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4 everyday essentials that contain fossil fuels – and how to swap them effortlessly
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Sustainability journalist Jo Linehan shares her guide to green shopping, from reusable coffee cups to eco-friendly fashion brands.
By now, we all know the impact of fossil fuels on the planet, from pollution to global warming and climate change. But what you may not realise is just how many of our everyday items are made with or contain fossil fuels. As we all search for simple ways to support the environment, reduce our environmental impact and make positive changes in our day-to-day lives, we’re spotlighting four items that you can easily swap for fossil fuel-free alternatives.
Coffee Cups
In Ireland, we throw away an estimated 22,000 single-use takeaway cups every hour, and around 200 million coffee cups each year, according to MyWaste.ie.
While these handy caffeine containers might look like paper, they actually contain a thin layer of plastic (derived from fossil fuels), which insulates the cup and prevents it from leaking. This means that these cups can’t be recycled.
Swapping to a reusable coffee cup is easy, plus with many coffee shops now charging 20-25c per single-use cup, you could save money too.
Inspiration: In July 2023, Killarney became the first town in Ireland to phase out single-use coffee cups. To date, over 55 businesses, independent cafes and hotels have signed up for the project, saving an estimated one million cups from landfill each year.
Clothing
Did you know that more than half of our clothing is made of fossil fuels? According to research by Changingmarkets.org, the oil used in the global production of synthetic fibres currently accounts for more than the annual oil consumption of Spain.
Surprisingly, synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are made from petroleum and other fossil fuels. Not only are these clothes difficult to recycle, but they also take decades to break down in landfills.
One of the best things we can do when buying clothes is to read the label and find out what material they are made of. Natural fabrics like wool, linen, bamboo, and cotton are all great fossil fuel alternatives.
Inspiration: There has been a surge in Irish designers using natural materials, from Aoife McNamara’s tweed suits to Jennifer Slattery’s linen shirts and bows and IrelandsEye Knitwear’s woollen jumpers and cardigans. Investing in natural materials has never been more chic.
Candles
Burning candles is one of the most enjoyable sensory experiences we enjoy in our homes. But do you ever wonder what they are made of? Some candles use paraffin wax, derived from petroleum.
Not only do they contain fossil fuels, but they can also emit soot when burned, which can stain the candle holder and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
The great news is that we don’t have to forgo our favourite evening rituals. There are plenty of fossil fuel-free waxes that are natural, burn beautifully, and won’t pollute your home’s air. Soy wax, coconut wax and beeswax are all great alternatives.
Inspiration: There is an endless selection of Irish-made natural wax candles to suit every budget. The Handmade Soap Company, based in Co Meath, boast a range of soy wax candles, while Field Day’s hand-poured candles use vegetable soy wax and native scents.
Home and business energy
As a nation, we have traditionally relied heavily on fossil fuels for energy. In 2024, fossil fuels accounted for 81% of our primary energy supply, according to a KPMG study.
However, if you’re a Pinergy customer, then you’ve already made the move to powering your home or business with 100% renewable energy. Not only do clean energy sources, such as wind and solar, improve air and water quality, but they also support a more secure energy supply.
Pinergy is actively powering Ireland’s energy transition by delivering electricity to customers from renewable sources, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
Plus, Pinergy’s dedicated app puts the power back in customers’ hands, allowing everyone to track, trace and reduce their energy use, which means lower bills over time.
If you haven’t made the switch yet, this is your sign. One of the most significant ways we, as individuals and business owners, can accelerate climate action is by choosing a provider that supplies renewable energy.
Inspiration: Renewable energy production and use in Ireland is growing. According to Wind Energy Ireland, wind farms provided 36% of the country’s electricity in October 2025, while solar energy and other renewables provided an additional 5%.
To find out how Pinergy is working to address your energy priorities, visit pinergy.ie.
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