Even though living a greener life sounds daunting, there are many changes you can make to your daily and weekly routine that are both simple to implement and environmentally friendly. Below are some easy changes you can make that do not require a complete overhaul of your life or habits.
Upcycle
Upcycling is the process of taking something broken, old, or unused, and turning it into something new, a perfect hobby for creative or artistic people. For example, you could turn old sweaters into pot holders, old T-shirts into reusable tote bags, or cut fleece clothing into squares to replace your disposable dusters. Just about anything in your home can be upcycled, so get creative in finding new ways to give old items a new life.
Unplug
It is estimated that approximately 10% of all residential energy use comes from household items that are plugged in but not in use (this is called phantom energy). This could be anything from your electronics chargers, toaster, microwave, coffeemaker, or TV. To reduce your energy waste, and save money on your energy bill, get into the habit of unplugging things when they are not use. It will also help if you switch to energy-saving power strips.
Swap Out Disposable Dining Products
While paper plates, plastic silverware, paper napkins, and paper towels offer convenience—they are not green options. Look for ways to swap your disposable dining products for reusable napkins, cloth towels, and reusable plastic cups, plates, and utensils.
Purchase Recycled Products
When you are out shopping for household items, clothing, and gifts for friends and family members, look for products made from recycled materials or with recycled packaging. By shopping for recycled products you help reduce the world's total waste. Also, recycle as much of your household items as you can.
Purchase Energy Efficient Products
Anytime you purchase something new for your home that needs to be plugged in, search to see if it can be purchased in an energy efficient option. Also opt for other energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing energy efficient doors and windows, and upgrading to energy efficient appliances.
Purchase Reusable Or Refillable Products
Another thing to keep an eye out for in when shopping for household items, are reusable or refillable products. While items like reusable water bottles and shopping bags may already be on your radar, there are many other household products that can be purchased in reusable or refillable versions. This could be anything from refillable hand soap to cleaning supplies to toiletries. Also look for things like reusable coffee pods and tea bags.
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Buy Green Cleaning Products
Many of the cleaning products you use in your home are full of harmful toxins that are bad for the environment, and unhealthy for you and your family. The good news is there are a wide variety of environmentally friendly cleaning products that clean just as well as chemical filled products, but without all of the harmful toxins.
The changes above are simple ways to green your lifestyle without drastically changing too many of your daily habits. You can start with one of these small changes, and add more as each becomes habitual.
This article was contributed by Sheldon Armstrong, a regular contributor here at INFOtainment News. He writes this on behalf of Wade Architectural Systems, your number one choice when looking for environmentally-friendly metal panel systems. Check out their website today and see how they can help you!
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