3 easy ways to start going more green in the home.
Photo by Alena Koval from Pexels
“Saving the planet” can feel like a daunting task if we try to tackle it all at once. Luckily, that’s not something you have to do. In fact, there are many manageable actions you can do now that will make a real difference in reducing your carbon footprint and adding to a sustainable lifestyle. And, since living in harmony with the earth will be healthier for you and your budget, you’ll end up feeling great and might even find that you have a more positive outlook on life in general. With that said, let’s take a look at some easy ways to start going more green in the home.
Go vegetarian at least one day a week
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the livestock we raise for food accounts for 14.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions each year. Livestock also contribute to a tremendous amount of land erosion worldwide and consume a large percentage of potable water globally. Many sources say that going meat-free just one day a week will make a huge difference in this footprint. Plus, a nice butternut squash ravioli is sure to leave you wanting more (in a great way).
Check your plumbing
It’s hard to believe, but a simple misalignment in the bathroom could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year. Toilet leaks waste up to a gallon of water per minute – that adds up to more than 43,000 gallons a month. To start investigating this, you should pour food coloring into the water in the tank, wait two hours, and then check to see if any of the dye has seeped into the bowl. If it has, then your tank’s flapper is leaking. After you flush the food coloring washes away, too, so don’t worry about it staining. If you find a leak, either head to the hardware store for replacement parts, call a plumber for a quick adjustment, or search online for a DIY fix. This can help save the environment as well as your wallet!
Buy smart
Recycling has become much more efficient over the decades and is certainly making a beneficial impact, but the “reducing” and “reusing” part of the triple approach is still superior. Buy smart from the beginning to reduce the amount of material that needs recycling. We can buy in bulk to save packaging, shop locally to save on fuel costs, and invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. Also be wise to search for sustainably built products on your big purchases like mattresses or other furniture. Do your research before a large purchase to ensure it was certified for sustainable practices.
Are you ready to take steps to make your home a bit greener? The three simple tips above are easy to follow and implement and can make a big difference in the footprint that your household leaves behind. Give them a shot, even if you’re not sure if they’ll work for you – you might be surprised at how easy and beneficial they can be to your family!
Author BIO
Laurie Larson is a freelance writer who writes on home, health, and lifestyle topics.