Going sustainable is not about how much you do but more importantly what daily changes towards a sustainable lifestyle you are making. To make it a little easier for you, we have compiled some sustainable living ideas for you to chose from. Many baby steps goes a long way, so get inspired for a better future.
Use a Shower Timer
Nothing beats a nice long shower when it's hot out but try to keep your shower time down to the essential and encourage all your family members to do that too. You will be amazed at how much water you can save. It's also a good idea to install a low flow shower head to save water.
Use LED Light Bulbs
LED bulbs consume less power than fluorescent light and will not only save you dollars on your electrical bill but also reduces greenhouse emission from power plants.
Change to a 100% Clean Energy Source
You may be surprised to find out that quite a few energy suppliers also offer energy from a clean energy source. Check what your provider has to offer and compare.
Use Natural Pigment Paint when Re-decorating
When re-decorating make sure to opt for water-based paints that contain natural pigments. Oil based paints are not as eco friendly so make a wise choice. Water based paints are available in many pleasant colours.
Think Green when Cleaning
Eco friendly cleaning products are now available in a wide range by many brands. They are just as efficient as the conventional cleaning products you have been using for years. Or why not try bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice or vinegar to replace detergent and kill bacteria.
Compost your Vegetable and Fruit Wastes
A small compost is easy to maintain if you have a small balcony. All you need to do is mix the waste with some newspaper and/or soil and give it a mix once a week. Soon you will have fresh soil that you can use on your plants.
Use Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups may seem scary at first glance but they are really easy to use and life changing. Save the planet one period at the time by eliminating waste produced from pads and tampons.
Eat Less Meat
Beef production is big contributing factor to deforestation so by eating less meat you are helping the environment. Going vegan may be a big step but cutting back on meat a few times a week goes a long way and it's good for you too.
Stop Buying Plastic Water Bottles
Instead of buying water in plastic bottles opt for water filters at home. Pitchers or faucet filters are widely available and so simple and convenient to use. Doing so will help reduce your single use plastic consumption.
Buy Energy Saving Certified Products
When you need to buy new electric equipments, source for energy saving certified products. They are not only more sustainable but will help you lower your electrical bill too.
Use Multi Socket Extensions
Surprisingly, you can save up to 15% on your electrical bill by using multi socket extensions throughout your house. Don't forget to unplug the sockets you are not using and don't leave your TV on standby to save energy.
Change Bed Linen to Bamboo
Instead of buying a new set of cotton bed linen, opt for bamboo. Cotton production needs large amounts of water in its production and accounts to 30% of the worlds insecticide use.
Increase the Efficiency of your Aircon
If you live in a hot climate, it is hard to get through nights without an air conditioning system. By installing fans you can increase the efficiency of your air condition and use less of it.
Install Low Flush Toilets
Low flush toilets use about 2 litres less than ordinary toilets per flush. This makes a great difference to your water bill at the end of the month especially if you are a family of more than two people.
Buy Second Hand Furniture
Before you consider buying new furniture check out the second hand furniture stores. You can find unique pieces with lots of charm and save both money and trees at the same time.
Install Monitor Sensing Lights
Monitor sensing lights turn on when you enter a room and turn them off when you leave. They are great if you have teenagers that always forget to switch off the lights when leaving the room.
You can prevent microplastics from entering the environment by installing a microplastic filter in your washing machine or by using microplastic filtering laundry bags. If not, the microplastics shedded from the clothes you wash will end up in seas and lakes where fish will mistake them for food.
Be mindful when you make purchases, are you over consuming? Do research about the products you are planning to purchase to find out more about its sustainability, transparency and ethical ethos.
Find out where you can recycle your old items that you need to dispose of. If we recycle our old items, less of them will end up as landfill or toxic waste.
To save water, purchase a smart washing machine that can sense how much water is needed for the load of clothes you are washing. If your clothes are not heavily soiled, wash them on a cold program or at low heat. This will help to make your clothes last longer as well.
We hope we have inspired you to implement at least one or two new ways towards a more sustainable life style. Do write to us if you have more ideas you would like us to share. We will be happy to hear from you!