Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a route in life. It’s equally as easy to become overwhelmed when reading about the huge problems our planet is facing; the dire situation of our oceans, deforestation, climate change, pollution..
But HEY!
Here’s 12 easy things you can do in your everyday life that will get you well on your path to a greener and cleaner life!
If it’s good for you, its usually good for the planet my friend!
- Compost. Food that ends up in landfills breaks down and produces methane, a planet heating greenhouse gas. So buy a compost and toss in all your food scraps, coffee grounds and other organic matter.
- Bulk up. Go hit your zero waste store and buy everything you can in bulk. You will find everything from nuts to spices and you are likely to save a lot of money, as well as packaging! Just remember to bring your own produce bags or containers.
- Cool down your laundry. Washing your laundry in cold water saves money and energy, and also could expand the life of your clothing. Hang your clothes to dry for extra energy savings.
- Be a borrower. Need a fancy tool but don’t want to cough up the cash? Ask a neighbor if you can borrow theirs, or see if your town has a tool library.
- Buy second-hand. Save cash, get your own unique style and save the planet at the same time. You see, the fashion industry is the second biggest polluter after oil and clothes are one of the most common items in our landfills. Don’t know where to get started? Chill, I got you covered. Head over to VINTAGE CHIC right now and search for the coolest vintage stores close to you!
- Make your own cleaners. Did you know that all you need to clean the surfaces of your home is a little vinegar and water, and maybe a few drops of essential oils to make it smell better? You can also make your own laundry and dishwasher detergent. Making your own cleaners can help you save money on expensive, and often toxic, cleaners. You’ll also use less packaging by reusing the containers you store your cleaners in.
- Change your bank. Money never sleeps and they are usually up to very nasty business when you are not looking.. Solution? These two game changers.
- Unplug it. Even when plugged in appliances are turned off, they’re still sucking up energy. By unplugging items that you’re not currently using, you can save energy and lower your power bill at the same time.
- Eat less meat. The livestock industry is an enormous drain on natural resources and a huge contributor to methane emissions. You will gain better health and save the planet at the same time. It’s the single best decision I ever made, for sure. There are so many options now, just search for recipes here on my page or check this article out for what plant-based milk to pick 🙂
- Go paperless. Sign up for online, paperless billing for your utilities and other regular bills. Going paperless saves paper aka trees, the cost of a stamp and the energy for shipping!
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow. This is something I learned after my 8 months living in Cape Town during an extreme drought. Think twice about flushing every time you pee—at least while you’re at home 😉
- Check for rebates on green energy. Many states offer substantial tax credits or rebates for switching to more sustainable heating systems, efficient appliances, electric vehicles, installing solar panels, and more. Search here to see what’s available in the U.S.
