Think of all the plastic bottles and packaging thrown away every day and piling up year after year, which cannot disintegrate into the ground. We destroy our own health, make it more difficult for some animals to survive in their habitats, and pollute the environment. While we might not be Superman and are unable to save the world with a single heroic deed, we can start making changes from our own homes.
Save light
You can be “Supermanly” and not only help protect the environment but also save your pocket. It’s as simple as swapping incandescent bulbs for LEDs. Since they save energy, they are better for the environment and lower your electricity bill at the same time. They will last for more than a decade and there are some awesome options out there, which let you choose between different lighting options such as warm white or daylight. Extend the same principle energy saving to other electrical appliances and try to consume as little electricity as possible.
Save water
Still in the saving business, we have to remind ourselves that sustainability is not limited to energy consumption alone and learn to conserve the natural resources we use. Try to save as much water as you can by taking the time to fix any leaks. Beyond fixing leaks, simple lifestyle changes can make a difference, for example, you don’t have to run the tap when you shave or brush your teeth. Also, you might want to swap your shower head for a low-flow one. You might be surprised how many thousands of litres of water you’d be able to save.
Recycle and compost
Cities may differ concerning how they manage waste, but there would normally be a recycling program near you. Take the time to find out where you need to take your recyclable goods to. Normally, you should be able to push your recyclable goods into a separate bin next to your regular trash. Composting means you reuse organic products from your home. Organic materials include some food products, hay, grass, and leaves. You add these to a bin and allow them to sit and decay, then you add the fertile end product to your garden.
Use eco-friendly furniture
Filling your house with eco-friendly furniture is one of the best things you can do to make your home eco-friendlier. You have to be careful though, because many companies would simply offer one or two elements of eco-friendliness and brand their products as eco-friendly. Do your research and pick a reputable company that is truly responsible about the environment. When you’re shopping for eco-friendly furniture, ensure that only the best available non-toxic materials and no harsh chemicals or fire retardants were used in the production process.
Shop differently
When you’re shopping for food, try as much as you can to buy food that was grown in neighbouring farms. You can check labels on fruits and vegetables to learn where they are grown. Try to avoid foods that use large amounts of plastic packaging and buy in bulk. If you have a farmers’ market, community supported agriculture, or co-ops around you, buy from those. Finally, you should always take your own cloth bag when you’re shopping for food: plastic is a petroleum product and causes serious problems for the environment. You can do even more by planting some vegetables and herbs in your garden, which would reduce the energy you expend when traveling to the market, as well as the energy the farmer has used to produce the same vegetables and herbs.
