Climate change is a threat that we cannot afford to ignore any longer. Our government must make broad, sweeping changes in our industrial and agricultural industries to ensure the survival of future generations. That being said, there are also things all of us can do to live a greener life and reduce our carbon footprint.
Be smart about energy usage.
Conserving on energy is easier than ever with all of the smart home devices available today. Home automation technology can connect your HVAC system, lighting, security, electronics, and more to give you total remote control. You can considerably cut down on heating and cooling costs by installing a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts to your schedule and the weather. Smart power strips are also incredible, inexpensive gadgets that can prevent your electronics from sucking “vampire electricity” while they are not in use.
Green up your living space.
Air pollution is a serious global problem, but did you know that indoor pollution is also a threat to human health? The good news is that you can filter your home’s air with the addition of a few new plants. A NASA study showed that certain houseplants, combined with carbon-activated fertilizer, can actually absorb and destroy air pollutants.
Indoor plants with lots of foliage, such as a broadleaf lady palm or bamboo palm, are ideal for filtering the air. You can order your lady palm online and get free shipping. Grown in a sustainable nursery and carefully packaged, the lady palm will filter out organic solvents and chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. The Rhapis excelsa, as it is known in the scientific community, is a low-maintenance plant that does well in the shade, direct sunlight, indirect sunlight you name it.
Eat on a sustainable diet.
Many don’t realize it, but what we eat has a major environmental impact. Livestock production uses one-third of the planet’s fresh water supply and makes up 40% of global agricultural GDP. Adopting a sustainable diet will not only improve the planet’s health but yours as well. Here are a few sustainable eating tips:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Cut down on meat (or go full vegetarian).
- Avoid “overfished” species.
- Shop at farmer’s markets.
- Try not to overeat.
Conserve your water.
With droughts becoming more common and so many without access to clean and safe water, you should be doing all you can to conserve. Save water by turning off your sink’s faucet when you brush your teeth or shave. Doing so can save 4 gallons of water per minute. Take showers over baths, and try to keep them short. Always wash full loads of laundry, and use cold water to save on energy.
Go a step further by ditching your liquid detergent and using a plastic free laundry detergent instead. This detergent comes in lightweight packaging with zero plastic and is concentrated into pre-measured eco-strips. Simply toss a detergent strip into your washer before adding your clothes. It will dissolve in hot or cold water. The formula is free of parabens and dyes and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Even the packaging is compostable, meaning this detergent is completely waste-free.
Waste not, want not.
Huge amounts of trash in landfills are terrible for the environment. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost to cut down on your waste. Go paperless when possible, and buy products with the least amount of packaging waste. Recycle containers and find new uses for things instead of tossing them out. Donate clothes instead of throwing them away, and use a reusable bottle or mug. All of these little habits add up.
We all bear the responsibility of taking care of our one and only Earth. Instead of recklessly depleting all of its natural resources, we must nurture the planet that has given us everything. So make some sustainable changes to your lifestyle and continue to put pressure on our government to pass legislation like the Green New Deal.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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