Did you know that even when you are staying at home and not contributing to the rising rate of air pollution, you can still contribute to environmental decay?
There are different lifestyles at home, but they consume energy and even produce toxic waste materials. No matter how often global warming trends on the internet, if households are unaware of reducing their carbon footprint, there will be no substantial environmental change in this lifetime. Luckily, it is not impossible to start leaning toward green living, even in minor ways. These environmental practices can yield better, cost-effective, and substantial results.
Usually, people spend more time at home because of the ongoing pandemic. Although that means lesser transportation pollution, it means greater power consumption. More and more fossil fuels are being used to power a whole city. Thus, even the smallest measures you can do to contribute to the good of the planet will already do.
Of course, no one can ask you to stop living and stop watching your favorite shows. But as always, there are green alternatives that everyone can do. Here are some of them:
Update Your Appliances
Did you know that outdated appliances take more power than newer ones? They are made with older hardware pieces that generate more power and lesser function. For example, take an air conditioning unit you bought ten years ago. Chances are, it does not have an inverter system, which produces efficient and cooler air.
Consider updating your appliance as an essential step to green living. With smart technology appliances, you consume less power and, at the same time, save more money.
Participate in Earth Day
Have you ever thought about how big a difference is if everyone participated in something? The same thing goes for Earth Day, where everyone in the world is invited to turn off their lights for one whole night. That means the world is not experiencing any power burn for a crucial number of hours, and these hours are a well-deserved break for our planet.
Furthermore, it does not have to be Earth Day to turn off your lights when you do not need them. It is an eco-friendly habit to practice that can go a long way if everyone else follows through.
Limit Your Plastic and Paper Use
Plastics take years to degrade, and even then, it is toxic waste that harms the planet. Meanwhile, papers all come from deforestation. Yes, people once thought paper bags were alternatives for plastic bags. But there are even better options. Consider using reusable tote bags or, as some shops call it, eco-bags. This material can last for a couple of years, and you do not have to throw it away. You can simply wash it and bring it the next time you do your groceries.
Pro tip: You can even make your shopping bags using old pieces of cloth, rags, and even towels. You do not have to be talented in sewing to patch cloths up to make a sustainable plastic bag that won’t harm the turtles.
Know Your Local Waste Management
Now, this is an important and proactive decision for homeowners. Your local governments are responsible for your town’s waste management. Knowing the full details is essential to ensure they are not violating any natural resources.
You can never be sure that politicians will do everything to cut costs, especially with things they think are minimal enough to conceal. When you find out that they are violating any natural reserves, it is better that you find alternatives for your waste materials. You can focus on donating the possessions that others can still use, and even take care of your waste management yourself.
However, another course of action you can take is to bring it up to your whole neighborhood, form an organization, sign a petition, and present your case to the authorities.
Build a Garden
Lastly, you can help the environment by growing plants at home. There are always tree-planting projects in the neighborhood, but why stop there? You can do the same in your house and even find yourself benefiting from the fresh air and wonderful aura plants bring with them. You can grow flowers and even a vegetable garden. You can even start with small houseplants, and the outcome will still be there. But make sure you protect your investment from the elements, pests, and invaders. Invest in motion-sensing alarms and estate gates and fencing to know when raccoons are digging into your tomato garden.
Homeowners can help with the green movement even from the comfort of their houses. It is just up to you to take action and be part of the change you want to see in the world.
