Sustainable living – also known as “going green” – is an increasingly popular lifestyle in the face of changing environmental conditions. There are dozens of small and large ways to reduce your impact on the planet, and here are key tips for embracing a greener lifestyle.
Shop locally for food
Sustainable living starts with small steps right in our local communities. One of the best places to start is in terms of food shopping: shop locally for groceries and reduce your dependence on items that have been brought in from other parts of the country or even the world.
This simple practice can help conserve energy and resources by reducing the amount of long-distance trucking, airfreight, shipping, and other transportation it takes to bring fresh produce and other items to our stores. Benefits also include fresher food, special one-of-a-kind items you may not find elsewhere, more convenient store hours and locations, as well as strengthening local economies by keeping money circulating within your community.
All these benefits can make a significant difference environmentally and economically if enough people get on board and look to their community first when grocery shopping.
Invest in eco-friendly products
Investing in sustainable, eco-friendly products is a great way to live an environmentally conscious lifestyle. Solar panels are one of the most comprehensive ways to reduce your environmental footprint while saving money in the long run. Here in Utah, solar energy is a particularly promising solution, as our climate consists of more than seven hours of daily sunshine, providing ample opportunity for solar power production.
By installing solar panels on your property and/or business, you can cut greenhouse gas emissions while also drastically reducing your electric bill costs. Solar panel installations may even qualify you for tax incentives from local and federal governments. Converting to solar power is a wise investment—for both the environment and your wallet!
Recycle or reuse everything you can
Reusing old items can give them a new life, saving them from the landfill and saving you money. Plus, it can help us learn valuable life skills such as carpentry, sewing, and more. From plastic containers to paper goods, there are countless ways to reuse and repurpose our daily materials.
If you’re handy with tools or are willing to get creative and learn something new, you’ll find yourself amazed by the possibilities of upcycling your items. Even if you don’t have the time or skill to create something from scratch, donating items to thrift stores or finding uses for old things around your house can help cut down on waste and consumption – two integral concepts in sustainable living.
Purchase fewer new items and opt instead for refurbished goods
Purchasing fewer new items and opting instead for refurbished or secondhand goods when possible is one small step that everyone can take to live sustainably. Not only does this decision save money, but it also isn’t wasteful in terms of energy and resources that are used to create new items.
Instead of sending unwanted items to the landfill, someone else has the chance to enjoy them and extend their lifetime utility. This could range from clothes, toys, and furniture, as well as essential household appliances! Shopping secondhand is a great way to find unique and vintage items too, giving you a real sense of satisfaction. So remember to think twice before buying something new—let’s give those second-hand items a good home!
Limit your consumption of resources like water and electricity
By ensuring that we are not relying too heavily on finite resources like water and electricity, we can drastically reduce the amount of waste being created in our environment. Simple changes like unplugging devices when they are not in use and only running the dishwasher or washing machine when it is full can make all the difference in our overall sustainability goals.
Taking advantage of natural sources of light like windows and investing in energy-efficient appliances is also a great way to ensure that you are taking responsibility for your resource consumption.
Plant a garden whenever possible
Planting a garden is an effortless, rewarding way to embrace sustainable living day-to-day. Even a small space in the backyard or balcony can be transformed into a productive oasis of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In addition to the nutritional benefits, gardens restore soil vitality and retain moisture.
Some plants even attract beneficial insects and combat those you’d rather avoid. Gardening is also wonderful for mental health, as it’s mentally therapeutic to get your hands in the dirt and marvel at nature’s beauty; plus, with each harvest you gain satisfaction from knowing that your food doesn’t come from miles away but from your own efforts!
All these tips contribute to a more sustainable future and ensure that you’re doing your part to conserve the planet’s resources.
