It can be pretty overwhelming and devastating when we hear about global warming, climate change, etc. We all want to do something about it, but where do we even start? The good news is that there are many simple ways that each one of us can help make a difference. Every bit counts! Here are some easy ways to live a more sustainable life.
Use Less Water
The easiest way to use less water is to turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, and run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full. You can also water your plants with leftover water from cooking or bathing.
Using less water means using less of the earth’s resources, which is excellent for the environment. It also saves you money on your water bill, so it’s a win-win!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reducing the amount of stuff you use, reusing what you can, and recycling what you can’t reuse are great ways to live more sustainably. For example, instead of taking a new plastic bag when you go to the store, bring your own reusable bag.
You can also reuse items instead of throwing them away. For instance, you can use an old T-shirt as a rag when cleaning instead of getting new paper towels. You can turn an empty water bottle into a vase or pencil holder. And those old jeans can be made into a cute denim purse!
And finally, recycle anything that you can’t reduce or reuse. Many things can be recycled, such as glass, plastic, paper, and metal. Most communities have recycling centers where you can take these items. It’s important to remember that even if something can’t be reused or recycled, there are still ways to dispose of it sustainably.
Buy Local and Organic
When possible, buy organic and locally-grown foods. This supports your local economy and farmers, and it reduces the number of fossil fuels used to transport food. Organic food is also better for the environment because it’s grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Of course, organic and locally-grown foods can be more expensive than conventional foods. So, if you’re on a budget, try to buy organic when it comes to items that you’ll be eating the skin of, such as fruits and vegetables. And, whenever possible, buy in bulk to save money.
Drive Less
Try to drive less by carpooling, taking public transportation, walking, or biking. This reduces the amount of fossil fuels used and helps to reduce air pollution. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise!
If you live closer to your workplace, consider walking or biking instead of driving. If public transportation isn’t an option, see if you can carpool with a colleague or friend — one car at a time makes a difference.
Be Energy Efficient
One of the best ways to save energy is to use less of it! There are many ways to be energy-efficient in your home. For example, you can use energy-efficient light bulbs, which last longer and use less electricity. You can also unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Even if they’re turned off, they still use energy if plugged in.
In the winter, open your curtains during the day to let the sun warm up your home and close them at night to keep the heat in. In the summer, do the opposite — close your curtains during the day to keep your home cooler and open them at night to let the cool air in. You can also save energy (and money) by setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer.
Support renewable energy sources like solar and wind power by investing in them or using them in your home. Solar panels can heat your water or generate electricity, and wind turbines can generate electricity. These renewable energy sources are great for the environment because they don’t produce pollution as fossil fuels do.
Buy in Bulk to Reduce Packaging Waste
If you have the option to buy in bulk, do it! This can help to reduce packaging waste. Instead of buying a bunch of small water bottles, buy one large bottle and refill your smaller bottle as needed. You can also find many household items in bulk, such as laundry detergent, dish soap, and toilet paper.
Buying in bulk can help save money and reduce the amount of packaging waste in landfills. It will also save you a trip to the store whenever you need more of an item. Less trip to the store means fewer emissions from your car!
Things I always buy in bulk and how it has helped me save money and reduce waste:
- Toilet paper — I used to buy a four-pack of toilet paper rolls at the store every month. It was costing me around $8 per month. I switched to buying the 24-pack of toilet paper rolls on Amazon, and it has lasted me six months so far.
- Paper towels — I used to buy the 6-pack of paper towels at the store every week. It was costing me around $5 per week. I now buy the 12-pack of paper towels on Amazon, and it lasts me two weeks.
- Trash bags — I used to buy the 8-pack of trash bags at the store every two weeks. It was costing me around $6 every two weeks. I now buy the 80-pack of trash bags on Amazon, and it lasts me ten months.
- Shampoo and conditioner — I used to buy small bottles of shampoo and conditioner at the store every month. It cost me around $15 per month. I switched to buying the large bottles of shampoo and conditioner on Amazon, and it lasted me three months.
Buying in bulk saves you money, but it also reduces waste because you’re not constantly buying new packaging.
Grow Your Own Food
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to grow your own food. This way, you know exactly where your food comes from and how it was produced. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the emissions from transportation. If you have a yard, you can start a garden. If you don’t have a yard, you can grow plants in containers on your porch or balcony.
Herbs are easy to grow indoors and don’t require a lot of space. Gardening is a great way to get fresh air and exercise, and it’s also very relaxing. Not to mention, homegrown food just tastes better!
Compost Your Food Scraps
Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills. It’s also a great way to fertilize your garden! All you need is a compost bin and some food scraps. You can compost fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, etc.
Composting is easy, and it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, it’s free fertilizer for your garden. If you have a garden and would love to learn more about composting, check out our guide to composting.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Many store-bought cleaning products are full of harmful chemicals. These are bad for the environment, but they can also be dangerous for your health. You can easily make your own cleaning products with ingredients you probably already have in your home.
For example, you can make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle. Or, you can make a window cleaner by mixing two parts of water and 1 part of vinegar in a spray bottle.
There are many other DIY cleaning recipes that you can try. Making your cleaning products is a great way to save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
Live Sustainably Today… and Tomorrow
Making sustainable choices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little effort, we can do our part to help save the planet. Every bit counts! Try implementing some of these simple tips into your daily life and see how easy it is to live a more sustainable life.
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