Looking to create a more sustainable lifestyle? There are tons of ways to do it. Sustainability means different things to do different people, but in general, it’s a way of living that minimizes environmental and financial impacts.
Basically, it’s a healthier way of life for both you and the planet. By doing less harm in our homes, we can actually become part of the environmental solution rather than a part of the problem.
And if more and more homes catch on, we can see dramatic shifts in the amount of waste generated and greenhouse gases released into the environment.
Finding plants for sale melbourne includes deep research.
And the best part of creating a sustainable life is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, sustainable living can actually save you money each month.
Wondering how to set up a sustainable home? Keep reading to discover the best ways to do so without breaking the bank.
Define Sustainability
Everything we do in life makes an impact. The impact can be positive or negative. But unfortunately, the modern American lifestyle is one that comes with a heavy negative impact.
From the amount of gasoline and electricity we use to the amount of waste entering landfills each day, our planet isn’t being taken care of in the way it needs to be.
Sustainability is the art and science of making our everyday choices more environmentally friendly. True sustainability isn’t a one-off act or a single decision. Instead, it’s a decision that changes the way we do things from then on out.
Before making big changes, define what sustainability is for you in this season. You can’t do everything, but you can do some things. Are you going to focus on reducing your carbon footprint? Do you want to use less energy, or maybe focus on producing less waste?
Set one goal and go after it. Once it becomes normal, you can take on any of the additional changes listed below.
Give Everything a Place
Waste and clutter often stem from an unorganized house. One of the best ways to start living more sustainably is by giving everything in your house a home. Whether it’s a closet, a drawer, or a tote in the garage, everything you own and value should have a place it belongs.
Otherwise, stuff begins to pile up. You lose things, then buy replacements, then find the original, and pretty soon you are caught in the consumer-based lifecycle, wreaking havoc on the environment and your finances.
Stop Bringing Stuff Home
Once you’ve organized your home, it will become easier to resist new purchases. Not that buying things is bad, it’s just that you don’t need to buy as much stuff as most Americans do.
If you do buy new stuff, be it clothing, sports equipment, or anything else, try donating or selling any old products you have in order to make space for the new.
Use Eco-Friendly Products
Want to feel better about your purchases? Find eco-friendly alternatives to many of the products you use on a regular basis.
From kitchen gadgets to toys, and everything in between, there are many products that have been manufactured intentionally to be less harmful to the planet. For help finding eco-friendly products, check the website “Shelf.”
Shelf rates eco friendly products, helping you start off on the right foot.
Reduce Energy Consumption
One of the easiest ways you can save money and the environment without spending very much is by reducing your home’s energy use. There are tons of cheap hacks to try out today.
For example, you can line your hot water pipes with foam insulation, to help them avoid losing heat. Or you can unplug technology and appliances when they aren’t in use to avoid using phantom power.
When doing laundry avoid using hot water, as this wastes a lot of energy. Instead, wash with cold water and air dry if possible.
Also, add flow restrictors to your sink faucets. These limit the amount of water that comes out, while at the same increasing pressure. So you’ll use less water without even knowing it.
Consider Going Solar
If you have the money to invest in your home, consider installing solar panels. Solar energy is the ultimate form of reuseable energy, thanks to the unlimited, ultra-renewable rays from the sun.
Doing so can reduce or replace your electricity bill entirely, powering your house the clean way instead of relying on coal mines and dirty energy sources.
Yes, solar is expensive, but there are many incentives and rebates available to help lower the cost, such as the federal solar tax credit. Plus, with rapidly improving technology, the cost of solar continues to decrease each year.
Plant a Garden
There are so many benefits to planting a garden. For one, that planet can never have too many plants. Plants are responsible for converting CO2 into oxygen, thanks to photosynthesis.
Plus, a garden will produce healthy fruits and vegetables for you to enjoy, limiting what you have to go to the store to buy. And gardening is a fun hobby that can support both mental and physical health.
Walk, Bike, and Hitch a Ride
Want to make the ultimate switch? By ditching the car altogether, or at least driving it a lot less, you can really limit your environmental footprint.
Instead, invest in yourself. By spending more time walking or riding a bike, you can live a sustainable lifestyle and enjoy optimal health. Plus, with more fresh air and sunshine, along with regular exercise, you’ll enjoy greater mental clarity and improved moods.
If walking or riding is out of the question, due to weather or a long trip, consider public transportation. Taking the bus or train is much less harmful than driving a car, especially if it’s an SUV or truck.
Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle Isn’t Hard
As you can see, there are many different steps you can take towards a more sustainable lifestyle. It can be tempting to try doing everything at once.
But there’s no need to rush. Choose just one or two areas to focus on first, making them lifelong habits. Then you can try even more after that.
Looking for more tips like this? Visit our blog to find other helpful articles today.