Here’s the thing: You do not need to live off the grid or install solar panels to live sustainably. Often, you only need to take one small step after the other to make the switch.
This means making intentional choices that can help reduce your carbon footprint and produce less waste. That’s because small, eco-conscious actions matter.
Now that we have that cleared out, you might be thinking of ways to have a sustainable home. Do not worry because we will share five useful sustainable living tips you can apply at home.
1. Go on a Plant-based Diet
Making the switch to a plant-based diet is one of the most impactful ways you can help save the planet.
To produce a kilo of steak, a cow needs to consume up to 25 kg. of grain 15,000 l. of water. These resources could feed 3.5 billion people. In addition, about 15% of greenhouse gas emissions are created by the meat industry.
We also cannot erase the fact that meat came from live beings!
Does this mean we should not eat meat? If you can, we encourage you to do so.
However, transitioning to a plant-based diet can be challenging. Hence, your best option is to reduce your meat consumption and increase your plant-based food. And if you will consume meat, consider buying pasture-raised produce as they were raised in a more humane condition.
2. Walk or Commute When Traveling
In a 2018 study, it was revealed that travel and tourism account for 8% of the world’s carbon emissions.
Luckily, you can reduce your carbon footprint significantly by walking or riding a bike. As for medium-length travels, like from home to office, consider riding the train or any public transportation. Doing so can help you do your part in saving the environment while saving money from gas.
Nonetheless, this should not stop you from traveling by plane if needed. However, we suggest taking a non-stop flight or with the least stopovers.
3. Make Your Own Cleaner
Making an all-purpose cleaner using the items found in your pantry is one of the most cost-effective ways to have a sustainable home.
For one, it allows you to spend less on chemical-laden and toxic cleaning materials. Second, it works the same (if not better than) as the trusted cleaning brands.
In addition, you can ask your professional home cleaners if they use green cleaning supplies. Otherwise, we ask our clients at Maid Sailors Cleaning Service Chicago to let us use their preferred cleaning products.
If hiring a professional home cleaner is not an option, you can always google how you can clean your house without using toxic chemicals.
4. Switch to Eco-friendly Toiletries
Similar to your cleaners, you can also make the switch to sustainable toiletries.
Instead of buying bottled shampoo and conditioner, consider purchasing shampoo and conditioner bars. But if there is an eco-store near your area, check out if they sell refillable shampoo and conditioner.
What’s great about eco-friendly toiletries is that they do not contain a chemical that causes dandruff.
Meanwhile, women can also opt for sustainable sanitary products. This includes menstrual cups and washable period pads. Menstrual cups and period pads are washable and reusable, which means that you do not have to buy pads and tampons every month.
You get to reduce the amount of plastic waste you send to the landfill while saving more money!
5. Reuse and Repurpose
This is probably a straightforward way to have a sustainable home. From your clothes to your household items, there are plenty of ways to reuse and repurpose an item.
For example, you can turn an old bath towel into a kitchen cloth. That’s because all you have to do is cut it into smaller pieces. As for your old clothes, you can always sell or donate them. In relation to this, we suggest that you shop second-hand instead of supporting fast fashion brands.
The key here is to prolong the shelf life of an item. That way, you are sending trash to the landfill often.
Conclusion
It may not look like it, but sustainable living has its benefits.
First, you are doing your part in saving the planet. Second, you get to save money by buying less. Third, you can maximize your electricity, water, and food consumption.
But to reap those benefits, keep these tips in mind to have a zero-waste home:
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- Go on a plant-based diet
- Walk or commute when traveling
- Make your own cleaner
- Switch to eco-friendly toiletries
- Reuse and repurpose
When you do that, you are taking small yet impactful actions in helping the environment.
Infographic Provided by Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc.