#1 Turn Off Your DevicesWhen it comes to energy consumption in our home, reducing unnecessary use makes a big difference. Not only will your electric bill be cheaper if you remember to turn off your devices, but you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint. Win-win.
Here are a few devices that are easily overlooked (because, hey–every device counts):
- Televisions
- Computer monitors
- Printers
- Speakers and stereo systems
- Lights
- Gaming consoles
If you have trouble remembering to turn your appliances off, try buying a few smart plugs. These devices allow you to plug in your everyday lamps and appliances into timed outlets, so they’ll turn off at a certain time even if you forget.
#2 Watch Out for Food Waste
When it comes to understanding how to reduce waste, avoiding food waste is a good first step. While opting for plant-based foods and sustainably-sourced ingredients is an excellent way to make your culinary creations more sustainable, it also matters what you throw away.
#3 Use More Sustainable Cleaning Products
The products you use to make your bathtub and kitchen sink sparkle might come with superb cleaning power—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they help to keep the environment clean.
#4 Prepare or Pack Your Lunch at Home
Sustainable practices don’t require drastic life changes, and a simple way to practice sustainability is by making your own lunch. We all love a lunch outing now and then, but driving to every lunch location puts you on the road more often and subsequently increases your carbon emissions. Packing your lunch for work, travel, and other outings is not only more sustainable—it will also save you from spending your downtime in traffic and dealing with long lines.
#5 Use Reusable Containers
Yes, we mentioned this above–but it deserves a double mention.
Whether you’re meal prepping or preparing a dish to share at your next get-together, be sure to use reusable food containers. Glass containers are an optimum choice because they have a longer lifespan than their plastic counterparts. Plus, they’re recyclable and they can withstand the heat from the microwave, dishwasher, and oven.
But using reusables doesn’t have to end there. While grabbing bottled water from the fridge is quick and easy when you’re short on time, it only takes a few extra seconds to fill up a reusable bottle each day. Plus, you’ll save money and stay hydrated without having to rely on plastics.
#6 Use Sustainable Goods and Supplies
From your home office to your guest bathroom, the supplies you stock can help you keep your home earth-friendly from top to bottom. Whatever you buy regularly, there’s a chance you can find a more environmentally friendly option—from plastic-free pens to tree-free toilet paper.
Yes, even toilet paper can be sustainable.
With some sustainable replacements, you can comfortably (and sustainably) use as much as you need when you need it.
#7 Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Have you ever thought about how much plastic you use on a daily basis? Plastic bags for late-night snack purchases at the 7-Eleven. Plastic water bottles to keep you hydrated jumping from one excursion to the next. The list goes on and on.
You can lessen your consumption of plastic by keeping a few reusable water bottles and tote bags around in places you use them the most—like in your car or in your kitchen. Plus, reusable items can be multifunctional.