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Do you want to reduce your environmental impact but don't know where to start? Making small changes can have a significant impact on your sustainability journey! In this blog post, we'll provide simple switches you can make today to start living a more sustainable lifestyle. From replacing plastic straws with reusable options to opting for more eco-friendly transportation, you'll be able to take steps to reduce your carbon footprint without making major changes to your life. Read on to learn more about these easy and effective switches you can make today!
- Unplug electronics when not in use
Unplugging electronics not in use is one of the simplest and most effective eco-friendly switches you can make today. Not only does it save you money on your electricity bill, but it also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Just turning off household appliances and personal devices won't do. The energy used by these devices is known as "phantom energy," which can account for up to 25% of your energy bill. Some of these sneaky culprits include:
- Microwaves
- Toaster ovens
- TVs & stereos
- Video game consoles
- Desktop computers
- Cellphone, tablet, & laptop chargers
Try utilizing power strips to consolidate all these plugs, so all you have to do is unplug one cord to alleviate this electrical energy leakage. This tactic will help the planet and your wallet.
- Avoid using chemical-laden laundry detergent & other household cleaners.
With an overwhelming amount of detergents and household cleaners on the market, it can take time to figure out which is best for you. Be aware that most brands on your local grocery store shelf are packed with unnecessary fillers, artificial dyes, and gnarly, harmful chemicals. These detergents and cleaners are dangerous to your health, and the planet suffers too.
Make sure you seek a brand focusing on safer, plant-based, biodegradable, and greywater-safe alternatives. You want your detergents to contain only green, chemical-free ingredients with no trace of optical brighteners, phosphates, and other harmful components.
Learn why Rockin' Green detergent is the #1 choice for green, clean laundry solutions.
- Ditch the wasteful plastic & one-use items
Plastic never goes away. Every piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere on our planet. Over 8 million tons of those broken-down plastic particles are currently swirling around our ocean's surface. This pollution has been found to affect the deepest parts of the ocean floor humans can access. At our current waste rate, we are on track to double this harmful production by 2050. To mitigate the detrimental consequences, begin eliminating plastic across the board.
If you reduce your use of plastic, opt for reusable items, and properly dispose of waste (trash vs. recycle), you can positively impact our environment. Primary plastic perpetrators you can easily switch out for a sustainable alternative include but are not limited to:
- Plastic water bottles
- Plastic Straws
- Single-use cutlery & kitchenware (including chopsticks, paper plates, plastic cups, etc.)
- Packaged produce or plastic produce bags
- Plastic shopping bags
- Try to carpool, rideshare, or ride your bike more often
Carpooling, ridesharing, and biking are great ways to reduce your carbon footprint and make a sustainable change. Not only are these options eco-friendly, but they can also save you money.
Carpooling is an excellent option if you commute to work or school regularly. You can share the ride with a family member or friend and split the cost of gas. Ridesharing is another option for commuting and running errands. Companies like Uber and Lyft offer carpooling services that allow you to save money by sharing a ride with others. You can always ride your bike to work if you feel extra ambitious. Too far? Bike halfway, then ride the bus or train the rest of the way. This option is not only better for the environment, but it's also a great way to exercise while saving money.
- Buy in bulk & find a refiller near you.
Making the switch to buying in bulk is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the long run. Buying in bulk allows you to buy larger items, like detergents, shampoo, spices, and more, for less money than if you were to buy them in smaller amounts. Additionally, when you buy in bulk, you're reducing the amount of packaging needed to buy the same product in smaller packages.
Look for a refill shop near you to make this switch even easier! Many cities now have refill stores that allow you to fill up your favorite items with a container. When you bring a container to the store, you can buy just as much as you need without generating any waste. Not only does this help reduce plastic waste, but it also helps you save money since you don't have to buy all the extra packaging that comes with traditional products.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact
Whether you start with one adjustment, all five, or a complete sustainable sweep, all efforts count towards a more significant, positive impact. Learn as you go and adapt to innovative, waste-reducing methods and tactics.
