Ten Ways to Make a Positive Impact with Only £1

You can’t buy many things with just £1 nowadays, but you can still make a big difference. Here are ten ways to make a positive impact without spending too much.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Pocket
WhatsApp

1. Make soup to share

As we move into autumn in the UK, visit your local market or greengrocer and buy some seasonal vegetables to create a healthy soup. You can make your £1 go further by negotiating a deal on vegetables that are almost at their best.

Share your soup with a friend or neighbor to not only enjoy a comforting meal but also spread some warmth and kindness. You can find additional suggestions for building stronger community connections by sharing soup from the Royal Horticultural Society and Cafod, an international aid agency.

2. Plant a tree

A charity called Just One Tree, based in the UK, plants a new baby tree for every £1 you give them. They say, “Trees are the main way we can take carbon dioxide out of the air.” This charity works on growing new forests in South America, Africa, and east Asia. Besides planting trees, they teach people about farming.

If you like the idea of helping with tree planting, you can get free packs of baby trees from the Woodland Trust and other groups like the Conservation Volunteers (depending on the time of year). They give these packs to community groups and schools.

3. Buy a needle & thread & repair your own clothes

You can find small sewing kits for very little money, and charity shops and jumble sales are great places to get leftover thread and yarn. While you’re at these places, look for cheap pieces of fabric that you can use for patches. If you’re new to sewing, there’s a lot of helpful information on the internet to get you started with your repairs. Plus, you’ll feel really good about fixing things instead of buying new ones.

4. Donate to a food or clothing bank

Think about adding just £1 to your weekly shopping budget to purchase a couple of items for your local food bank. It’s a good idea to check with them first to see what they need, but usually, items like canned vegetables, rice, and pasta are helpful. You can keep up your spirit of giving by tidying up your closet – gather up clothes you no longer want and give them to a clothing bank.

5. Support Positive News

Our editors enjoy sharing our heartwarming stories with as many folks as they can, which is why our articles are free to read, with no paywall. However, quality journalism requires financial support, so we’re inviting readers like you to support our team. You can become a part of our community of backers for as little as £1 per month.

By doing this, you’ll be backing motivating, world-changing journalism that discovers solutions from all over the world, all while assisting us in showing that news doesn’t always have to be negative.

6. Round it up & micro-donate

Today, the digital version of the traditional collection tin is here, so you don’t need pockets full of small change to make a difference. Keep an eye out for opportunities to round up your bill and make small digital donations at cash registers, often through partners like Pennies. They collaborate with many charities and gather these micro-donations at various places, from popular fashion stores to supermarkets on the high street.

7. Swap a meaty meal for beans

Reducing meat consumption is one of the most impactful things we can do as individuals to reduce our carbon footprint. Substituting some of our meat with beans and pulses is not only more sustainable but also provides a good amount of protein.

According to the NHS, it’s recommended to eat 80g of cooked beans or pulses a day, which is roughly one-third of a can of mixed beans, and it should cost you less than £1.

If you need recipe ideas, you can find plenty on Instagram. Some suggestions include dishes like butter beans with roasted sweet potato & crispy sage, & lentil courgette lasagne.

8. Feed the local wildlife

Hedgehogs can have a hard time finding food during dry, hot weather, and they also need to build up their fat reserves for the winter months. You can assist them by leaving some meaty cat or dog food for them to nibble on.

Additionally, you can provide a helping hand to garden birds by placing a couple of fat balls, which are quite affordable, in your garden. You might even consider teaming up with your neighbors to buy them in bulk.

9. Invite a neighbour for tea or coffee

Speaking of sharing, it’s a way to show you care, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Offering someone a warm drink, perhaps a couple of biscuits, and most importantly, a friendly ear, can make a big difference and show that you value them. For the cost of a tea bag, you’ll be helping combat social isolation and improving well-being at the same time.

10. Become a citizen scientist

You don’t require any special tools to help keep an eye on the well-being of your nearby pond, forest, or coastline. Invest a few pennies in a pen and offer some of your free time as a volunteer. The Wildlife Trusts and the Natural History Museum are excellent places to begin your search for volunteer opportunities. In return, you’ll enjoy the benefits of fresh air and time spent in nature.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Pocket
WhatsApp

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

Can’t get enough?

Never miss any important news. Subscribe to our newsletter.