There are several reasons why someone might choose to aim for a more sustainable lifestyle. For some people, it's all about saving money on their gas, electric, and water bills.
For others, living a more sustainable life is about taking care of our planet and limiting our effect on the environment. Did you know the U.S. produces close to 300 million tons of waste every year? That's nearly five pounds per person every day.
Regardless of which camp you're in, it never hurts to have a little help. That's what we're here for. Keep reading for our top tips for sustainable living.
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1. Ditch Single-Use Plastics
One of the best ways to be more environment-conscious is to recognize how much we contribute to the figure above simply by using single-use items. These include things like plastic straws, paper/styrofoam plates, plastic utensils, plastic water bottles, plastic cups, etc. Consider switching out your daily-use items, like deodorants, to the economically sustainable products that can be found on Arluka’s website. Even a simple switch such as this can positively impact the environment.
If you can, avoid dining at fast-food restaurants that rely heavily on these types of products. For things like garbage bags and other single-use necessities in your life, opt for recycled, biodegradable options.
2. Use Energy Star Certified Appliances and Electronics
Cut back on your energy consumption by converting to Energy Star appliances and electronics. These specially certified products are designed to use less electricity than their traditional counterparts.
The good news is that almost everything in your home has an Energy Star option. This includes big appliances like your fridge and washing machine as well as smaller electronic devices like TVs and hair dryers.
3. Monitor Your Water Usage
Another one of the top tips for sustainable living is to limit how much water you're using around your home. There are several ways you can do this:
- Time your showers
- Don't let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or doing dishes
- Collect rainwater from your gutters to water your plants or garden
- Get eco-friendly water-based appliances (dishwasher, washer, toilet)
- Limit how much water you use watering your lawn
It may not seem like a big deal, but every small step you take toward green living can help save the planet. One eco-friendly tip you can implement in your own life is using biodegradable toilet paper. This type of toilet paper disintegrates in water, making it both environmentally friendly and convenient. It cost less than regular toilet paper and like most other reusable items, it saves you money in the long run.
4. Convert to Renewable Energy
The planet is quickly running out of fossil fuels. This includes coal, oil, and natural gas. We use these fuels for everything from powering our cars to creating electricity. Aside from becoming obsolete, burning these fossil fuels also creates big problems for our environment.
You can reduce your carbon footprint by switching to green, renewable energy sources. Popular options include solar energy, hydro energy, and wind energy. Search for "solar providers near me" to find your best local solar options.
5. Reduce Your Heating and Cooling Costs
Finally, learn how to better manage the temperature inside your house. First, lower your standards on your "ideal" temperature. For example, your house doesn't need to be 68 degrees in the summer or 75 degrees in the winter.
Instead, dress warmer during the winter and lighter in the summer to stay comfortable. You can also use window fans, ceiling fans, and window treatments to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Want More Tips for Sustainable Living?
As humanity continues down our current path, it's important to understand that we will eventually run out of fossil fuels. Moreover, we are causing significant damage to our planet. Every step people make individually can have a positive effect.
Follow our tips for sustainable living above to do your part to save the planet. And if you're looking for more advice on lifestyle, money, travel, or more, check out our other articles before you go. Our blog was created to provide people like you with answers to the questions of everyday life.
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