Easy New Habits for a Healthier Planet
Thinking about Earth Day this month on Friday April 22, we have devoted our April Challenge to Building a Stronger Connection with Mother Nature. The first place many of us first look to make a difference is changing some of our daily habits. The world today needs our help more than ever, so we have compiled a list of easy ways you can be “greener” in your day to day lives without a lot of effort:
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
- Install a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
- Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
- Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
- Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Whether you’ve just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
- Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
- Recycle your old cell phones, computers, and other electronics. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
- Make your own cleaning products. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
- Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Electronics can still consume energy even when turned off.
- Run a full dishwasher whenever possible, it uses half the water and energy of washing the same dishes by hand.
Click here to see the full list of new ways you can go greener from World Watch Institute.
