Adopting a sustainable lifestyle doesn’t mean going without modern comforts and conveniences. It’s about adopting lifestyle habits that are personally and environmentally healthy. At its core, sustainable living means reducing the demand for natural resources by replacing them whenever possible. Adopt practices that reduce personal carbon footprints and environmental impact.
Little things like reducing energy usage, using public transportation, and going plastic-free add up to have a positive impact. If it’s time to make a lifestyle change, consider these five ways to live more sustainably and take the next steps toward becoming an eco-conscious member of society.
Moderate Electricity Usage
Most people don’t realize how much household energy they use daily. Becoming conscious of electricity usage is an easy way to live more sustainably. Remember to turn off the lights and thermostat when leaving the room, install dimmer switches to lower the brightness of lights, and turn off power strips. These small actions can make a big impact on monthly electricity bills.
To figure out where to reduce energy usage it’s best to understand how much power various household items require. iSelect allows consumers to compare electricity prices from multiple providers based on household needs and priorities. Compare green energy plan options with iSelect and find the most practical, affordable, and effective services to become sustainable.
Solar energy is far more sustainable than fossil fuels. Solar panels in Arizona are a popular addition for households concerned with lowering electricity bills. Solar Vision LLC is a full-service renewable energy company that works with clients to understand the financial and environmental benefits of installing solar panels.
Use Eco-Friendly Tools and Utensils
It’s amazing to stop and think about how many plastic water bottles a person consumes in a year. Instead of buying single-use water bottles, make the switch using reusable bottles that can be filled with a water filter added to the kitchen sink. Stock the next social gathering with reusable cups instead of plastic ones that will be thrown out. Plastic straws make drinks easier to sip on, but they contribute to dangerous amounts of litter and ocean pollution. Forgo the plastic straw and either go without or switch to reusable metal or bamboo straws.
Store and package food in reusable containers versus plastic bags that end up in the trash. Plastic is not the most environmentally sustainable material. Opt for food storage made from beeswax, glass, or stainless steel.
Hit The Sidewalk
Carbon emissions are brutal on the environment, but sometimes vehicles are needed to get from one point to another. Take advantage of a car-sharing service or carpool instead of owning a car. For those living in cities, rely on public transportation to get around, or bike or walk to destinations.
Opt For Reusable Totes
Give up on plastic bags at the store and bring reusable totes for shopping trips. Plastic bags are commonly tossed out after a single use whereas reusable totes are more durable and can last for years. Most consumers don’t realize that buying locally produced groceries is environmentally friendly. Locally sourced foods are organically grown, cheaper, plastic-free, and don’t need to be transported great distances.
Dispose of Waste Conscientiously
Household cleaning products are notoriously bad for the environment. Swap out chemically-based products for biological and eco-friendly ones. Reduce running the washing machine by using towels and wearing certain clothes more than once. When it’s time to dry laundry, skip the dryer and line-dry instead to have a healthier environmental impact and preserve the quality of clothes.
Trash disposal is one of the greatest causes of environmental damage. Take a conscious evaluation of waste disposal and learn about recycling alternatives. Become truly sustainable by taking up composting.
