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What Are Some Ways To Go Green?
Many of us start a new year with aspirations to achieve goals and hit targets. If you’ve decided that 2021 is the year to go green, this guide should come in handy. Here are some actionable ways to go green you can start applying in your life today, to reduce environmental impact.
Getting from A to B
Most of us need to get out and about on a regular basis to get to work, or run errands. When looking for how to go green, while it may not be possible or viable to cut out traveling altogether, there are ways to embrace eco-friendly commuting and to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you usually drive to work, it may be possible to use public transport or car share with your coworkers. You can also walk, run or cycle, or you may consider swapping your current car for a hybrid or electric vehicle. Small changes can make a big difference to the environment, especially over the course of time. As well as contributing to protecting the planet, going green can also save you money. If you run or ride a bike to work, or you swap a gas-guzzling vehicle for an environmentally friendly car, you may be surprised at how much you save.
Reduce Plastic Usage
One of the simplest and most effective ways to go green at home is by reducing plastic usage. We have become so accustomed to using plastic for a vast range of products, that many of us go about our days without even thinking about how much plastic we use in an average week or month.
From foods to water bottles and carrier bags, our homes are often packed with plastic. If you’re keen to try and decrease the amount of plastic you buy, there are some very simple strategies you can employ. Look into buying a reusable cup or flask for hot and cold drinks, swap plastic bags for paper carrier bags or reusable shopping bags that you’ll own for life, and look for products that are packed in recyclable materials. Make sure that you recycle as much plastic waste as you can. Here is a perfect bundle to get started:
Save Energy
Have you ever thought that your energy bills seem alarmingly high? Do you often walk into rooms with the TV and the lights on, despite the fact that nobody is in there?
Most of us are guilty of wasting energy and these energy costs are not only impacting our bank balances, but also the Earth. We can all do our bit to save energy, and there are several ways to go green which are both energy saving, and help decrease energy bills at the same time.
From turning lights off and using smart appliances, to installing a smart meter and turning appliances off at the socket, it’s very easy to make a difference. Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs is another simple solution. It’s also beneficial to wait until your dishwasher and washing machine have full loads before running them, or ensure that you turn off lights if you’re leaving the room, or going to bed.
If you find that your bills rocket in the winter months, insulating your home is an excellent, cost-effective way to go green, and reduce energy consumption. If you can retain heat and prevent warm air escaping, this will ensure you are cozy and comfortable without having the heating on all day. Also, investigate roof and cavity wall insulation, plug gaps under doors and in walls, and consider double glazing if you don’t currently have double glazed windows and doors.
Embrace Sustainable Shopping
We live in a world where it’s possible to buy products at the touch of a button. We are used to online shopping, we have myriad stores at our disposal, and many of us buy far more than what we need. If you find that you have clothes that still have their tags on months after you’ve bought them, or your cupboards are full of items you never use, try and change your attitude towards shopping to reduce waste, and embrace sustainability.
Wondering what are some easy ways to go green when shopping?
Focus on quality, rather than quantity, look for value and ask yourself whether you really need that item before you commit to buy. Stop buying out of impulse or just because there are sales. Look for brands and businesses that support eco-friendly initiatives, and use sustainable materials, and resources and shop with companies that are aligned with your values.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources produce power through natural resources like solar and wind power. If you don’t already receive energy from renewable sources, investigate your options, undertake research, and see how you could benefit from switching to green energy.
There are various options to go green, including installing solar panels at home or signing up to a provider that generates energy through renewable sources. If you live in an area where sunshine is plentiful, and you’re keen to explore solar power, it’s worth getting quotes from different companies and finding out if you are eligible for financial grants or assistance. You may have to cover the cost of installation, but once your panels are up and running, you should find that your energy bills decrease dramatically.
Save Water
How often do you indulge in a hot water bath or leave the water running while you brush your teeth, or wash the dishes? Many of us waste water and it’s not until you start looking for ways to go green and start analyzing your habits, that you realize just how much water you use in an average day, week, or month.
We all need to use water, but there are often opportunities to reduce usage and save water. Try to avoid having baths on a regular basis and opt for a quick shower instead. Turn the tap water off while you’re brushing your teeth and use a bowl to wash the dishes. Only boil as much warm water as you need if you’re filling the kettle to make a cup of tea or coffee and collect and reuse rainwater. You can use rainwater to water your plants or clean the car, for example.
Final Notes
More and more people are looking for ways to go green in their daily lives. If you’ve also decided that you’d like to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle in 2021, there are some very simple changes you can make. Take these tips on board to protect the planet and save money.
Hoping our post has inspired you to go green and become kinder with the Planet, why not have a look at our sustainable living blog. We have many other interesting resources you can browse through:
