Learning to become environmentally conscious can help to bring balance to the world. If everyone played a small part in maintaining environmentally friendly habits each day, there would be less waste and more clean air and water. It’s probably easiest to start becoming more conscious in your home and then begin introducing green cleaning in your office. Here are some tips for making a significant environmental change in your life.
1. Stop buying bottled water
Single-useplastic bottles are a massive form of plastic waste. They are not reusable and end up as a waste product. Instead, purchase a water filter for your home and reusable plastic or metal containers for storing filtered water.
2. Save glass containers for leftovers and storage
Glass containers will not leak chemicals into food as plastic containers will. Glass is a reusable source and keeps food fresh as long as there are an airtight lid and no cracks. Choosing a glass container will also protect dry goods and liquids longer.
3. Buy fresh vegetables and save the scraps to begin a garden
Vegetables that sprout can be planted to bring on a whole new crop of carrots, potatoes, green onions or celery. Take the discarded pieces and cover with dirt. Even if new sprouts do not form, the remains make great fertilizer. A compost bin is a perfect way to make the most out of food scraps.
4. Keep a metal coffee thermos in your car for filling up with coffee
Styrofoam coffee cups are filled with toxins that can damage the environment and possibly, our health. The safest way to prevent damaging the environment with Styrofoam is not to use it at all. There are currently many keep cups on the market which you can re-use for your daily coffee (cafes must also offer a small discount!).
5. Use natural air fresheners
Plug-in air fresheners may make a room smell good, but the chemicals that they are made from can be harmful. Instead, use dried fruit with essential oils that are made with natural ingredients.
6. Make your home more energy-efficient
If you have older appliances and a furnace that is not high-efficient, chances are your power bills are high. That is wasted money and could be harmful to the environment. Have a study done on your home by your local electric company. They can show you where you are losing energy.
7. Go natural with cleaning products
Many household items are natural and great for cleaning. Baking soda, vinegar, and ammonia can be used for many cleaning chores around the house. For example, these ingredients are great foundations for cleaning your oven. There are also natural cleaning products on the market that help to reduce climate change by reducing chemicals being released into the atmosphere. You can even hire an eco-friendly professional cleaner that only uses environmentally friendly cleaning products.
8. Don’t waste food
Many leftovers can be used to make new meals. Throwing out perfectly good food is an insult to the planet. If there are leftovers you cannot consume, check if you’re able to donate your food to local food charities. You can also start a compost bin for food scraps that will keep your soil nutritious for growing plants.
9. Repair items instead of throwing away
If you have a lamp that needs rewired or a bicycle in need of a new tire, get the necessary parts and fix it. Do not let the landfill be a place for fixable items. Also, look for others that appreciate gently used items that can be repaired and donate.
10. Have groceries and medicine delivered to your door
Stop making short unnecessary trips with your vehicle when there are other alternatives. Thanks to the Internet, you can order groceries online and have them delivered to your door. Only use your vehicle for long trips and considering sharing rides.
11. Plant shade trees
Leaves on the trees are Mother Nature’s way of cleaning the toxins out of the air. Trees also provide quality shade, so air conditioners and fans are not needed as much.
12. Recycle everything that you can
If you are not sure what can be recycled, check with your local community for the proper sites and if there are recyclable pickups in your area. You may be surprised at what is now being recycled.
13. Use your microwave more
Microwaves use has far less energy usage compared to ovens or stoves. Did you know that there are microwave cookbooks available for great meals to make? Purchase a few microwavable dishes and get creative with food. There are many ways to help prevent our planet from becoming burdened with trash, plastic, toxins and global warming. Pay attention to items that can create a better world and cut back on those that are harmful.
