Are you looking to be a little more sustainable in your daily life? We have seven sustainable living ideas that you can get started on today!
1. Plant a Garden
Whether you live in an urban apartment or a sprawling country home, planting a vegetable, flower, or herb garden of any size is a great way to get started on leading a more sustainable life. Here’s why:
• Plants naturally keep our air clean, absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, while releasing clean oxygen.
• Avoid erosion by holding soil in place, and keeping sediment from draining into streams and roads.
• Reduce stress and incorporate low-impact exercise into your weekly regime.
• Enjoy fresh produce, herbs, and flowers that you can share with others.
• Feel a sense of accomplishment and possibly even improve your property value at the same time.
2. Skip Plastic Water Bottles
While plastic water bottles may be a convenient way to consume water on the go, opting for a reusable water bottle – instead of a one-use plastic bottle – is not only better for the environment, but better for you and your new sustainable living ways!
• Despite advertising efforts, bottled water is not any healthier or cleaner than most water straight from your tap.
• Virtually all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the U.S. are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – a dangerous substance which could be dangerous to your health. To see if your plastic bottle contains PET, check to see of the bottom or side of the bottle is marked with a number 1 surrounded by the triangular “chasing arrows” symbol and the acronym PET or PETE. Only PET carries the #1 identification code.
• Reusable water bottles help to avoid access energy and water resources used during the production process of one-time-use plastic bottles.
• You can show off your personal style and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time with a reusable water bottle.
3. Stop Junk Mail and Go Paperless
Junk mail can be extremely annoying – not to mention wasteful. However, information we DO want to receive can also be more convenient and offer a lower environmental impact when viewed online. Here are a few tips for minimizing paper waste in your mailbox.
• A visit to the Federal Trade Commission’s website will provide much of the information needed to stop most unsolicited mail, phone calls, and emails from direct marketers. Receive even more helpful information and tips for reducing your flow of paper junk mail at www.ecocycle.org.
• Sing up for electronic statements and e-bills from monthly providers of cable, phone, and utility services. Once you are set up, you will receive monthly bills and statements directly to your email with options to pay your bill online.
• Going paperless reduces and saves not only time, but also paper waste. However, going paperless will also require people to rely on technology a little more. Check out these five tools you need to stay organized when going paperless.
4. Use Reusable Shopping Bags
We’ve all seen reusable shopping bags and have probably try to use them as often as possible. Here are a few key tips for ditching plastic shopping bags for good.
• Purchase 100% cotton reusable shopping bags. Many of the cheaper reusable bags available for purchase in checkout lines still incorporate plastic into their design and production methods. Purchase bags that are 100% cotton or made from recycled materials instead. They will also last longer!
• Keep several reusable shopping bags in your vehicle at all times. You never know when you will need to make a quick stop at the market.
• After you unload your purchases at home, make sure to return your reusable bags to your vehicle immediately. This is the step that is often forgotten and keeps people from their good, sustainable intentions.
• Don’t forget to wash your bags now and again to keep them free from bacteria.
5. Use Green Methods of Transportation
Whether it’s walking, riding your bike, or making use of public transportation, using alternative green methods of transportation can be good for both your body and the planet!
In fact, green public transportation has been increasing in large cities across the country, according to an article on www.saveonenergy.com. From hybrid or electric metro bus systems, to community bike share programs, it’s easier than ever to get around with green transportation.
If you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, you may also want to consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle of your own!
6. Switch to Green Power Utility Options
According to energy.gov, about 50 percent of consumers now have the option to purchase renewable electricity from their power utility. Green power, or clean power, is produced from renewable sources such as wind and solar power.
To receive green power as a utility option, you may pay a small premium compared to conventional power, which is created from coal and natural gas. However, many with an eye on sustainability find the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Check with your power utility today and out if you can hop on the green grid.
7. Share Your Sustainable Actions
One of the biggest ways you can help increase sustainable daily living is to share you sustainable actions with others! By letting your friends, family, and even the public at large know that you care about protecting the environment and are taking personal action, you can inspire others to do the same.
Did you take the bus to work today? Share it on social media with your community! Maybe you switched to green energy – share the utility program website link with your friends. We are all in this together.
For more information on how you can make being green fun, social, and easy, check out our Cool Choices corporate sustainability and employee engagement program. We help organizations cut energy costs, decrease waste, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a fun game-based website platform.
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