5 Simple Ways to Make a Difference for the Environment
Simple actions such as recycling your plastic containers instead of tossing them in the trash, or choosing to walk instead of driving your car, do make a difference. In fact, it is often the little steps taken by many that have the most significant impact. We don’t have to rely on a big business to make all the changes. Our daily actions are important too.
What actions can you take to make a positive change in your life? How can you adjust your daily routine to make it more environmentally friendly? How about starting with these five simple steps:
- Reduce your overall consumption:
Start by looking around your house. Donate or sell items you no longer need. Re-purpose items you may not have used in a while. Simply use what you already have. Once you’ve done this, look at how you can reduce your consumption. Only buy those items you can really use.
- Practice Root to Stem Cooking:
Practicing “root to stem” or “root to leaf” cooking is another way to minimize food waste and help the environment. Instead of cutting the stems or leaves off certain vegetables and throwing these away, find recipes you can use which incorporate these parts. Once you’ve used as much of the vegetable as you can, compost or regrow the rest. Composting the veggie remains gives new life to other plants and vegetables. Regrowing veggies from kitchen scraps can give you more food for less money while preventing unnecessary waste.
- Curb Energy Consumption:
You can curb your energy consumption by unplugging appliances and electronics not in use. Open windows or doors during the cooler evening hours to help air out your home and bring down the temperature naturally. Although you may not want to cool down your home at night during the winter months, you should air it out periodically to help reduce indoor air pollution. Doing this is better for you and for the environment.
During the daytime hours, blinds can be pulled closed to keep the house cool or opened to let in natural sunlight instead of using energy by turning on lights.
- Keep an Eye on Water Usage:
Ways you can conserve water include:
- using grey water to water outdoor plants and gardens
- turning off water while brushing your teeth
- only using the dishwasher or washing machine once fully loaded
- setting time limits on showers
- getting or creating your own low-flow toilet
- buy reusable water bottles for your family
- Make Changes to Your Driving Habits:
Carpooling to and from work is one way to make a difference. You should also avoid idling whenever possible. Keep up with recommended, routine maintenance on your vehicle. Make your next vehicle a hybrid. Bike, walk or take public transportation at least a few times a week rather than drive your vehicle.
At The EcoFairy, our goal is to help you build a more sustainable life by offering you a line of reusable products. We offer products that last and that will help you reduce the amount of plastic you use.
More info on our website: https://www.theecofairy.com