When it comes to living a sustainable lifestyle, small changes can make a big impact. By incorporating green habits at home and into our daily routines, we contribute in a positive way to a healthier planet.
It’s so true!! In fact, over the last couple years two of my small changes have saved approximately 200 rolls of toilet paper(3,000 gallons of water, and unverified amounts of tree pulp, manufacturing electricity, and plastic packaging), and approximately 720 tampons (approximately 1440 grams of plastic).
And small changes don’t have come with any confusion like toxins and ingredients to avoid, certifications to look for, or cryptic recycling guidelines; these five simple ways take up a couple extra seconds a day and result in your being more environmentally friendly in your daily routine. By building these green habits at home, we reduce our environmental impact, save a shit-ton of money, and improve our overall well-being.
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Enjoy a Cleaner Bottom with a Bidet:
Switching to a bidet isn’t just about personal comfort; it’s a sustainable choice with numerous benefits for the environment. Traditional toilet paper production requires vast amounts of water, energy, and trees, contributing to deforestation and water pollution. By using a bidet, you can significantly reduce your toilet paper usage, conserving trees, water, and plastic packaging while reducing the waste you flush away. Additionally, bidets use less water per use compared to the production process of toilet paper, making them better for the environment by conserving water.
We added our seat-attachment bidet in 2020 and it is hands-down one the BEST purchases we have ever made. And one of the SIMPLEST DIY projects we’ve done to-date.
Save Plastic with BYO Utensils and Containers:
Single-use plastics, such as utensils and to-go containers, have become a major environmental concern due to their contribution to plastic pollution, especially as eating out has risen significantly, with Americans spending as much as 70 billion dollars a year eating food they didn’t prepare. By bringing your own reusable utensils and containers when dining out or getting takeout, you can help minimize your reliance on single-use plastics. This will reduce your waste, but it also sends a message to businesses about the importance of offering sustainable alternatives. Plus, using your own utensils and containers can add a personal touch to your dining experience.
When I travel for work, I’m normally in a different city everyday so there isn’t much time for me to prepare my own food in my hotel rooms. I do bring my bamboo silverware set with me so that I can request “No Utensils” when I order any food out. It’s a really simple change, but as more people do it, the more mainstream it gets…until adding utensils is no longer the standard.
Save Energy by Unplugging Chargers and Appliances:
Standby power consumption, also known as phantom power, occurs when electronic devices and chargers continue to draw power even when they’re not in use. Since we started energy monitoring, we haven’t noticed this being any SIGNIFICANT consumption except on items like our furnace or mini-split heat pump. When those aren’t in use, we flip the breakers. But our chargers and appliances are always pulling small amounts of power; this unnecessary energy usage contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and increases electricity bills. An example would be the recent (2016) energy efficiency changes to microwave standby modes so that they consume less power when not being in use.
By getting into the habit of unplugging chargers and turning off power strips when devices are fully charged or not in use, you can save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus unplugging items like your toaster or crockpot when they aren’t in use prevents electrical fires too (my anxious brain thought you should know that, since the Boyfriend and I disagree on it all the time).
Shop Second-Hand:
The fast fashion industry and consumer culture have led to a significant amount of waste, with clothing being discarded at alarming rates, only worn a couple of times. Or worse, never worn at all. By embracing second-hand shopping, whether it’s at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces like ThredUp, you can extend the lifespan of clothing. You also save clothes from going to landfills, and reduce the need for new clothes be produced, all while building yourself a sustainable wardrobe on a budget.
Shopping second-hand saves you so much money but it also reduces the environmental impact of clothing production, including water usage, chemical pollution, and carbon emissions. Plus, you can find unique and one-of-a-kind items that reflect your personal style or create your signature style with vintage items.
Reuse your Food Waste by Composting:
Organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, makes up a significant portion of household waste sent to landfills. In landfills, organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. By starting a composting system at home, you can divert your food (and other organic) waste from landfills and instead create nutrient-rich soil that can be used to enrich gardens and landscapes.
I know when we started composting, even just a little bit before we knew ANYTHING, we saw about a 75% reduction in the amount of trash our local waste management facility has to pick up each month. I know, crazy, right??? Composting is a natural process that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves soil health, and closes the nutrient cycle. Whether you have a backyard compost pile or use a countertop compost bin, composting is a simple and effective way to practice sustainable living.
Creating Eco-Friendly Habits with Small Changes
Making these small and simple changes to our daily habits can have a more significant impact on the health of our planet than we can even quantify. By creating and sticking to our new green habits at home, we’re sparking conversations and inspiring others. Trust me, if you get a bidet, people will 100% ask you all sorts of questions about it (if you’re in the United States). These actions may seem small, but when multiplied across individuals and communities, they contribute to a larger movement toward sustainability. Let’s remember that every choice we make, no matter how small, shapes the world we live in. Together, let’s continue to explore, innovate, and advocate for a greener future, and a healthier planet.
