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With the climate crisis right on our doorstep, it’s important that everyone does their part to reduce their carbon footprint and help to create a more sustainable world. And there’s no better place to start than right at home!
That’s why we’re giving you 11 simple tips that you can get started on today: try these eco-friendly upgrades out at home, and rest assured that you’re doing your part to help curb the worst of climate change.
Start recycling
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch isn’t shrinking any time soon – so it’s best not to add to it! You can help reduce the amount of trash that gets stuck in landfills or flows out into the natural environment by actively recycling. Be sure to research recycling in your state to ensure that you follow all necessary procedures.
Properly dispose of e-waste
It’s not just soda cans and cereal boxes that need to be recycled. Your old phone and dead laptop should also be properly disposed of. High tech gadgets contain harmful chemicals that can leech into the groundwater and disrupt ecosystems, and can even poison people! Be sure you find an electronic recycling facility that will properly handle all your old tech.
Replace your lightbulbs
Electricity in most cities is powered by coal and natural gas – both huge contributors to global climate change. One way to reduce the amount that your home contributes is to swap out all your old incandescent lightbulbs for eco-friendly halogens and LED.
LED lighting installation is fast and easy – and don’t worry, they make warm color varieties now, so you won’t have the harsh blue-light glow to worry about.
Watch your water usage
Your showers can use up a dozen or more gallons of water every morning or night! One thing you can do to reduce water wasting is set a timer and shower for only 5 minutes. Or, use a water-saving shower head to minimize your waste.
Fix or replace old appliances
Old refrigerators, washers, and dryers can all contribute to energy wasting. And broken seals and parts can mean an even greater amount of waste. Be sure to have appliances fixed promptly when they break.
Newer models with proper certifications are much less wasteful, so if you’re looking for an excuse to upgrade, the Earth will thank you.
Reconsider your landscaping
If you live in a drought-prone area, or an area near sensitive wildlife, consider a Mediterranean or desert garden, or a garden composed of native plants. This will help preserve the local environment while also providing a place for native plants and animals to flourish.
Seriously consider solar
This is a bigger eco-friendly home investment, but many state governments have made the switch worth it by providing tax relief for houses that adopt solar, as well as the option to get paid for the excess electricity your panels produce and contribute back into the system!
Become a bicyclist
Your gar belches out more CO2 than the earth can sustain. Instead, try finding a great commuter bike and taking to the roads! Biking is fun, it’s healthy, and it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Just be sure that you follow all safety guidelines, rules of the road, and always wear a helmet when biking.
Eat a plant-based diet
Did you know that animal agriculture is one of the top contributors to climate change, water waste, and land destruction? It’s true. The biggest single impact that you can have to help the earth is by swearing off meat and dairy, and opting for a plant-based or vegan lifestyle. Bonus? You’ll save hundreds of animals per year from being tortured and slaughtered with your new diet!
Get thrifty
Thrift shopping is one of life’s simple joys that is often overlooked – and it’s a great way to reduce the amount of textile waste you contribute to. As a great poet once said, one man’s trash is another man’s come-up. So, get out there and pop some tags with only $20 in your pocket; it’s awesome, and it’s an eco-friendly win.
Get the whole family involved
Why stop with your own habits? Get your family and friends involved in making the change too! Plus, biking, going vegan, and thrift shopping are all more fun when you’ve got friends along to join you. If we all contribute together, we might be able to stop some of the worst of climate change!
