By Everyone has an obligation to make the world a better place to live in. Although it is true that some changes have to take place on governmental and corporate scales, the environmental experts at SOL + SPIRIT suggest that there are several ways an average individual can make their everyday routine more eco-friendly.
Some of these ways include:
1. Shop Online
You may think that online shopping is an excellent service in terms of saving time and giving you access to better prices. But it is also important to note that it is good for the environment. Since you won’t have to drive your car to the shop you’ll use less energy, which translates into fewer emissions of carbon dioxide compared to in-store shopping.
2. Consider Walking
If you live within a reasonable distance from your job or have a car-free commute, walking is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Even short walks add up over time!
For those who live in places with cold winters, you can also consider swapping your car for public transportation if you have a nearby stop. Doing so will reduce carbon emissions compared to driving.
3. Shop Local And Eat Seasonally
The easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint when it comes to your food purchases is to shop local and eat seasonally. By shopping at your local farmers’ market or grocery store in-season, you are likely purchasing produce that was grown closer to your home, which means less transportation emissions, as well as fresh produce, which means less energy is required to preserve it (plastic-sealed produce requires a lot of energy to keep it preserved). Don’t forget to use reusable produce bags to carry your products and learn how to keep produce fresh by storing them in freshie food saver bags. Here’s a good guide on how to use reusable produce bags if you need help on how to switch from plastic and live more sustainably.
4. Learn How To Repair
It might seem difficult to repair things when they break. But with the internet today, you may learn how to repair those items easily instead of throwing them away.
5. Prioritize Energy Efficiency Methods
One of the best ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint is to make your home more energy-efficient. By reducing the amount of energy your home uses, you can cut your energy costs and your carbon emissions.
One of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient is to weatherproof your home. You can do this by caulking your windows and doors, installing insulation, and installing storm shutters. Another way to make your home more energy efficient is to improve your heating and cooling system. This can be done by installing an energy efficient thermostat, insulating your ducts, and upgrading your system to a newer, more energy efficient model.
Another way to make your home more energy efficient is to install solar panels. These may not be an option for everyone, but they are a great way to reduce your carbon emissions.
6. Use Natural Products For Cleaning
When possible, choose all-natural cleaning products over their synthetic counterparts. Natural cleaning products are often gentler on skin, hair, and clothes, and they often smell much better than synthetic products. They’re also often safer for the environment.
Although you’ve probably heard that living in a modern, industrialized society is bad for the environment, it’s not always clear how one can live more sustainably. The truth is that reducing your environmental footprint is not just an issue for the environment. It also means not only meeting your basic needs but also making the world a better place and being more self-reliant. These aren’t just good things. Research shows that individuals who make their homes more sustainable have a more fulfilling life, are less likely to have a stress-related illness and are more likely to volunteer.
