There is more focus than ever on living a greener lifestyle. Scientists have continuously researched how we are draining our planet’s natural resources and the methods we can use to stop doing this. Increased pressure on governments has meant that they now push citizens to be smarter about the resources that they use. Here are the best ways you can become greener and start to help save our planet:
1. Use Less Energy
There are a number of ways that you can save energy – and in turn, save some money as well. Here are a number of things you can do to use less energy:
- Replace your lightbulbs with more energy efficient ones when they need changing
- Unplug things when you aren’t using them (such as the kettle, microwave etc.)
- Change the thermostat slightly lower in winter months and slightly higher in summer months (saves on heating/cooling costs)
- Wash your clothes in cold water rather than warm
- When possible, use a clothesline/clothes horse instead of a drying machine
2. Limit Water Use
Humans use a lot of water. We use it to wash ourselves, clothes and dishes. We drink it and use it in cooking. There are numerous things we can do to limit this water use however. Including:
- Replace your existing showerhead with a low-flow one. This limits the water and energy used when showering
- Take shorter showers
- Use drought-tolerant plants in the home, takes away the need to water them
3. Don’t Use as Much Petrol
While it is clear that governments want to move away from petrol-fuelled vehicles, they are still a massive part of our society. Here are the ways that you can use the car less:
- If you live relatively close to work, walk or cycle instead. Not only does this save on petrol, but can improve our health as well
- If you live far away from work, carpool or telecommute instead
4. Stop Drinking Bottled Water
We don’t want to stop you drinking water altogether, but drinking bottled water results in a lot of waste. Instead of buying a bottle of Evian from the shop every day, why not buy your own reusable water bottle and fill it up instead? You can even get water filters so that tap water is purified as well.
5. Live a Greener Lifestyle by Sharing
Instead of having to buy power tools and equipment for the garden all the time, why not share these things with people in your neighbourhood? It will save you money in both the long and short-term while saving energy as well.
6. Don’t Bin Electronics
Lots of people will bin electronics once they are done with them – but you should stop doing this. Use items such as phones and computers for as long as possible. Once they are done, try recycling them first (you can even get money back for them from certain places). Some local councils will even have electronics recycling.