The idea of going green is appealing but can also be daunting. From rethinking old, established patterns to caring deeply for the environment, everyone has their reasons for wanting to make the switch. But where does one possibly start? You don’t need grand gestures or a complete rehaul in living. Practicing sustainable living begins at home. Every step towards eco-friendly living counts. If you’ve just begun your green living journey, here are some simple ideas to help you get started.
A New Way of Living: Turning Your Home Greener / Shutterstock
Switch off Lights and Devices Are you worried about your carbon footprint? Reduce energy consumption levels at home by switching off the lights when not in use. Being mindful of energy consumption reduces the carbon footprint in the long run. You’ll also notice the difference in your electricity bills each month! Don’t Waste Food Speaking of food, avoid wastage as far as possible. Too often, we end up buying or cooking more than we need, resulting in tons of food dumped in landfills. It’s not only a massive waste of food and money but increases the carbon dioxide levels in landfills and the surrounding air.
A New Way of Living: Turning Your Home Greener / Shutterstock
Cut Down Meat Consumption Examine what’s on your plate and shopping list – take a long, hard look at how food choices may be harming the environment. The livestock industry accounts for a whopping 14. 5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Cutting down meat consumption can have a tremendous impact on reducing carbon footprint.
Compost If you still end up with food waste, turn trash into treasure by composting. Invest in a compost bin where you can create natural fertilizer from kitchen waste instead of dumping it all in the trash. Your garden will thank you, and you’ll also reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill.
A New Way of Living: Turning Your Home Greener / Shutterstock
An Energy-Efficient Home Switch to eco-friendly technology in the house. From light bulbs to home appliances, slowly replace old technology in favor of energy-efficient alternatives. Eco-friendly technology reduces energy output and saves money.
Re-Use First, Recycle Later Before recycling, think about items you can re-use instead. It’s as simple as using scrap paper for shopping lists, old newspapers as shelf liners, or transforming old t-shirts into blankets or toys. If you can’t re-use, sort items and recycle whatever you can, especially things like cardboard and plastic.
Cut Out Plastic Despite the intense proliferation of plastic in our everyday lives, reducing it isn’t as tough as it sounds. Some simple steps you can consider – carry a reusable bottle, bring a shopping bag from home, use reusable containers/cutlery, or buy loose groceries instead of packaged.
A New Way of Living: Turning Your Home Greener / Shutterstock
Save Water Find ways to use only as much water as you need. Bathe less frequently, don’t do laundry in small batches, or invest in dual-flush toilets that reduce water consumption per flush.
Green Your Commute Before heading out anywhere, check whether you can carpool, walk, use public transport, or bike it instead. It’s fun having company on the road and gives you extra brownie points in eco-friendly living too.
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