Simple Steps for Everyday Eco-Living at Home
By Jolene Nannette
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, serves as an excellent opportunity to pause and consider our impact on the environment. It’s a moment for reflection, prompting us to explore ways to start implementing positive changes. One area where we can all make a difference is in our own homes. By using less and being mindful of our consumption habits, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and help protect the planet.
By making some of the changes below to your everyday choices, you can form long-lasting habits that will make a big impact.
Be Mindful of Water Usage
Start by being mindful of your water usage. Place a bucket in your shower to collect water while it warms up, then use it to nourish your houseplants. Come up with a shower routine to use the time efficiently, or consider setting a timer to monitor just how long you let the water run. Remember the basics from elementary school: turn off the tap while brushing your teeth!
Save Energy
Reduce your energy consumption by making small changes around the house. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, turn off and unplug electronics when not in use, and use natural light whenever possible. Utilize timers on any lamps and set a reasonable schedule.
Reduce Food Waste
Plan your meals and buy only what you need to minimize food waste. Prioritize using existing ingredients in your fridge before your next grocery trip. Get creative with leftovers and find ways to repurpose them into new meals. You can also reduce waste with a small compost bin that fits under your kitchen sink and get in the habit of placing food scraps there instead of throwing them in the trash.
Use Alternatives to Plastic
Opt for glass storage containers, utilize foil or wax paper instead of plastic wrap, and carry a reusable water bottle when on the go. Reuse plastic gallon freezer bags to store opened items in the freezer (keep a few rolled up and easily accessible in your freezer so you remember to reuse them).
Embrace Minimalism
Declutter your home and embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Donate or sell items that you no longer need or use. A great place to start decluttering is by eliminating unused duplicates in the kitchen, where drawers quickly become overrun, and much gets hidden under the first layer of utensils.
Practice Recycling
Set up a recycling system in your home and make it a habit to separate recyclable materials from regular trash. Educate yourself about what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Reuse your paper grocery bags as your portable recycling trash can (remember, no plastic bags in the recycling bin!).
Clean-Up Your Community Space
Purchase a grabber reacher tool and bring it along on your neighborhood walks. Clean up the litter that others have left behind. Not only will it make a difference in the cleanliness of your neighborhood, but it will inspire others to do small things to make their impact.
Remember, every small change we make in our daily lives can have a significant impact on the health of our planet. Being mindful of reducing waste and using what you have will create sustainable habits that will make a healthier future for generations to come. Setting a positive example for others will inspire them to take better care of our environment. Let’s make Earth Day a starting point for positive change and continue to prioritize the well-being of our planet every day. By implementing these simple practices in our homes today, we can immediately begin making a positive impact on the world around us.
By, Jolene Nannette
Home by Jolene
Specialist in home efficiency