Taking care of the environment is not necessarily difficult. There are a few simple things that you can change in your home to reduce your energy consumption and improve your health at the same time. Here are our top tips:
1. Save leftover food.
When you cook, for example, cut vegetables and fruits, something always remains superfluous. Don’t throw away the excess! First, leftover fruits and vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer, and over time will build up enough to be used. Alternatively, you can use the leftovers as a natural fertilizer for your garden. In any case, there will be less garbage, and more money for new purchases.
2. Change bulbs.
Surely one of the first thoughts on the topic of environmental friendliness that came to your mind is to change the light bulbs in your house to compact fluorescent lamps. And this is logical. Such lamps will reduce energy consumption and, consequently, your costs. And also always turn off the light when leaving the room, and turn off all appliances that you do not use from the network – they consume energy, even if they are simply plugged into the outlet. Another solution is natural light. Keep the curtains open as much as possible, and if you work from home, place your desk close to the window.
3. Use glass products.
Plastic products not only contain harmful chemicals like BPA, but they also pollute the environment when they are thrown away. When going to work, take your lunch with you, but put it not in your usual plastic box, but in glassware. You can also warm up food in it. Glass bottles can be used for water. Although, to be honest, any recyclable bottle is better than a plastic bottle – you can pour clean drinking water into it every day instead of throwing away plastic bottles all the time.
4. Hang your clothes.
Avoid tumble dryers. Try to turn it on less often; instead, hang your laundry to dry outside or in the house. Start with lighter items such as blouses, T-shirts, delicate items, and only use the tumble dryer for bulky items such as trousers. When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, you can dry all your clothes outside. This is also only good for the clothes – so it will serve you longer.
5. Choose natural cleaning products.
The cleaning products you use at home come into contact with the skin of every family member, as well as with the food you eat. Not to mention, they all end up in the sewers, affecting the water supply. Plant-based cleaners work just as well, but are free of harmful or toxic ingredients. You can also make your own cleaning product. Our favorite is apple cider vinegar dissolved in water. It can be used as an all-purpose cleaning agent. And to get a pleasant smell, you can add essential oils to it.
6. Redefine your makeup.
The products you use to care for your body also affect the environment when you flush them down the drain, spray or throw them away. Natural products are no less effective and nutritious, and sometimes even more gentle on the skin. Plus they are free of chemicals, artificial ingredients and animal products. Read the labels on the packaging of all your cosmetics carefully to make sure you dispose of them correctly.
7. Do not use plastic bags when shopping.
When you go grocery shopping, if possible, bring a cloth bag with you that can be reused many times. Store these bags in the car or in the desk at work, then you can completely eliminate plastic and paper bags. And if you do use such packages, be sure to rework them later. Remember to wash your bags regularly – they get dirty in the machine, conveyor belt in the store and in the market, and even when they are at home on the floor before you unpack them.
8. Walk.
Try to drive less, especially now that the weather is getting better and better. Walk or rent a bike instead. Take with you fabric bags or even a backpack, as well as your spouse, children or some of your friends. And then, thanks to you, the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will be at least slightly reduced, you will get good cardio training, which is beneficial for the whole body, and you will also spend time with those you love.
9. Schedule a time without electricity.
Just as you plan your work or other activities, schedule time without using technology to reduce energy consumption. Turn off the lights and TV and do something that doesn’t require electricity – take a walk, go outside and read, or take a nap – just turn off your home and yourself for a while. You will be amazed when you realize what an hour without technology can do for you.
10. Find a use for old T-shirts.
Think about how many paper towels you use to clean various surfaces and wipe off random stains. Instead of throwing away your old T-shirts, cut them into shreds. You will save money on paper towels and seriously reduce the amount of waste you throw away. Would you like another great way to give a second life to fabric products? Use them to make cloth handkerchiefs.
11. Go shopping near your home.
A trip to the farmers’ market is a great way to support the environment and the local community. Shop from growers using sustainable and organic farming methods. This will bring the best products home. But don’t forget your reusable bags! Look for restaurants that buy from nearby stores, this practice reduces the environmental pollution that is inevitable when transporting food.
12. Take care of waste recycling.
The list of tips would be incomplete without mentioning waste recycling. Pay attention to this issue, make sure you throw things away in the right way, and if possible, find new uses for old things. Check to see if you have recycling bins in your city or area. Try to find other ways not to throw things away, such as selling unwanted clothes and household items.
