Being Eco friendly on a daily basis is a lot easier than many people realize. It doesn’t have to cost a lot (in some cases nothing at all), and a little can go a long way to making a difference. Here are some very simple Eco friendly habits to get you started.
Use Less Water
When it comes to saving water, small changes can have big results.
- While brushing your teeth, shut the water off.
- Take showers that are a minute or two shorter (invest in an inexpensive shower timer to help).
- Flush the toilet only when you need to.
- Run full loads of laundry and dishes, never part loads.
- Buy from sustainable producers. These are farmers, ranchers, and other producers that use techniques that pollute less and use less water. You can do some research online or ask at your local organic market to find these products.
Use Less Energy
Not all of us can afford a to buy a hybrid car or convert our house to solar power. But these big ticket items are not the only way to use less energy. Here’s how you can make a big difference without spending big dollars.
- Buy energy efficient appliances. They may be more expensive, but make up for the increased cost in lower energy bills.
- Unplug chargers when you’re not using them. Cell phone and other chargers continue to use power even if there’s nothing attached to them.
- Switch off lights when you leave a room.
- Put devices with remotes, like T.V.s, VCRs, and stereos, on a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. These devices will still use ‘standby’ power, even when turned off.
- Walk or ride your bike for short trips rather than drive the car.
- Buy local and seasonal products. The less mileage used to deliver your food, the less energy has been used. Buying local uses less energy while supporting your local economy.
When it comes to saving energy and water, it’s a great idea to get the kids involved. Make it into a game and have them track how much water and electricity everyone is using. You can compete to see who uses the least water and have a prize or reward for the most ‘efficient’ water user in the home.
The 3 R’s
Most of us know the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle. But how often do you apply them? With a bit of creativity, there are many ways to easily incorporate them into your daily routine. It all adds up to and can quickly make a big difference.
- Use less plastic, packaging and disposable products. Buy items that can be used again e.g. Eco friendly shopping bags, reusable coffee cups and reusable straws.
- Start a compost to reduce kitchen waste.
- Reduce the number of cleaning products in your home. Make your own with just a few inexpensive ingredients. Here’s some ideas and recipes – Non Toxic Home Cleaning.
- Buy less ‘stuff’. We all have far more than we need so go through the house and clear out what you no longer need and use. Sell, donate to charity or give away to charity all those items and don’t be tempted to replace them.
- Toilet paper holders can be used to sow seeds for the vegetable patch.
- Old yogurt containers can be cut into strip to make plant labels.
- Refill food jars and containers rather than buy new ones. You can get creative with stickers and labels to give them your own personal touch.
- Old glass bottles and jars can make great impromptu vases.
- Try replanting some foods that can easily be regrown. Here’s 19 to get you started.
- Where possible, buy and use environmentally friendly products.
Conclusion
We all knowing that Eco friendly habits are better for the environment, but it’s also better for you. By conserving the resources you use on a daily basis, you will not only save money, but do your bit to make a difference in the world. And that is a rewarding feeling.
Being more Eco friendly is something we can all strive for and easily achieve. I encourage you to pick a couple of things from the list above, or come up with your own, and get started…Today!
P.S. If you’ve got any ideas to add I’d love to hear them in the comments below.
Where do I find those reusable zip lock bags…
Hi Terra, check out my post on reuseable bags here – there are links to different options included there. You can get them on Amazon here.
Hedge apples work good for keeping mice and spiders out. If you put them in the house you need to put them on something and if you have animals put some were they can’t get. You can throw them under house or in attic.