Strain On The Environment

It can be difficult to decide on a new hobby or try out a new activity, especially if we don’t want to use up too many resources or don’t have a ton of money to put into it.

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However, there’s no need to despair, as there’s a whole host of different things on offer which don’t put too much stress on the environment. We decided to take a look at some of the options which can have less of an environmental impact than traditional pastimes, taking in everything from gaming to gardening. 

Here’s what we found. 

Gardening 

It might be typecast as an activity for retirees, but gardening can be a captivating hobby, whether you’re digging up your backyard, creating a window box, or joining a community plot. As well as being good for the soul, access to a garden allows you to grow your own, whether that be fruit, vegetables, or even flowers.

Many people are unaware of how environmentally damaging the mainstream cut flower market can be. Fresh blooms are often flown thousands of miles from where they’re grown and are raised in soil full of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Growing your own allows you to create your bee and insect-friendly haven before enjoying the fruits of your labor in your own living space – which could be as little as two feet away! 

While the fruit and veg in modern supermarkets are picture perfect, nothing is more satisfying than digging into a meal full of produce sown, grown, and picked by your own two hands. Depending on the climate and soil quality where you live, nothing is stopping you from growing root veg, peas, beans, berries, apples, and even citrus fruits. 

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Online Gaming 

It might not be an obvious choice, but as gaming becomes more accessible worldwide, it is also becoming a greener activity to take up. Whereas once upon a time you would have to shell out a large amount of money for a brand-new console every few years, not to mention the physical game cartridges and discs, you can now play high-quality, engaging gaming titles with your existing tech. That includes mobile phones and other devices like tablets, as well as older and lower-spec PCs and laptops. 

iGaming is one sector that has experienced a boom since going online and plenty of different games are available within the vertical. Rather than use a car or public transport to travel to a brick-and-mortar casino, you can play from your own home with your existing device and internet connection.

Whether your game is poker or blackjack, there’s something available for every taste. Trusted comparison sites will collate casino offers and bonuses from leading platforms in the industry so that you can try something new without risking your entire bankroll. No deposit bonuses, for example, can be applied in various ways, from free spins to cash bonuses. 

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Hiking

Hiking can be done anywhere, with practically zero upfront cost. You don’t need all the best gear, especially just starting out.

You don’t need brand-new boots. You can even hike in sneakers or sandals like Chacos.

Start out by just hiking on trails closest to you. Extra points if you can walk or bike there!

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Upcycling

The phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” comes to us from the wider recycling community, encouraging people to reduce the amount they buy or use, reuse what they already own, and recycle anything which is past its best. However, one of the other options is to repair. Although it won’t work for everything, learning how to darn a sock, patch over upholstery or fix a toaster, can save you money and help safeguard the environment.  

The internet is your best friend here as there are thousands of how-to guides and YouTube tutorials online, uploaded by helpful people who want to spread knowledge on how to repair household objects far and wide.

In our modern-day throwaway culture, it is encouraged that we throw something away once it’s ‘broken’ and buy a replacement. However, once you start learning a few standard tips and tricks, you’ll be surprised by just how much stuff can be repaired and last another few years, rather than having to go straight to landfill.

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Ashley Hubbard

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