The climate crisis is a problem that affects everyone all over the world. However, communities that are already vulnerable and risk experiencing more poverty, disease, and food insecurity will be more impacted by climate change. Biodiversity also suffers, and while the full extent of the damage pollution causes to the human body is not yet fully understood, it is clear that microplastics, air pollution, and water contamination cannot be positive things.
While it is true that there are some that have a more significant impact than others, it’s better not to split hairs too much when it comes to Mother Nature. After all, this is our home, and keeping it clean is the only way to protect our health and well-being, as well as that of future generations. Instead of grand habits and switching things up overnight, it’s much better to change your daily habits to become more sustainable. Consistent effort will yield more results than remembering to be eco-friendly every now and then.
Save water
Water is needed to make virtually everything we will ever use, from our food and clothing to electronics and cars. And, of course, everyone needs clean water to drink. In fact, the lack of good, drinkable water is a growing concern in many parts of the world. However, because water is so ubiquitous for many of us, it’s easy to disregard its crucial importance and forget how essential it is to our survival. Cutting down on water usage means that you can protect the environment and save money at the same time.
If you have leaky faucets or pipes, you should replace them as soon as possible to prevent continuous loss. Use a container to store rainwater for gardening, ponds, or even to clean your car to ease the burden on your taps. Plants can also be watered with kitchen or bath water, provided they contain no harsh chemicals that could harm your plants.
Reduce waste
Reducing the amount of rubbish you produce every day is one of the pillars of sustainability. Everything you throw away ends up in a landfill, where it decomposes and then adds to the greenhouse gasses, warming the planet. If you have your own business, you need to consider getting a baler or compactor for your cardboard and plastic. Recycling these materials means fewer resources will be used, and that perfectly good materials can find a new purpose. A paperpresser (cardboard press) is one of the most efficient solutions to manage your waste and make its collection and repurposing seamless.
You can also take the necessary steps to use less paper altogether by moving all your documents and files to a digital format. It’s also much easier to keep track of them and maintain their integrity, ensuring they don’t get lost or suffer any unauthorized modifications. Separate the waste into different categories at home, too. Even if it seems like it’s not all that much garbage, every little thing counts.
Make sure to create a compost bin as well, and keep it close to the cooking area so you can dispose of all the eggshells, vegetable, and fruit peels, as well as any other green materials such as used tea, old flowers, coffee grounds, and food scraps.
Energy use
The amount of energy you use in your home is significant, and not just for your bills. Using too much power increases the general carbon emissions and raises your carbon footprint. These two exacerbate the harmful effects of climate change, making it even more challenging to tackle. It’s actually very simple to reduce the amount you’re consuming, and it doesn’t mean you need to forego comforts such as heating or warm water.
Something as simple as remembering to turn the lights off when leaving a room will make a big difference. Turn all appliances off as well when you’re not using them. For those that allow it, you can also unplug them. While you probably won’t be able to do that with the fridge, TVs and laptops should have no problem. There are also several non-electric alternatives to appliances, including heaters and stoves that use other forms of power. However, make sure that the alternative choice doesn’t cause more pollution than the one using electrical energy.
Deciding to use sustainable energy sources will also have a significant impact. You can install solar panels, use wind power, or even geothermal energy. It all depends on which resources are more plentiful where you live.
Buying less
Recycling is crucial, but you cannot waste less unless you also keep your shopping habits in check. This includes all the things you shop for, from food to home décor. So many options are available nowadays that it’s tough to go shopping and not pick at least a few extra items. Sometimes, you might even notice that you go shopping to get a specific thing, then you return home with two bags full of stuff only to realize that you completely forgot about the thing you left home to buy.
The rise of online shopping and free returns has exacerbated this tendency, creating even more pollution. Take clothing, for example. There are many people who order several items intending to return some, if not most of them. However, because the return period is typically quite extensive, they can still be worn until the deadline expires. Then, they are returned in a condition that often makes them unfit for further purchase. That means that those items have to be discarded, creating waste.
Instead, you should buy only what you need or want and know what you will use. If you want to get something simply because someone else has it, it’s perhaps best not to buy it and instead give it some time to think about. Apart from analyzing your reasons for purchasing something, not getting an item right away allows you to escape the impulse of just grabbing things off the shelves. Let a few days pass, and if after a week or two you’re still thinking about that item, it’s generally a good sign that you want it.
Make sure you use your things. Don’t throw them away just because they’re not new anymore, and try to repair the broken or damaged ones.
In conclusion, becoming more sustainable is a gradual process, and you need to make eco-friendly choices on a daily basis. This is the best way to ensure a brighter future for the planet.
