While systemic change through regulations on corporations and industry is crucial to fighting climate change, individual consumer choices can positively impact the environment too. Adopt these easy sustainable practices at home to reduce your carbon footprint and be part of the solution.
1. Switch to LED Lightbulbs
Energy efficient LED lightbulbs last longer and use a fraction of the electricity compared to traditional incandescent options. The next time a bulb in your home burns out, replace it with an Energy Star certified LED equivalent to save energy and lower your electricity bill. LED bulbs come in all shapes and sizes. Select the appropriate wattage and lumens output to replace various outdated bulbs.
2. Choose Reusable Bags
Plastic bags create immense waste and cannot be recycled. Opt for reusable shopping totes made of durable materials like canvas whenever possible. Keep them handy in your car and near the door to grab on the go. Bonus points for using bags made from eco-friendly materials like recycled PET. Foldable reusable bags are compact for tucking into purses and backpacks too.
#3 Cut Down on Meat
Producing meat, especially beef, generates high amounts of greenhouse gases. Limiting consumption to 2-3 times a week helps the environment. Meatless Mondays are a great way to start! Substitute beef in favorite dishes with plant-proteins like beans, lentils and mushrooms for lower footprint recipes.
#4 Compost Food Scraps
About 30% of household waste is composed of food scraps and yard trimmings. Compost these natural materials instead of trashing them to nourish your garden, reduce landfill contributions, and lower methane emissions. Dedicate a countertop bin for collecting fruit peels, egg shells and veggie scraps then empty it into your outdoor compost tumbler or bin.
#5 Install Water Saving Fixtures
Older toilets and shower heads use immense amounts of unnecessary water. Swap these outdated fixtures for low-flow models to easily conserve water in your home. Look for EPA WaterSense labeled products which are independently certified to use at least 20% less water and perform as well as standard models.
Implementing small changes like these in your daily habits can really add up in creating a greener, more eco-friendly household. What other sustainable practices do you recommend for reducing environmental impact at home? Share your tips in the comments!