Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is easier than you might think, and small changes can help make a big difference. Conserving natural resources, reducing waste, lowering greenhouse emissions, and saving on utility bills are just a few of the benefits associated with green living. Simple swaps and a little preparation are all that’s needed. Try incorporating one or two of the following tips from the list below to get started.
Turn Your Faucet Off
Most of us begin and end each day by brushing our teeth. If you are in the habit of leaving the faucet running while you brush your teeth, you might be wasting up to eight gallons of water each day. The same principle applies to washing your hands and face, as well as shaving – turn the faucet off until you are ready to rinse.
Consider the amount of energy spent not only cleaning the water you drink, but delivering it to your home. Conserving water not only reduces your carbon footprint, but it may be good for your wallet too. Money magazine estimates that individuals who turn their faucets off can save up to 13 percent on their water bills.
Go Paperless
This applies not only to bills, but also to books! Purchasing or borrowing e-books obviously saves trees, but it also frees up space in your library. If you absolutely need to hold a book in your hands, consider borrowing them from your local library, or purchasing them secondhand.
Bulk Up
There is a variety of ways you can purchase in bulk, which supports the environment by reducing the amount of waste in your local landfill. When shopping for cleaning supplies, look for larger sizes of eco-friendly products to refill containers you already have at home. Search for bulk packages of other everyday items like paper towels and toilet paper. Many grocery stores also offer bulk bins with popular dry goods such as pasta, rice, beans, granola, cereal, oats, and more. Simply bring your own bag or jar to the grocery store and scoop out what you need.
Bring Your Own Bag
As more states continue to ban single use bags, it is a good idea to get into the habit of bringing your own. Having trouble remembering to bring the bags to the store with you? Place a handful of bags in your trunk and replace after you are finished shopping. You can also place them in a basket by the front door or in the garage – wherever you are likely to see them when you are leaving for the store.
If you already using reusable bags, that’s great! You can level up by bring reusable produce bags to the grocery store.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
Plastic water bottles offer convenience while you are on the go; however, most of those bottles end up in the landfill, rather than the recycling bin. A staggering 22 billion plastic bottles, which include water bottles, are thrown out each year. A simple tip to live greener – invest in a good quality water bottle. Refill it and carry it with you throughout the day to help cut down on plastic waste.
Use Less Energy
Reducing energy consumption in your home is an easy way to live greener that will also help you save money. Electricity is produced by power plants that primarily use fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and one of the chemicals released during the process. Too much carbon dioxide can negatively impact the environment. By using less energy, you can help reduce the amount of fossil fuels used by power plants, and the amount of greenhouse emissions.
Other ways to conserve energy include using energy-efficient appliances, as well as powering down and unplugging any electronics when they are not in use. Using a power strip will allow you to shut down your electronics and appliances quickly and easily.
Recycle
Recycling can help protect the environment in two key ways – by lowering the amount of garbage being sent to landfills, and conserving natural materials like trees and water. Most of us are already in the habit of recycling used paper and plastic products, the next step is to be mindful of our buying habits. When purchasing a new product – search for items that are easily recycled, or made from recycled material. Even better, consider purchasing items that are used – they are typically less expensive which is a win for your wallet! When you are finished with clothing and other household items, donate them to a local charity or shelter. Most will accept clothes, bedding, dishes, and other household items provided they are in good condition.
Dispose of Disposables
One aspect of an eco-friendly lifestyle is a commitment to reducing waste, as much as possible. Try to limit your use of disposable plastic products in favor of sustainable items – think toothbrushes, straws, plastic razors, makeup cloths, etc.
More Lifestyle Tips
Discover more lifestyle resources from The Bristal. Learn more about DIY Skin Care Treatments for Seniors or the Health Benefits of Vitamin D.
