It’s easy to think of all the big changes you want to make in the new year, but we always save them for later. Here we help you with 10 green solutions that are so simple that you have no reason not to use them.
1. Never buy bottled water again.
Change your bottled water drinking habit with a homemade filter and you’ll help reduce the 17 million barrels of crude oil used to make plastic water bottles each year. Combine it with a reusable bottle (e.g. glass, aluminum or recycled plastic) and you’ll always be ready to quench your thirst.
Bonus: Since bottled water is no longer on your shopping list, you can save big this year.
2. Make your own fair trade coffee
Carrying your own coffee in an insulated travel mug can help reduce waste from paper cups and bags, of which 58 billion are thrown away every year.
Here are some solutions to enjoy more sustainable coffee at home: Choose fair trade coffee blends to support farmers; add oat milk instead of cream; and try a French press instead of an espresso machine, which uses individual capsules to reduce packaging waste.
3. Limit the use of paper towels.
If you use paper towels for everything from mopping up spills and wiping down counters to scrubbing the bathroom and keeping your hands clean during dinner, it’s time for a change.
Instead, buy cotton fabrics and cloth napkins; Then throw them in the washing machine if you do a lot of washing.
Fabric options are just as easy to use as paper options and only require a one-time purchase.
4. Consider reusable bags
By going to the supermarket with a reusable shopping bag, you can reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in the trash by about 1 million bags per minute.
Taking reusable bags to the store is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, but the hardest part about using these bags is simply remembering to do it. Take her with you.
5. Use bicycles for short journeys
Giving up the car and bike requires some sacrifice, but even an environmentalist can help you take short trips that don’t require much travel: buying milk at the local supermarket, shopping, eating ice cream after dinner at your favorite dessert restaurant, Do yoga class by morning brunch with friends in a cafe.
By cycling less than 2 miles, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, save money on gas and car maintenance, and improve your fitness at the same time.
6. Eliminate virtual energy
It takes about a second to turn off power-hungry electronics when they are in standby mode. If you really don’t care, leave it to smart, energy-efficient devices.
Here are some solutions: Use an extension cord to turn off all devices at once; Set timers to automatically turn off your TV, console, gaming system, and stereo at night, and invest in a charger that stops using power when the device’s battery is fully charged.
Without lifting a finger, you can reduce your energy costs by up to 10% per year.
7. Order from your local farmers office
Some shops are located at the farmers market. Going to the market always seems like a great idea until Saturday morning comes and you realize that you have to get up early, have enough money and compete with other buyers for the best strawberries.
Instead, let a local farming group do the hard work for you by packing a box of the best produce each week, or if you’re really lazy, order direct delivery straight to your door so you can get local fruits and vegetables fresh get without having to miss morning coffee and crossword puzzles.
8. Become a part-time vegetarian
Halving your meat consumption could reduce your carbon footprint by around a tonne per year, and preparing meat-free meals isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Try these solutions: pancakes and fruit for breakfast; for lunch, fresh salad or sandwich with fried vegetables; and vegetable pizza, bean soup and creamy risotto for dinner.
Because doubling a recipe rarely requires more prep time, you can prepare additional meals throughout the week (and reduce your carbon footprint even further).
9. Energy solutions
Converting your home to clean energy can seem like a hassle—installing solar panels or geothermal energy isn’t a task for those struggling with construction issues.
However, you can do this from the comfort of your chair: call your local energy provider and ask if they offer renewable energy solutions.
You may notice a slight increase in your score, but this is an easy way to make a big difference.
10. Replace the bulb
Replacing incandescent or CFL bulbs with efficient LEDs could be the biggest change for environmentalists.
Despite all the jokes, it only takes one person to change a light bulb, and since CFLs last longer than traditional light bulbs, this is one of the best solutions we can offer. You will save many years of time and reduce energy consumption. Up to 80%%.