When you are trying to live sustainably, it does not mean you have to go without the things you love or enjoy doing. A few adjustments and a bit of thought to your lifestyle will have a huge impact on your overall eco-footprint. Even better, this is something that doesn't require much time or effort.
In most situations, living sustainability is all about creating new healthy habits for you, your whole family, and the environment. Now is the time to go hard, and the tips here will help you do just that.
Reduce Food Waste
Reducing your grocery bills and overall food waste is one of the best ways to live a more sustainable life. On average, American households throw out just under $2,000 in food waste each year. Food thrown into your garbage can wind up in the landfill, and it will break down in a way that creates greenhouse gasses. By reducing your food waste, you can do something good for the environment.
Use Reusable Cups
It's estimated that people in the U.S. consume about 146 billion cups of coffee each year. Unfortunately, a large percentage of these cups are disposable. Many are made from virgin materials instead of recycled paper. This is something that cannot be recycled. It would help if you tried to use reusable cups whenever you can. This is going to reduce wastage and minimize the waste being sent to landfills.
Install a More Water Efficient Showerhead
You can save energy and money if you use a showerhead that is rated as energy efficient. It is a good idea to look at the local home goods store's options, as there are likely more than a few to choose from.
Turn Your Thermostat Down
You can save on heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat appropriately. During the colder months of the year, turn your heater down a few degrees, and during the warmer months, turn it up. Each degree that you turn it up or down results in less energy used and wasted, which reduces pollution and how much you spend on heating and cooling your home.
Avoid Using Plastic Bags and Straws
The use of plastic bags and plastic straws in the U.S. is significant. These items do not break down when they are sent to landfills, and they are some of the most common items that are found washed up on the shores of beaches, rivers, lakes, and more. This plastic fills up the landfills, harms wildlife, and takes multiple generations even to start breaking down. When you have the option, opt to go without a bag or straw. This will make a huge difference in the amount of waste sent to landfills each year.
Switch from Imported Goods
While items from China may be cheaper, buying them and having them shipped to the U.S. is expensive for the planet. The more in-demand items are from other countries, the more damage that is occurring to the environment. When possible, buy domestically made items. Even better, if you can buy items locally made, it will reduce the eco-impact even more.
Use Public Transport, Bike, or Walk When Possible
Cycling and walking are good for your health and good for the environment. Consider riding your bike or walking to work. This is going to help reduce carbon emissions while ensuring you stay active. If you don't have either of these as an option, consider public transportation or even carpooling. If possible, avoid air travel as much as you can and carbon offset your flights if you must take one.
If you want to live a more sustainable life, the tips and information here will help you get started. This will help ensure you get the desired results and that you don't have to worry about your eco-impact or how big your carbon footprint is. Being informed is the best way to ensure you get the desired results.
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