The Easiest Ways to Go Green
It’s the new year, and for many, January is a time to pick up a new hobby, live healthier, or save more money.
Yet, there’s one resolution you could make which will help you accomplish all three of these and more: living more sustainably.
Moreover, while this sounds like a big task, going green can be much simpler than you think.
With only a few minor changes to your day-to-day routine, you can reduce your carbon footprint and live better for the planet and yourself.
With that being said, here are some of the easiest ways to go green this year.
Educational content written by Carys Burton
What are some of the easiest ways to go green?
1. Turn off electronics at night
Electronics such as computers, TVs, or game consoles use a shocking amount of electricity, even in standby mode.
While you may already be turning the lights off when leaving a room or going to bed, try turning off all your electronics as well.
As such, this is an easy way to go green and reduce energy usage, helping the planet and saving money on your bills.
2. Stop rinsing dishes
Whether you have a dishwasher at home or handwash, many people make the mistake of rinsing their dishes first when it’s not necessary.
Dishwasher detergent actually works better when there are some food particles still left on the plate.
Not to mention pre-rising can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water every single year.
This means that stopping is an easy way to go green and is better for the planet and your wallet.
Not only that, but it’s less work for you.
3. Compost your food waste
Food waste is not only ‘wasteful’ but can also seriously affect the environment.
A great way to cut down at home is to start composting what you can.
While composting can sound like a lot of work, it can be as simple as putting food scraps in a different bin.
Check if your community has a compost pile you can add to, or ask local grocery stores.
Also, look at restaurants or farmers’ markets to see if they have programs to take food scraps.
If you have garden space, you can start your own compost bin quite easily too.
This quick guide to composting can help you get started.
4. Invest in some rechargeable batteries
Single-use batteries used in remotes or toys are a huge environmental hazard, ending up in landfills and seeping toxic waste into the ground.
Instead, try investing in a few rechargeables you can replace when necessary.
It costs less in the long run, and a single rechargeable AA battery can replace up to 4,000 single-use batteries.
This makes it an easy way to go green and is significantly better for the plant.
More Of The Easiest Ways to Go Green
5. Walk or cycle more
For most households, a big part of their carbon footprint comes from car journeys.
While sometimes unavoidable, walking or cycling is a much more environmentally friendly (and healthy) option for shorter trips.
So, next time you want to pop to the shops or visit a friend, try leaving the car keys at home – it’s such an easy way to go green.
6. Plant something
If you’re looking to get into a new hobby this year, why not take up gardening?
Plants soak up carbon dioxide from the air and can improve biodiversity in your local area.
You can also control how much time and effort you want to put into it.
From starting with a couple of plant pots on a windowsill all the way to a full flower meadow in your garden.
7. Cut out junk mail
Think of all the mail you get through your door.
The paper is made from cut-down trees, and vast amounts of carbon dioxide are released transporting it to your door.
Junk mail alone generates the same amount of carbon as it takes to heat nearly 13 million homes in the winter.
Cut down by opting out or choosing to go entirely digital – another simple but effective way to go green.
8. When buying, buy sustainable
There will come a point where you can’t repair or reuse something and have to buy something new.
This may be a pair of shoes or a toothbrush.
While anything new will have some environmental cost, it doesn’t take much time to find a more sustainable option.
With climate change becoming more of a concern, eco-versions of almost every common item exist.
It follows that they have a more positive impact on the world around you than their traditional counterparts.
Any of the changes above can help you lead a greener, healthier life without completely changing how you live it.
Just a few small steps, especially when put together, can make a huge difference, and an even bigger one if we all work together.
