Summer is finally here! If you’re like most people, that means you’re spending most of your time outdoors. Whether you’re traveling or simply lounging in your own backyard, summer is the perfect time to make your surroundings more eco-friendly. While it may seem like an impossible task, it doesn’t have to be. We’ll show you how to be more eco-friendly in your day-to-day life.
1. Be aware of your water consumption
It’s easy to be more eco-friendly with some simple adjustments to your daily routine. One way to cut down on your impact is to be more mindful of how much water you use. The less water you use, the less strain you put on local water supplies and the environment. There are lots of ways to conserve water, like turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, taking shorter showers and watering your plants in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler.
2. Get into the habit of recycling
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to be more eco-friendly. You probably already have a recycling bin in your home, and all you need to do is start using it! If your municipality does not recyclable, consider switching to a recycling company that does. There are a lot of different ways to recycle, so find the ones that work best for you and your lifestyle. For example, you can recycle clothes, paper, plastic, metal and electronics. And don’t forget about composting! Composting helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and it’s great for your garden, too.
3. Cook your meals from scratch as much as possible
There are plenty of small things you can do to make a big impact on the environment. For example, try cooking your meals from scratch as much as possible. This not only cuts down on wastefulness, but it also means you’ll be eating healthier, too! Not to mention, you’ll get to customize your meals to your exact liking, which is always a bonus. If you’re looking for some recipes to get started, our blog has plenty to choose from. Check out our Spicy Quinoa Burrito Bowl or our Grilled Vegetable Salad for some delicious and healthy ideas.
4. Shop for used items
There are a few different ways you can reduce your carbon footprint this summer. One of our favorite tips? Shop for used items. Whether it’s clothes, furniture or appliances, buying used is a great way to save money and help the environment. It’s also a great way to find unique pieces that you wouldn’t find at your average store. Thrift stores, flea markets and online marketplaces are all great sources for used items. Just be sure to do your research and make sure the item is still in good condition. You don’t want to end up with a broken piece of furniture or a shirt that’s falling apart.
5. Ditch the bottled water
When it comes to staying hydrated, ditch the bottled water and opt for a reusable water bottle instead. Bottled water is not only expensive, but it’s also terrible for the environment. According to the Worldwatch Institute, making and shipping bottled water uses 17 million barrels of oil annually, and that’s not including the fuel used to refrigerate all those bottles. Yikes! Not to mention, all that plastic ends up in our oceans and landfills, where it takes centuries to decompose. By switching to a reusable water bottle, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to help the environment. Plus, you’ll be saving money in the process. Win-win!
Eco-Friendly Is The New Way
It’s always a good idea to incorporate sustainable practices into your daily life. By making just a few small changes, you can help conserve water and energy and save money – not to mention that you’ll be doing Mother Nature a favor!