Trying to reduce your carbon footprint isn’t as hard as you might think. The difficult part is deciding where to start! By making just a few small yet significant changes, you’ll see just how easy it is to be more conscious in everyday life.
Here are 5 fun and efficient ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home.
1. Swap single-use for reusable
Water bottles, shopping bags, and takeaway containers—it’s easy to fall into the habit of single-use. So if you’re wondering how to be greener at home, this is the perfect place to start.
Swapping single-use plastic for reusable alternatives is a valuable investment not only for the environment but also for the hip pocket. They can also cut down on unnecessary waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and even foster more eco-friendly habits.
A reusable bottle can also be an easy starting point to more sustainable living. Use one at home or on the go to keep warm drinks piping hot or juices nice and chilled for hours on end.
You don’t have to do it all at once, so making the switch from single-use to reusable can be small tweaks to begin with: a reusable shopping bag while out grocery shopping, a bamboo toothbrush to scrub those pearly whites, or a stainless steel straw for more refined sipping.
2. Elevate your energy efficiency
Did you know that with a few simple improvements, you can make your home a lot more energy efficient?
With advances in tech, appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators and washers and dryers, are more efficient than ever. Plus, changing out old light bulbs for LEDs will help you use up to 85% less electricity than traditional bulbs.
A smart thermostat can also be a great way to cool down those energy costs. Instead of having to get up, you can control the temperature from your smartphone or with the power of your voice thanks to smart assistants. Over time, these thermostats are able to predict your needs, making it much easier to control the climate in your home.
3. Make mindful purchases
Try to make more mindful purchases when out shopping, like:
- Focusing on quality over quantity by swapping plastic cups, cookware and storage for more sustainable home goods, like reusable bottles and insulated containers.
- Supporting sustainable brands that promote responsible consumption and design products with longevity in mind.
- Adopting a more minimalist approach, basing purchases on what you need, rather than what you want.
Being more mindful of the lifecycle of our products can also radically change the way we shop. Before purchasing that new tablet or top-of-the-line toaster, consider if they can be easily repaired or recycled.
4. Sustainability and fashion
Unfortunately the life cycle of fast fashion is short, and often ends up in landfill once it’s reached its use-by date. But there are ways to dress more sustainably without compromising on style:
- Curate a more conscious closet by embracing secondhand treasures. It’s amazing what stuff you can find at charity or thrift stores, or from online platforms like Depop, Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace!
- Support eco-friendly brands who design high-quality pieces that are made to last, who promote ethical labor practices and ensure that workers are paid a fair wage.
- Or why not pass on your style to others by recycling your old clothes, turning them into new pieces or using the fabric for art projects?
5. Start an urban garden
You don’t have to live on acreage to grow plump tomatoes or tasty zucchini. Even city slickers can know the joys of growing their own fruit and veg by starting their own urban garden.
An urban garden can help transform your space into a bright and thriving ecosystem that not only reduces your carbon footprint and cuts down on trips to the grocery store, but also builds a strong sense of community. Get to know your neighbors a little better by sharing a front garden with them. Create your own open-air produce aisle by growing a few small plants on your balcony. Or create a community garden plot, so the whole neighborhood can get involved.
It feels good knowing you’re doing your bit, whether you’re giving an old T-shirt new life, growing your own vegetables or swapping in a new energy-efficient lightbulb. Not only are these tips planet-friendly, they’re also a great way to stretch your bottom dollar in the long run.
