Let’s face it: we are all looking for ways to go greener. Over the past few years, it has been impossible to ignore the signs of climate change. It tells that global warming has dominated the news cycle to the extent that it has since 2020. We have seen extreme weather events worldwide, from Australia to Texas. We have seen the world’s leaders gather to try and hammer out a global agreement that will impact the way things are going, and our President is investing huge sums of money into the effort. When an issue is as huge as climate change is, it can sometimes feel like our impact as individuals are minimal.
But there are so many things that we can do that will affect us, and we all need to be stepping up to take responsibility. With that in mind, we have put together a list of simple things that you can do to cut down on your carbon footprint at home and how you can help the local wildlife in your area. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Think Bigger With Your Recycling
It seems safe to assume that we all recycle a lot of our household waste these days. We rinse out our cans and bottles, separate our trash, and we always check the label to see if what we are buying can be recycled. However, there is more than you can be doing beyond your typical household waste to go greener.
One of the biggest issues we are facing in recycling is our electronics. Every time we buy a new computer, tablet, TV, or phone, we are faced with the issue of what we are going to do with our old ones. This is how we end up with such a colossal amount of electronic waste (or e-waste). So, before you throw your old electronics in the trash, check to see if they still work. If so, consider giving them to a charity shop or a local institution. If not, find out where your nearest electronic recycling center is.
Think About Your Appliances
We all know that our old appliances are responsible for eating up a huge chunk of our energy bills. As the technology develops, the energy rating for everything from cookers to washer dryers improves. However, many of us are still using outdated models that consume a tremendous amount of energy. There are several different solutions that you could consider if you want to cut down on your bills and your carbon footprint and go greener.
The first would be to replace your existing appliances with newer models, although this is a costly step to take. Alternatively, you could make sure that you use them as little as possible. This is an approach that is somewhat limited and limiting, but you can certainly save a good chunk of money by air-drying your clothes instead of putting them through the dryer. If you cannot upgrade your own machines, think about using a laundry with energy-efficient washers and dryers. Try the smart washers by Sundancewash to see how their smart technology can make your clothes cleaner and your experience better. They offer a range of soaps and payment options, and they offer a friendly, clean environment to give you the best possible service. Think about using solar panels to reduce your electric bill and be more sustainable.
Look At Your Insulation
Speaking of energy bills, there is nothing more frustrating than realizing that your home is simply incapable of staying at the temperature you want, no matter how long you blast the heating or the air conditioning. If you are spending a lot of money on your thermostat with very little to show for it, you may be looking at an insulation issue.
It is well worth getting someone out to look at some of the classic problem areas of the home, such as your attic or basement to find ways to go greener. Exterior-facing walls could also be a point of energy loss. If you are committed to staying in your home for the foreseeable future, you will want to take this step as we start to see more extremes of both heat and cold.
Look At How Your Garden Can Attract Wildlife
We are seeing a shocking decrease in the number of birds and insect life worldwide. Many people only think about how these issues impact their day today, but the fact is that these losses have a tremendous impact on our environment. Now, you may not be able to install a full bee colony on your property (although if you are, this is definitely something that you should think about), but there are plenty of steps that you can take to help to boost the number of wildlife species in your area. Putting in bushes that attract insect life will also help to draw birds to your property. Install a birdbath or water feature to bring in some more feathered friends and think about putting some food out for them too. Just remember to put it all out of reach if you have a cat!
Shop Responsibly
It can be tough to shop locally when you are in a rush, but this is one of the most effective things that you can do to cut down on your own carbon footprint and go greener. Do your research to find out what stores in your area offer produce that has not had a ridiculously long journey to reach you. Local stores will be more than happy to talk to you about where their goods have come from.
Committing to a meat-free diet is a good thing to do for the environment, but you still need to be aware of how your fruits and vegetables have got to your dinner plate. Try to shop for produce that is in season if you can. Finally, a note about clothes. There has been a big push towards sustainable fashion in recent years. More and more brands are being upfront about how their wares are made. Check online before you buy to ensure that the manufacturers are as conscientious as you are.
See how a first grader saves the earth from juice pouches!
Featured Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay
