Going green always sounds like this expensive, horrible thing, that requires constant sacrifice. You’re supposed to ditch straws, buy a car worth half a million dollars to use electric instead of fuel, slap a bunch of expensive panels on your house just to hear your HOA complain, etc.
When you look at it like that, going green is a hassle.
However, it doesn’t have to be this expensive mess that causes nothing but headaches. If you’re already struggling, there are plenty of cheap, wholesome, things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and make a meaningful difference.
Here are three of them that anyone can do, right now.
1: Reuse
So, you bought a 24-pack of bottled water. It’s convenient, tastes good, and doesn’t cost too much. There’s nothing wrong with that. What’s wrong about it is what happens to the bottles.
Instead of tossing the bottles in the bin when you’re done drinking them, attach a water filter to your faucet, and refill the bottles. The water will taste just as great, you’ll save money in the long run, and you’ll be reusing plastic instead of adding it to landfills.
This concept can be applied to most things. If there’s a use for it, use it to do that. You don’t need to throw everything away and get something new.
Reusing items is much more effective than recycling them.
2: Switch to Paper
When you go to the grocery store, you’re either going to have to use self-checkout and load up on tons of plastic bags or bring your own bags in.
We recommend buying your own paper bags.
Modern paper bags aren’t in any way what they were decades ago. They’re not even made out of trees, anymore.
Instead, eco-friendly paper bags are made out of seaweed that actively destroys coastal regions. By switching to them, you help remove that harmful seaweed to allow coasts to flourish; as well as the communities that depend on them.
3: Minimize Consumption
Minimizing your consumption of natural resources is crucial for fostering a sustainable future, and it often involves simple adjustments that don’t require significant sacrifices. This shift in perspective is about recognizing the contrast between what you truly need and the unnecessary waste that has become ingrained in your daily routines. Here’s a more extensive exploration of this concept.
Energy Conservation: Practice energy conservation by switching off lights and appliances when they’re not in use, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and appliances. These seemingly small actions will collectively reduce your electricity consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, utilize natural light during the day whenever possible to minimize reliance on artificial lighting.
Water Efficiency: Efficient water usage is crucial. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, fix leaky faucets promptly, and consider installing low-flow fixtures to save significant amounts of water. Capturing rainwater for outdoor use and opting for drought-resistant landscaping can also contribute to water conservation.
Food Management: Tackle food waste by planning your meals, utilizing leftovers creatively, and organizing your refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Composting organic kitchen scraps is an eco-friendly practice that transforms waste into valuable fertilizer.
HVAC Repair and Maintenance: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are major contributors to energy consumption in homes. Ensure your HVAC system is operating efficiently through regular maintenance and timely repairs. Get the filters and ducts cleaned every now and then so that the units consume less energy while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Enlist the assistance of experts such as the ones available at Chicagoland Heating & Air Conditioning — the company repairs all AC makes and models, and different types of furnaces.
Efficient Appliances: When it’s time to replace household appliances, choose energy-efficient models with ENERGY STAR ratings. These appliances may have a slightly higher upfront cost but provide long-term savings and a reduced environmental impact.
Public Transportation and Carpooling: Reduce your individual car emissions by utilizing public transportation or carpooling. These practices not only lower fuel consumption but also help ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution, contributing to cleaner air and more efficient transportation networks.
Eco-Friendly Landscaping: Your landscaping choices play a role in sustainability efforts. Consider planting native vegetation, applying mulch, and installing efficient irrigation systems to conserve water and reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
In summary, adopting environmentally conscious practices doesn’t require giving up the things you enjoy but rather entails making thoughtful choices in your daily life. These choices will collectively lead to resource conservation, cost savings, and a greener, more sustainable future for all.
Go Green Without Going Broke
These are all very small things, and they don’t impact your wallet at all. In fact, they save you money. So, you can help the environment without buying a Tesla, changing to some $50 organic shampoo, etc. There are no excuses, anymore. Get to it.