How you can help the environment
Many of us want to “go green” and be more environmentally friendly, but never follow through. Why? Because we assume it will require significant lifestyle changes, when in fact, greener living only requires making a few small shifts in our everyday lives.
I try to make a conscious effort to be sustainable – recycling, turning off the lights before leaving the house, and not letting food go to waste, to name a few. But there are other areas where I can improve. Sometimes I’ll answer the phone and forget I left the shower running. Or I’ll go to the supermarket without my reusable tote. While these things might sound minor, these missed conservation opportunities contribute to environmental issues on a much larger scale.
Here are seven easy ways you can be more environmentally friendly in your everyday life:
1. Take shorter showers
Did you know showers account for nearly 10 percent of the average home’s energy usage? Cutting down your shower time by five minutes every day can make a major difference.
2. Replace old appliances with energy efficient ones
Look for appliances with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label – they use between 10 and 50 percent less energy and water. While they may be a little pricier, you’ll be saving money in the long run because of the energy savings.
3. Plant a tree
We all know trees are good for the environment, but planting a tree on your property can also help you conserve energy, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Also, by placing the trees at the right distance from your home on each side, it can help provide shade and lower your cooling costs in the summer.
4. Use the dishwasher more than washing by hand
Contrary to popular belief, the dishwasher uses less water than most people do when washing dishes by hand. Also, avoid pre-rinsing before putting dishes in the sink. According to Consumer Reports, pre-rinsing can waste up to 20 gallons of heated water per day.
5. Don’t leave your electronics plugged in
Forty-nine percent of people overcharge their electronic devices. Even when they are fully charged, you are still wasting energy while they are plugged in. “With the smart phones charging, televisions on in more than one room, and multiple lamps plugged in, it’s easy to incur massive electricity usage without even thinking about it.
6. Use cold water detergent
Many people believe that hot water is more effective at cleaning clothes, but cold-water detergents do, in fact, clean nearly every type of clothing just as well.
This is one of the best ways to decrease air pollution.
These are a few of the countless reasons why we should go green and commit to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Not only will it decrease the impact of global warming and reduce pollution, but most importantly, it will create a sustainable earth we can all enjoy for years to come!