Maybe you are looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint, but aren’t ready for drastic changes. This article suggests small changes you can make in order to become a more environmentally conscious person.
Little lifestyle adjustments can have a beneficial effect on the environment. You don’t have to make drastic changes in order to reduce your carbon footprint. Smarter choices in your everyday life can transform you into an environmentally conscious person in no time.
Nowadays, more people are interested in practices which have little or no negative impact on our environment. By embracing a more sustainable lifestyle, you reduce waste and consumption, you save money and you can inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Here are some simple, small changes you can start implementing today.
1. Walk to Work
If your workplace isn’t very far from your home, consider walking or bicycling to work. Besides saving money on gas, you will reduce your carbon footprint considerably. If this isn’t possible, ask some colleagues that live nearby to carpool or take advantage of public transportation.
2. Think Before Printing
Before printing a document, ask yourself if you really need, it or if you are going to end up throwing it in the trash bin by the end of the day. The average American uses more than 748 pounds of paper per year, according to the American Forest and Paper Association. You can use online apps to take notes, take advantage of the post it note icon on your computer desktop, and perfect your organizing skills by creating a smart storage system for all your documents.
3. Turn Off the Power
When you exit a room, always turn off the lights. Turn off any appliances you are not using and make sure you shut down your work computer before leaving. Don’t fall asleep with the TV on - you will save energy and sleep better.
4. Use Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Invest in eco-friendly bagseco-friendly bags, make sure you recycle any unwanted packaging you receive in the mail and pick products that aren’t using excess packaging.
5. Recycle
Recycle any materials you don’t use. It’s a simple process, but, unfortunately, many people find it inconvenient. Keep in mind that recycling saves energy and reduces landfills, while also preserving resources and protecting wildlife. Place a recycling bin directly next to your waste bin and convince your boss to do the same at the workplace. If you are still not convinced, you should know that recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to listen to a full album on your iPod. Something to think about.
6. Cleaning Products
Use washable cloth instead of paper towels. Stop using cleaning products with harmful chemicals – there are lots of safer products out there. You can even make your own. For example, in order to make an all-purpose household cleaner, mix 9 parts water and 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap, as well. If you'd like to minimize the strong smell of the vinegar, consider adding essential oils, like lavender. You can find more “recipes” for home-made cleaning products here.
Your lifestyle won’t suffer from applying these small changes. The environment, however, will only have to gain. Congratulations!
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Thank you Susan!
January 26, 2015 - 8:06amThis Comment