This lifestyle change saves money, improves your health and cuts emissions. But there’s a catch

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Cold showers could offer a simple way to reduce household emissions, lower utility bills and potentially improve wellbeing
• A 12-week study involving 719 participants found that switching to colder showers was associated with fewer sick days, reduced emissions and reported improvements in physical and mental health, although some participants struggled with the initial discomfort

🔭 The context: Psychologist Dr Lena Glaser explored whether small lifestyle changes that deliver personal benefits could encourage lasting behavioural change
• Participants aged 18–65 gradually adopted colder showers, with some dropping out during the first two weeks before adherence improved
• Those who continued reported feeling more alert and refreshed, while the study highlighted the importance of making sustainable habits personally rewarding rather than burdensome

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Heating shower water consumes energy and generates emissions, while shorter showers can also reduce water use
• Lowering water temperature from 40°C to 15°C for a 40-litre shower saves approximately 1.3 kWh, demonstrating how everyday routines can contribute to household decarbonisation

⏭️ What’s next: Glaser recommends introducing colder showers gradually, adjusting temperatures according to individual comfort and listening to the body's signals
• The findings suggest that accessible behavioural changes may help make sustainability more achievable when environmental benefits align with personal wellbeing

💬 One quote: “The water doesn’t have to be equally cold every day. We don’t feel equally brave every day, and that’s okay,” - Dr Lena Glaser

📈 One stat: 15 kg of CO₂ per person — the average emissions reduction reported over the 12-week study, approximately equivalent to driving 100 kilometres

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