Might you classify yourself as a laid-back (or even “lazy”) environmentalist? It’s all good! If you care about the world you live in and feel pressure to go green, but are looking for ways to ease yourself into the eco lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 little life adjustments that will see you on your way to making a big difference in preserving the planet.
1. Update your bulbs at home.
Lighting accounts for 18 percent of a typical home’s electricity bill. It stands to reason that you can significantly reduce your energy use and bills by seeking out certified energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs last up to 15 times longer and use about 70 to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. You’ll really score by saving yourself the extra effort of frequent bulb changes.
2. Create compost.
Composting may sound like a lot of work, especially for those who don’t know how to get started – but it’s easy! The basic principle behind the practice is that you toss organic material into a pile, provide a little oxygen and water, and after a while – voila! – you’ve got nutrient-rich compost that is suitable for fertilizer. Countertop or freezer composting is especially ideal for apartments, condos and other small living spaces. In recent years, many cities have added compostable food scraps to their waste collection. You may also wish to check in with community gardens or your local farmers market for disposal options.
3. Clean up your personal transportation.
Did you know that car tires, if left underinflated, can decrease your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 3 per cent, thereby adding to greenhouse gas emissions? Alarming, right? By keeping your car and trunk tidy, you’ll be free of unnecessary weight that could be forcing your vehicle work harder than it should. Take a couple of minutes to lighten the load, and drive smarter.
4. Pare down on packaging.
When you consider that every item you throw into the garbage is destined for landfill, it’s easy to trace the direct impact of your shopping choices towards this growing problem. Look for products, especially produce items, that come with little or no packaging. If you need to purchase packaged and/or processed foods, you may take a moment to check out labels for recycled or recyclable materials that play a small, but important role, in reducing landfill overwhelm. In general, these decisions in grocery stores and restaurants present multiple opportunities for action for so many of us, every single day.
5. Enrol friends and family in the cause.
So, you’ve discovered how simple it can be to make a huge difference in protecting the planet. Now, more than ever, is the time to be loud and proud: share these tips, and others you’ve uncovered on your journey, with friends and family. You don’t need to be a social media star to make an impact that draws positive attention. Environmental action is an area in which sharing truly is caring, for ourselves and for each other. We’re all in this together and we all benefit as citizens of a cleaner, healthier world!
Live Eco, Love the Planet.
#iliveeco
With love and compassion,
Team Karunaki