Organic foods are usually free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, and look for shade grown or bird-friendly coffee brands to help bird habitats. And if you have the space, start your own garden and plant a variety of foods and flowers to stimulate a healthy ecosystem in your backyard. An easy way to start a more sustainable lifestyle is by avoiding or eliminating single-use plastics. For example, by purchasing one reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 1,500 plastic water bottles per year and $3,000.

Eco-Friendly Food Tips

Recycling is an efficient way to manage the 139.6 million tons of waste that heads to US landfills every year. But it can be a helpful practice only if you actually do it right, which is sometimes not as easy as you may think. Vinyl shower curtains (usually made from PVC) off-gas harmful chemicals for weeks—and sometimes even months – after being unwrapped. They also can’t be recycled, and they usually end up in landfills after a year or two. It’s not just unpleasant; it’s full of phthalates and other toxins. There are a lot of things that parents can do to ensure that their kids are more environmentally friendly at school.

Buy products without packaging wherever possible, or at least with recyclable packaging

how to be more environmentally friendly at home

Did you know in the US alone, we waste 40% of all food produced? According to the EPA, pesticide runoff to streams can pose risks to aquatic life, fish-eating wildlife, and drinking water supplies. Pollutants from agricultural operations can also enter groundwater and degrade sources of drinking water. You should try to stick with seeds and plants that are organic and heirloom varieties. These won’t be genetically modified or sprayed with pesticides/herbicides.

It is important to be aware of your holiday’s footprint on the environment and opt for more sustainable holidays when possible. Synthetic material sheds microplastics in the washing machine, which reach the ocean. The ocean floor holds over 14 million tonnes of microplastics. This number is increasing, with textiles contributing 500,000 tonnes yearly. 16% of the microplastics released into the oceans come from washing these synthetic clothes. The toxic fibres degrade ecosystems and are ingested by sea life and, eventually, mammals, including humans.

how to be more environmentally friendly at home

The washable and reusable Diva Cup is also a great eco-friendly option. You can reduce water used for toilets and money spent on your water bill by replacing old toilets with newer water-efficient models. It takes less energy to create paper through recycled and used sheets than by creating ‘virgin’ paper. For more sustainable living, these leaks need to be repaired. Energy-wise it’s still better than using the hot water one, but also more efficient for cleaning than the cold water setting.

Planting colorful flowers in your garden attracts important pollinators, fostering a more sustainable ecosystem. Herbs and small plants can be grown in even the smallest of areas, such as balconies or windowsills. Implementing solutions for reusing home greywater for gardening can also help to increase sustainability. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances in your home to save energy and reduce bills. Reduce your carbon footprint by walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transportation.

Climate Considerations

how to be more environmentally friendly at home

Swapping clothes with friends, family or neighbors is a great way to refresh your wardrobe without damaging the environment. You can also find local swishing places where you can bring in your old clothes for credit towards quality items in the store, which is known as swishing. When you do need new clothes, try shopping second-hand which is more sustainable than the fast fashion of most department stores. But they’re not just good for decoration—they also help create clean air. Try mother-in-law’s tongue, which gives off oxygen at night. If your city has a recycling system, make sure to take advantage of it.

Make your next mattress organic or sustainable

how to be more environmentally friendly at home

Since living greener means conserving your resources and reducing waste, you can build habits of living with less which means less clutter and less money wasted on things you never use. Shopping in-store is more eco-friendly than shopping online because of the shipping impact of sending goods across Alcoholics Anonymous the world. Plus, when shopping online you may have to return items which further increases your carbon footprint.

  • It’s estimated that homeowners can save about 10% of their bills with a properly set programmable thermostat.
  • You most likely won’t notice the difference (Yale, 2022).
  • Sustainable living ideas are about reusing materials when possible.
  • From energy-saving tweaks to waste-reducing upgrades, there are plenty of ways to green your space without sacrificing comfort or style.

how to be more environmentally friendly at home

Wall-to-wall carpet made with synthetic backing or adhesives often releases VOCs and traps allergens, dust, and chemicals. It’s especially problematic for indoor air quality, since all that gunk settles in and doesn’t easily come out. That old fridge or washing machine might still technically work, but it’s also burning through electricity and water like it’s 1985. Older appliances are far less efficient than today’s ENERGY STAR models, which are designed to use minimal resources while doing more. They also add unnecessary strain on your cooling system in warmer months.

  • If you’re yearning for spring like me and lucky enough to have space for a garden, consider planting native plants.
  • These materials are not only sustainable but also add a touch of elegance and warmth to any space.
  • Maintain and repair items such as clothing, tires, and appliances, so they won’t have to be thrown out and replaced as frequently (US EPA, 2021).
  • Landfills receive around 11.3 million tons of textile waste per year.
  • With innovative technology, low-flow faucets maintain pressure while conserving water, ensuring you don’t sacrifice functionality.

Rainwater collection systems can be as simple as collecting rain in a rain barrel or as elaborate as harvesting rainwater into large cisterns to supply your entire household demand. Living green doesn’t mean you have to settle for less, many items that you find in a used-goods store are just as good as the original. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a WaterSense® labeled model. Low-flow showerheads, such as those with the WaterSense label, use less than two gallons per minute, conserving more water and cutting down your water bill.

  • Eschew unsustainable sheep’s wool and harmful fiberglass for cotton, which can be made into thick batts for your walls.
  • We share sustainability focused ideas, tips, tricks, products, brands and stories about people & organizations living meaningfully to better our planet.
  • Together, let’s embrace this journey of eco-consciousness and eco-friendliness with open hearts and determined spirits.
  • Many of our wildlife species today are living the consequences of the choices we make as a society.
  • Cutting down on plastic use is a great way to help the environment.
  • Rainwater collection systems can be as simple as collecting rain in a rain barrel or as elaborate as harvesting rainwater into large cisterns to supply your entire household demand.
  • Tourism has become a culprit for promoting animal cruelty.
  • Buying vintage is better for the Earth (and your wallet!).
  • Feel assured wearing responsibly sourced clothes today helps protect our ecological heritage.
  • Don’t idle your car, especially while running the air conditioner.
  • It’s also important to consider where your food comes from.

In regions where the grid supports it, households switching to green electricity have been shown to save significant amounts of CO2 annually. Making this shift helps the environment and can also help us save money in the long run. Beyond environmental benefits, sustainable choices often lead to personal gains. Many eco-friendly practices, like reducing waste or opting for energy-efficient appliances, can save money and improve health.

Old clothes could be reused as material for new clothes, or even as cleaning rags to substitute for paper towels. Riding a bike isn’t just good exercise – it’s a perfect way to get where you’re going without carbon emissions. With the average person generating four pounds of trash per day, a bi-weekly meeting at your local recycling center is one of the top eco-friendly changes you can make.