17 Apr How to Be More Sustainable Every Day
Sustainability has been a hot topic for some time now, but really, what does it mean? And have you been doing what you should be to be sustainable?
We live in a biological system. In order for us to survive, we need it to be diverse, and we need it to stay diverse. That’s what sustainability; it’s crucial because it contributes to survival of all organisms, the ones currently living, and the ones in the future.
We need to use our resources wisely so that our future generations will also have them to live.
But of course, of course—you’re busy. You don’t have time to go out of the way to do more. But remember: the future is yours. You have a direct hand at making it better.
So what are some real ways you can contribute without, say, driving a solar-powered car and only using candles?
Here’s how you can be a little more sustainable every day.
1. Reuse, reuse, reuse!
This is a pretty simple thing that you can do. It’s one of the main pillars behind recycling. Keep your plastic bags and reuse them. Keep a canvas bag with you—in your purse, in your car, at your office—so that when you go grocery shopping, you don’t have to use plastic bags.
2. Make your own compost
Compost reduces waste and pollution! All organic materials can be composted, and when they avoid the landfills, it means that they avoid creating methane and leachate in the landfills. It’s also been proven to prevent things like erosion. Plus, you can save money on fertilizer, as fertilizers help enrich soil.
3. Use low-flowing shower heads
No use in wasting water! Low-flowing shower heads and toilets will help reduce water usage.
4. Keep your car running smoothly
Think again when you consider skipping that tune-up appointment for your car. When your car isn’t running efficiently, you’re using more gas than you need to and creating more pollution. Make sure you tune up your car when it’s due for a little looksy under the hood to keep your car as environmentally-friendly as possible.
5. Consider switching to power efficient supplies
If your dishwasher is more than five years old, it may be time to switch things up a bit. Appliances are made to be much more power efficient now, which will not only save you money on energy bills, but also the environment!
6. Line-dry your clothes
Want to save even more energy? Line-dry your clothes instead of using your dryer. If you don’t have a backyard, you can get an inexpensive drying racks for under $10.
7. Walk, bike, or take the bus to work
Of course, this isn’t necessarily an option for everyone, but if you can, try to walk, bike, or take the bus to work to limit car emissions.
8. Use non-toxic cleaners
Many household cleaners are loaded with harsh chemicals that can damage the environment. Make the change to organic cleaning supplies. Not only will you be happy to know that you’re not inhaling chemicals, but you’ll be able to eat off of every single surface safely without worry!
9. Stop buying bottled water
Reduce unnecessary purchases of plastic. One of the biggest offenders are plastic bottles. Recycling the plastic bottles is a good start, but why not get a reusable bottle instead? You can get them in just about any color.
10. Grow your own food!
Not only will you know exactly what goes into what you eat when you grow your own food, but you’ll be actively reducing your carbon footprint by getting rid of food transport.
That’s why growing in an Urban Cultivator means that you’re getting the Zero Mile Diet—fresh food is readily available, anytime of the year!
Got any tips for how to be sustainable every single day? Let us know in the comments section!