10 Simple Ways to be More Eco-Friendly at Home
On April 22nd, an estimated billion people worldwide will observe Earth Day. While a silver lining to the Coronavirus pandemic has been a drop in daily CO2 emissions by as much as 17%, the climate crisis continues to threaten our precious planet and there’s still so much to do. Since we’re spending so much time at home these days, why not start there?
With just a few simple changes around the house, you can reduce your carbon footprint. In this article we’re sharing 10 of the simplest ways to be more eco-friendly at home!
10 Easy Ways to Be More Sustainable at Home
1.Embrace the cold
Did you know that washing machines set to cold water cycles can save up to 80% in energy use? When you can, wash your clothes in cold water. Want to be an even bigger green champ? Hang those duds outside to dry.
2.Clean conscience
Household cleaning products are often stocked with harmful chemicals that can pollute waterways and hurt habitats. Look for products made with natural ingredients. Better yet, make your own – it might be easier than you think and could save you some cash!
3.Drop that negative energy!
Hey you, over there on your phone! Notice any electronics around the home you’re not using? Unplug them! We could all benefit from a break from our screens once in a while, so go ahead, take a break and turn it off!
4.Grow stuff
Backyard gardening has many benefits: it cuts down on fossil fuel burning, the food tastes better, and it saves you money! If you have a sunny space for a garden, with just a few steps you could be munching on your own lettuce, kale, or carrots! If you’re an apartment dweller, no sweat! Add some potted herbs to your balcony and perk up your favorite dishes with fresh flavours.
5.Go Plastic-free
The plastic problem is a global environmental crisis. Whether it’s storing food in glass containers, opting for reusable shopping bags, or saying ‘no’ to plastic wraps, there are endless ways to join millions of others in a quest to reduce plastic or go plastic-free.
6.Waste not
Our love of online shopping and desire for faster shipping times are hurting the planet. A more sustainable life demands consuming less in general. Before you buy something, ask yourself – Do I need this? Will it be used? Why do I want to buy it? Challenge yourself and your friends to pledge to buy one new item a month!
7.Lights out
Did you know that LED lights can save up to 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and last 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs? Seems like a no brainer, right? So ditch those old school incandescent bulbs and go for the greener option.
8.Go paperless
Here’s an easy one. Switch your monthly fees to e-billing. You’ll not only reduce paper and help save the world’s forests, you’ll also be cutting down on the CO2 used to produce paper bills. Hard copy bills create around 2 million tons of carbon dioxide a year!
9.Eat less meat
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, reducing our meat consumption can help mitigate climate change. While giving up meat entirely may scare the socks off you, consider going meat-free 1-2 days a week, not only will you help the planet but it’s been found to be healthier for you too.
10.Recycle electronics
E-waste doesn’t belong in a landfill or in your junk drawer. Electronics left to rot in a garbage patch will leach poisons into the soil and release toxic chemicals into the air. So next time you upgrade your laptop or cellphone, be a good steward and find out where you can bring it for recycling.
Celebrate Earth Day this year by doing some good work for the incredible planet we call home!
