While the climate change debate has been a top agenda around the world, protecting the environment starts at home!
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Simple steps like separating the plastic and paper in your trash can go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint. By making small lifestyle changes, you not only contribute to a healthy planet, but you also save money. While it may seem a chore to go green, simple, manageable actions can have a significant impact. Research has shown that protecting the planet goes a long way in promoting a healthy environment. To help you with that, here are a few ways you can lead a greener life.
1. Reduce the use of chemical cleaning agents
One of the easiest ways to reduce pollution is to reduce the use of cleaning chemicals. First, swap out your chemicals for organic or green detergents. Products like UV light disinfectants are a great example of surface cleaners that you can use to kill germs and protect the environment. Also, throw away all cleaning products that do not have a recyclable container.
2. Reduce your meat intake
Another easy step is to stop or cut down on your meat consumption. Believe it or not, cutting down on meat consumption several days a week can make a big difference in environmental protection. The production of meat requires large areas of land, water and chemicals. In fact, around 30% of the earth's land mass supports livestock production.
Research by the United Nations shows that 9% of global CO2 comes from human activities related to meat production. Refrain from eating meat a few days a week and you will make a great contribution to reducing the consumption of resources in meat production. Replace the meat in your meals with seafood or vegetables.
3. Start recycling items
The easiest and most effective way to reduce carbon emissions is through recycling. Start by providing a container for recycling materials like plastic and glass. Look for recycling services in your neighborhood. Most Recycling service providers offer recycling services for private households. You can also inquire about recycling services with your city council.
4. Use less paper
In today's digital world, people rely more on digital technology and computers, which makes it easier to avoid using paper. First, reduce your reliance on paper, e.g. B. Notebooks are generally even papers. The less you use paper, the more you reduce production. That means fewer trees have to be felled to make paper, which will save the planet in the long run.
For example, instead of using dozens of paper towel rolls to clean up for cleaning, cut a piece of cloth from your old clothes and use it as a rag. Wash the rag after cleaning and use it again for the next cleaning exercise. Around 40% of solid municipal waste currently consists of paper and paper products. Because of this, you either reduce paper consumption or recycle more.
5. Reduce the energy consumption of your home
There are many ways you can reduce the amount of energy you use in your home. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint, but you also save money on your electricity bills. It's good for the environment and your pocket. First pull the power plug out of the socket when you are not using the device.
Lower the temperature setting on your thermostat in winter and increase it in summer. You can also wash your clothes in cold water instead of heated water and then dry them on a clothesline.
6. Disposable plastic water bottles
Throw away all single-use bottles, including the recyclable ones. The once-used plastic water bottles pose a threat to the oceans and landfills. They are also expensive. You can replace this once used water bottle with a BPA-free reusable bottle and use a water purifier for clean water.
7. Use environmentally friendly pest control and lawn care
The traditional way of controlling pest and lawn care involves hazardous chemicals that are dangerous to the environment. Thanks to technology, you can now choose other means that are safer for your environment. In this way, you not only help protect the environment, but also protect your pets and your family.
8. Replace plastic bags with canvas bags
Most stores provide a canvas bag as an alternative to generic plastic bags. Although they are relatively more expensive than wasteful plastic paper bags, they can help you in other ways. One of the great things about canvas bags is that they are more sturdy than a plastic bag. You can also use them for packing items when moving homes.
9. Buy only what you need
Are you throwing away items or food that you should be eating but not? An easy way to help the environment and save money is to plan your resources. First, create a shopping list and only buy what is most important. Be committed to your plan and avoid throwing money in the trash.
10. Use reusable cutlery, cups and plates
While utensils cleaning is not convenient, single-use tableware waste accumulates in landfills and pollutes the environment. To do your part to reduce the greenhouse effect, you can opt for reusable dishes for your meals.
Conclusion
Opting for an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn't have to be drastic for your routine. To get started, just follow any of the simple steps above and over time, adopt it.