We all know the importance of reducing our impact on the environment, and, through activities like recycling and carpooling, many of us make some effort to live a little greener. However, due to busy schedules and hectic lifestyles, some families may find it challenging to live green. Thankfully, though, a more earth-friendly lifestyle isn’t as difficult as you may think.
Keep reading for tips on how to make your home and lifestyle more efficient, sustainable and eco-friendly.
Getting rid of old gadgets
Over the years, you may find you accumulate things over the years – and more often than not – it tends to be a collection of phones, computers, tablets, laptops, etc.
Now, the best way to deal with all these accumulated devices is to either resell them or recycle them.
That ensures that
- They don’t end up in landfill and release toxic metals into the air or water sources.
- Helps circulate old devices which are working.
- If not working, they can be recycled, precious materials from those devices can then be extracted and then eventually reused.
One way to deal with your old devices is to check on local Facebook groups or selling it on eBay. However, that can be a bit time-consuming. If you’re looking for convenience, or have non-working gadgets, you can go to a reputable tech recycler who will rebate you for your device value, and send you the cash within a matter of days. There are plenty out there, but a good one for high-end tech based in the UK is Plunc , who have pretty reasonable pricing.
Saving Water
In households with children, it seems like the water is always running. And with all that bathing, washing up and cleaning, your water usage can really add up. To reduce your family’s water usage, as well as save money on the water bill, try tips like the following:
- Use low-flow showerheads. These devices can save tens of thousands of gallons each year, and they’re also inexpensive and easy to install.
- Take shorter showers. One fun way to reduce water usage is to hold a family competition to see who can cut back the most time on their showers. The winner gets his or her favorite dessert, and the whole family wins!
- Check for leaks. Leaky pipes and faucets can really affect your home’s efficiency. Check for leaks, and make repairs accordingly.
- Laundry and dishes. When it comes to washing clothes and dishes, only run your washing machine and dishwasher for full loads. If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the faucet on while washing or rinsing.
Saving Electricity
Most of us are guilty of using way too much electricity. We leave the lights and television running, we rely on electronics for entertainment, and we leave our devices plugged in when they’re not in use. These habits waste precious energy, run up our electricity bills, and, frankly, set a bad example for our children, which could spell disaster for future generations. Thankfully, by making small changes like the ones listed below, your family can stop wasting electricity, save money and promote better habits among little ones:
- Update your lighting. Cut down electricity usage by installing energy efficient light bulbs. These greener, more sustainable upgrades last longer, use less electricity and are just as easy to use as your old bulbs.
- Upgrade your appliances. Older household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers can really suck the electricity. If you can afford to upgrade to more modern, energy-efficient models, you’ll end up saving money on energy costs, as well as doing more to reduce your family’s impact on the environment.
- Electricity-free family fun. One night a week, unplug for a night of family fun. Instead of TV, computers and handheld devices, entertain yourselves with board games, crafts, charades and other fun activities.
Bring Green Living into Your Kitchen
There are all kinds of fun ways you can bring eco-consciousness into your kitchen. Here are a few tips on making your kitchen a more eco-friendly place:
- Reuse whenever possible. Jelly jars make great drinking glasses for kids, while empty coffee containers make great storage for leftovers. Recycle and reuse as often as possible.
- Skip the plastic. Paper plates, cups and flatware are incredibly wasteful and, in most cases, downright unnecessary. Skip the plastic, and stick to your regular dishware.
- Drink filtered tap water. Instead of buying bottled drinks, institute a “filtered-water only” rule in your home. For a little flavor, add fresh fruit, cucumbers, mint and other tasty add-ons.
- Go fresh. When shopping for food, forego items with excess or unnecessary packaging; instead, fill your cart with unprocessed and, if possible, locally grown foods. hg
Living a greener lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult. With a few simple changes, like the ones listed here, you and your family can create a simpler, more sustainable and environmentally-sound lifestyle. Have fun, and good luck!