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Making yourself and your family greener, doesn’t have to be a daunting task that requires massive lifestyle changes. Doing simple things can make a big difference.
Small actions can create big changes, especially when it comes to the environment. By making a few small changes to your lifestyle, you can make the world a happier and more eco-friendly place. As well as making the environment happier, going green may also save you a bit of money.
For our six simple ways to start being greener, have a read of this.
1. Swap to energy conserving light bulbs
Swapping your regular light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs is one of the easiest ways to save energy and money, as well as the environment.
Unlike standard light bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs or CFLs, convert most of the energy they use into light, not heat. Plus, they consume around 75% less energy than regular bulbs and last up to ten times longer.
While CFLs cost more to buy initially, over time, they will save your money, as well as energy.
2. Don’t rinse plates
Stop rinsing your plates before putting them in the dishwasher. If you stopped rinsing your plates, you could save up to 20 gallons of water each year.
Plus, you will also be saving money on the energy used to heat the water.
3. Recycle glass
Did you know that by recycling glass, you can help to reduce air and water pollution? By recycling glass, you can help to reduce air pollution by 20% and related water pollution by 50%.
Did you know that if glass is not recycled, it can take a million years to decompose?
4. Don’t tumble dry
Instead of using your tumble dryer to dry your clothes, let them hang dry. All you need is a clothes horse or radiator rack, and you can allow your clothes to dry naturally.
By allowing your clothes to hang dry, you will not only help to save energy and the environment. But, your clothes will last for longer and keep their shape better.
5. Use recycled bags
Each year, five billion plastic bags are used across the world. Plastic bags are not biodegradable and are causing all sorts of problems for animals and marine life. Many plastic bags end up in oceans and subsequently get swallowed by fish and end up as part of the food chain.
Instead of using plastic bags, swap to reusable bags. They are inexpensive to buy, easy to get hold of and most importantly, so much better for the environment.
6. Don’t use coffee stirrers
Coffee stirrers may seem insignificant, but they are a serious environmental issue. Each year, billions of coffee stirrers are thrown away, causing higher pollution rates and increased rates of deforestation.
Instead of using a coffee stirrer, use a reusable spoon. If your favourite coffee shop only offers stirrers, then it might be a good idea to start bringing your own spoon along or switch to a new coffee shop.
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