With all this talk of carbon footprints and emissions, you may be wondering what you can do to make a positive difference to the planet. The good news is that a little effort can go a long way. Here are four simple ways you can live a more environmentally-friendly life at home:
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Walk
If you’re guilty of driving everywhere, why not make a pledge to use your legs more often? Walk to work or take the kids to school on foot. Leaving your car in the garage will not only save you time and reduce your carbon footprint. It will also benefit your physical and mental health. Exercise stimulates circulation, reduces stress and decreases the risk of heart disease and strokes. You’ll soon notice the benefits of walking a mile or two each day. You could use the money you save on petrol to pay for a day out or put it towards a family holiday. Try to get the kids on board as well and encourage them to walk or cycle to school and extracurricular activities.
Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/table4five/1335215909
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Recycle
Recycling only takes a minute and it has a really positive impact on the environment. Sort your rubbish out and learn what to avoid putting in the garbage disposal. You can recycle glass and plastic bottles and paper. If you don’t have a recycling collection as part of your waste disposal service, you could visit a recycling site. You can also buy recycled products, such as note pads and greeting cards.
Image source: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1041984
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Save energy
Saving energy has mutual benefits for the environment and your bank balance. Turn lights off when you’re not in the room and switch appliances off when you’re not using them. Turn the taps off when you’re brushing your teeth and try to have quick showers, rather than a long bath. Investing in energy-saving bulbs and install sensors to ensure lights only come on when needed. Ask your energy provider for an energy usage monitor, so that you can keep track of how much power you use. Try to avoid using appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers until you have a full load. Set a thermostat to control your heating and layer up and close windows and doors if you get cold. Some homes are eligible for free insulation, which can save significant amounts on heating.
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Cut down on waste
If you’re guilty of throwing away food on a weekly basis, try to cut down on waste. Buy less and make an effort to resist temptations, such as 2-for-1 offers. Check sell-by dates before you buy and use your freezer to preserve meat and ready meals for longer. If you find that you throw fruit and vegetables away, try buying frozen instead of fresh. Although multi-buy deals are alluring, you often end up buying far more than you need and your bargains end up in the bin.
If you want to do your bit for the environment, you don’t need to make major, whole-scale changes to your lifestyle. Making simple adjustments and being more environmentally-aware can make a real difference.
