Sustainability may be a big conversation, but that doesn’t mean living more sustainably is complex. There are little things you can do every day that can build up to make a big difference.
We’re taking you through 5 sustainability hacks that make your life a little greener, and can even save you some money in the long run. Keep scrolling to see all our favorite tips.
1. Cut down on your paper trail
Using plastic as few times as possible is a great way to be more eco-conscious, but cutting down on paper can also help you lower household wastage. The best way you can do this? Choose reusable options wherever possible.
Instead of choosing paper towels, use cloth towels or cut up old clothes and rags for an easy alternative. This is also a great way to re-purpose old clothes that are too damaged to donate.
If you’re looking for a more eco-conscious alternative to make-up wipes or cleaning wipes, cloth wipes are the way to go here as well. Facecloths and inexpensive towels just need to be popped into the washing machine to use over and over again. If you want a sneaky second sustainability hack, then you can also opt to air dry your washing in the sun to cut down on dryer cycles.
2. Make your plate greener
We all know that vegetables are good for us, but keeping your plate green is also better for the planet.
Making even one meal a day or week vegetarian can make you more sustainable. As a bonus, it also cuts down on your grocery bills, so you know it’s budget-friendly (as well as eco-friendly). You can make this a fun day in your household by calling it meat-free Mondays or trying out new recipes that you never would have tried otherwise. Who knows, this may even help you refresh your weekly menus and make mealtimes more exciting!
This method can also help you cut down on wastage when you use vegetable peels to make stock or soup. Sustainability is all about treating your resources as precious and using them accordingly.
3. Clean consciously
Keeping yourself and your home clean is an everyday priority for you. One thing that may be worsening your impact on the planet, however, might just be the products you’re using to clean.
Everything from unsustainable packaging to the chemicals used in these products can cause harm to you and your environment. Thankfully there are many alternatives that are readily available. Do your research and find cleaning companies that pride themselves on eco-friendly packaging and non-harmful ingredients. You can also go the DIY route and make your own eco-friendly cleaning products that are friendly to you, your home, your wallet, and your environment.
If you want to cut down on the amount of waste your personal care products generate, little shifts like using shampoo and conditioner bars instead of products bottled in plastic can make a difference.
4. Redecorate to make your home more sustainable
Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to cut down on your utility bills and just enjoy your space more.
Ensuring that your home is more sustainable doesn’t always need to mean a huge investment in technology. It can be as simple as buying a rug. That’s right, your interior decorating choices can make a difference in how eco-conscious your home can be.
A rug helps insulate your space, which means you don’t need to turn on the heating as often while still being comfortable. Draught-proofing your home is another great way you can make sure heat isn’t escaping your spaces. Installing shutters or films on your window also helps you moderate your indoor temperature in the long run. On top of being more sustainable, these little touches can also give your home a welcome refresh.
5. Make the most of your green thumb
We love this tip because of how many boxes you can tick off. Growing a few of your favorite herbs at home helps you - save money, cut down on the number of trips you need to make to the grocery store, and lower your plastic use.
This also means you have an endless supply of the ingredients you use most often. You can just pluck off as much or as little of it as you need, which also lowers the amount of waste you generate in your kitchen.
You also don’t need a ton of space to grow a few plants. If you don’t have space for a garden bed or planter box, hanging baskets and vertical gardens are great options for your home. Not only does this serve a functional purpose, but exercising your green thumb can also brighten up your home and make your space more inviting.
Those are just 5 ways you can make your home and planet a little bit greener. Drop us your favorite sustainability hacks in the comments below!