If 404 grams of carbon dioxide per mile doesn’t sound like a lot, remember that (on average) this adds up to roughly 2. 4 tons a year![4] X Research source If you do have to drive, how you drive matters a great deal. Don’t accelerate or slam on the brakes unnecessarily. Drive smooth, slow, and calm. It’s safer, and you’ll consume less fuel. [5] X Research source If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you can afford it, buy an energy-efficient electric vehicle.
If you run a business, cut back on unnecessary travel meetings by setting up video conferences or conference calls. This is much cheaper, so you’ll save some money, too!
If you have a choice between hot water and cold water, go for cold water. This is especially key when it comes to washing clothes, since you normally don’t need hot water to get moderately-dirty clothes clean. If you’re into gardening, opt for a garden full of native plants that won’t require additional water.
If you want an eco-friendly way to get rid of food waste, start a compost pile in your yard.
If you want an eco-friendly way to get rid of food waste, start a compost pile in your yard.
If you want an eco-friendly way to get rid of food waste, start a compost pile in your yard.
If you don’t want to go for LED lightbulbs, at least get CFLs. CFLs are also much better for the environment than the traditional incandescent bulb. [13] X Trustworthy Source US National Park Service Agency responsible for the maintenance and promotion of national parks and monuments Go to source However, they must be disposed of at a specified recycling facility because they contain mercury. In many countries, IKEA also offers recycling for non-fluorescent lighting and batteries.
If your home gets a little drafty when it’s cold out, re-seal your windows and install weather stripping on any exterior doors. This will keep cold air from getting in while trapping hot air inside your home. Alternately, replace your windows and reap the savings in your bills! Upgrading your home thermostat to a smart thermostat can help the environment as well. With a smart thermostat, you can turn the heat or air off when you aren’t home. [15] X Research source
Many municipalities and countries offer tax discounts and credits for converting to solar energy![17] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Department of Energy Official site for the U. S. Department of Energy, which provides resources related to energy safety, conservation, and efficiency Go to source High-end storage systems like the Tesla Powerwall can store the generated energy for periods of low sunlight (e. g. overnight).
Energy efficient appliances may cost a little more up front, but you’ll save money in the long run from the discount on your utility bills. When you buy a new appliance, you can typically get the delivery crew to take your old one with them if you pay for that service (sometimes it’s free, though the fees are often low). Otherwise, you can call a waste and recycling company to come grab your old appliance. Never place appliances in the garbage. They must be disposed of at designated appliance/electronic waste recycling facilities.
If you’re really looking to make the biggest impact possible, a vegan diet is going to be the best for the environment. Soy and almond milk are great alternatives to traditional dairy! If you do get the urge for meat, opt for chicken or fish instead of eating beef or lamb. It requires a lot less energy to produce fish or chicken. It’s also better for you![20] X Research source
Look online for local “buy nothing” social media pages, or scour Craigslist to find used goods. Everything from auto parts to cutlery can be repurposed and reused. When it’s time to do some spring cleaning, donate or give away old stuff you don’t need instead of tossing it in the trash.
By voting with your wallet, you’ll encourage other businesses in the area to put some effort into saving the environment. Remember, it may cost a little more to purchase goods from sustainable businesses.
Keeping a canvas bag near the front door in a highly-visible location will make it much easier to remember to grab it on your way out.
