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Feeling better can start with small changes

Our natural environment supports the food we eat and the economy we rely on, and it plays an important role in our overall health and wellbeing. By protecting it, we help support the natural systems we all depend on.

Your wallet

Your wellbeing

Your world

Did you know?

Economic benefits

The UK’s natural environment is one of the country’s greatest economic assets – valued at over £15 trillion in 2023, delivering more than £36 billion in economic benefits every year. However, nature is under pressure and that’s why it’s vital that we protect and invest in it. 

(Gov.uk, 2026)

Natural defences

Nature can help reduce the impacts of extreme weather. In rural locations, wetlands and peatlands can absorb excess rainfall and help reduce flood risk. In cities, green spaces and trees can help manage rainwater, stabilise soil to reduce erosion, and provide shelter and shade during hot weather.

Forestry

Studies suggest that just 8.6% of Northern Ireland’s land area is wooded, with urban tree canopy averaging approximately 15.2%, amongst the lowest levels in the UK. Increasing woodland and tree cover is widely identified as important for supporting climate resilience and nature recovery in Northern Ireland.

(Woodland Trust, 2025)

A woman is sitting on a bench in her garden, surrounded by plants. She is sipping from a cup and is petting her dog, who is lying beside her

Why it matters

Our lives and our economy depend on the natural environment around us. Access to clean, outdoor spaces can help people to relax, stay active and connect with others. A healthy environment also supports the natural systems that sustain life and economic activity.

 Over half of global economic activity depends on nature, through ecosystem services such as clean air and water, food production and climate regulation.

(World Economic Forum, 2020)

 Green and open spaces support physical health, encourage activity and are linked to improved mental wellbeing.

(World Health Organization, 2022)

 Protecting nature helps create healthier environments and more resilient communities, particularly in the face of climate and environmental change.

(World Health Organization, 2022; United Nations Environment Programme)

 Nature provides essential materials used in everyday life – including wood, metals and minerals – that support construction, manufacturing and infrastructure.

(United Nations, 2021)

 Many modern medicines originate from plants, highlighting the role of biodiversity in healthcare and medical research.

(World Health Organisation, 2025)

What you can do

Looking after the natural world, your health and your wellbeing can go hand in hand.

Whether it’s a change to your routine or a bigger lifestyle shift, every step can help make a positive difference.

A mother and her children lying in a tent they have made from a blanket inside their home

Small changes:

Making small changes to your everyday habits can support a healthy natural environment and help create calmer, healthier and more productive surroundings.

 Be conscious with your waste - a significant proportion of household waste could be recycled or composted but instead ends up in landfill. Poor waste management can lead to plastics and other pollutants entering our water and food systems. Learn more about how household waste and recycling are managed across Northern Ireland.

 Reduce single-use plastic packaging - for example, bringing a reusable coffee cup can help reduce litter and the demand for disposable cups. Read more about the scale of single-use cups and on-the-go fibre-composite packaging.

 Bring more nature into your space - Bring more nature into your space – adding pollinator-friendly plants, a bird feeder or a bee hotel can help make gardens or balconies better places for nature. Top ten pollinator plants guide.

 Create a lower-energy evening environment -switching off unnecessary lights at night can help reduce energy use and create a more restful atmosphere, which may also be beneficial for night-time wildlife. Learn about garden lighting and wildlife.
An older woman and young girl are tending to plants together and smiling

Medium changes:

Changes to how we garden, shop and spend time outdoors can support wellbeing while benefiting the environment.

 Choose healthier options for your space - avoiding harsh chemicals in your garden can help create a safer, healthier outdoor environment for families and pets. Learn about alternatives to chemical weed killers.

 Support local producers - buying from local organic farms can help you feel more connected to where your food comes from while supporting local communities. Find organic farmer profiles. 

 Grow some of your own food - growing even a few pots of herbs, fruit or vegetables can be good for your wellbeing and gives you fresh produce close to home. Community gardening is also becoming increasingly popular. 
A group of five people are on the beach, cleaning up rubbish

Big changes:

Bigger changes can help create outdoor spaces that support wellbeing for you and the people around you.

 Plant trees - trees can help absorb carbon, provide shade and support local air quality, while also creating welcoming outdoor spaces for people. Learn more about tree planting.

 Create a pond or water feature - ponds can provide valuable habitats for wildlife and support biodiversity. Well-designed, vegetated ponds can also play a role in storing carbon. Find more information on creating wildlife-friendly ponds.

 Bring people together outdoors - community activities such as planting days or local clean-ups can help tackle neighbourhood projects and strengthen local connections. Learn about Tiny Forests.

How AIB Group supports our natural environment

We recognise that the natural environment is priceless to our economy, as well as to the wellbeing of customers, colleagues and communities.

With a presence in over 170 communities across the island of Ireland, we help support positive environmental initiatives, including natural habitat restoration, while helping to create healthier spaces for people.

These include:

 Farm Zero C –  we partnered with the Farm Zero C initiative to support the development of climate-neutral dairy farming. This aims to support biodiversity, soil health and water quality, while helping rural economies remain commercially viable.

 Tree planting through the 100 Million Trees Project - sponsoring the planting of 275,000 native trees.

 Native woodland creation - partnering with Coillte Nature and Forestry Partners to plant 90,000 native Irish trees.

 Biodiversity research – supporting climate and biodiversity research through the €10 million AIB Trinity Climate Hub.

 Pollinator protection - promoting pollinator-friendly actions through the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Together, these initiatives support greener, healthier environments for communities across the island of Ireland.

A mother and young daughter potting a plant in their back garden

Frequently asked questions

Find out more on sustainability

Travel

There are many actions you can take to make your daily commute, occasional journeys, and holiday travel more sustainable and efficient.

Energy

With the rising cost of energy, making smart changes can help both manage costs while also reducing environmental impact.

Your Steps to Sustainability

Living sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If this is something you want to explore, we can help you take steps towards a more sustainable future.