Simple Ways to Live More Sustainably in 2022
There is a misconception that living sustainably means living without luxury. While adopting a sustainable lifestyle does require you to change certain aspects of your daily routine and decision-making, it does not mean that you can't live comfortably.
When it comes down to it, sustainability simply refers to being conscious of how many resources you consume each day and trying to minimize needless waste. And fortunately, there are some practical ways that each of us can make our lifestyle more eco-friendly. BeNat shares some of them below!
Reduce Energy Consumption at Home
Electricity consumption shifts with the seasons. As temperature and humidity change, so do heating and cooling needs in the home. Chances are, you are using more heat in the winter and more air conditioning in the summer, and if you are not careful, your home can consume a lot of energy and reflect on your power bill.
Fortunately, you can make some simple modifications to your routine and home to remain mindful of energy consumption throughout the year. For instance, LED light bulbs, power strips, and weather-stripping can make a big difference.
Moreover, evaluate your home's energy usage to determine if there are steps you can take to reduce energy consumption or make your home more energy efficient. One of the best ways is by adding roof deck insulation, which can cut your energy bills by up to 10 percent. Alternatively, if you’re due for a roof replacement, you can also consider installing a more energy-efficient roof. Asphalt shingles, metal and tile roofing are all great choices. When you’re ready to hire a contractor, try a search like “roof company near me” to narrow down your options. You can also use a directory like Angi so that you can check out reviews and ratings.
Use Totes
Single-use plastics are causing environmental problems. The world produces hundreds of millions of tons of plastic each year, and you cannot recycle most of that. Thus, this plastic turns up in landfills, oceans, waterways, and other natural environments.
One of the easiest ways to solve this problem is to stop using plastic water bottle straws and not buy products with plastic packaging. Also, invest in a few totes so that you don't have to use plastic grocery bags on each shopping trip.
Switch to Natural Bath Products
To avoid putting harsh chemicals on your body and then washing them down the drain, switch to eco-friendly products. Natural shampoos, conditioners and soaps can help you stay clean without harming your skin or the environment. Take it a step further and avoid single-use plastic bottles by opting for bar soap and hair care. Brands like BeNat making it easy to switch to all-natural, zero-waste products.
Recycle Well
Recycling is not a new concept for most of us, but many people put items in their recycling bins that cannot be recycled. This includes plastic bags, pizza boxes, shredded paper, and other materials. Take time to learn which materials are recyclable so that you can make the most of your efforts. After all, putting a single unrecyclable item in your bin can result in the entire batch being thrown out.
Conserve Water
There is no life without water, and there are several practical steps you can take to conserve water in your daily routine. For instance, if you only have a few items in your dishwasher or laundry, wait until you have a full load to run the appliance. Look into purchasing or creating a rain barrel for harvesting rainwater, and stay on top of repairing running toilets and leaky faucets. Furthermore, consider installing low-flow showerheads.
Grow a Garden
Consider planting a vegetable and fruit garden if you want to benefit the environment while also keeping tabs on your family's nutritional goals. This means that you won't have to go to the grocery store for all of your produce, and you can ensure that each crop is grown without chemicals. Try to stick with local and organic foods for the items you can’t grow.
Ditch Fast Fashion
On the surface, buying cheap clothing can seem more cost-effective. The problem is you have to throw cheaply manufactured clothing away sooner. Instead, invest in quality pieces that can last for many years. Ethical fashion brands like Patagonia, Boden, Levi’s and Thought Clothing offer a wide variety of apparel and outerwear.
Just because you adopt a sustainable lifestyle doesn't mean you can't live comfortably. Consider the tips above for modifying your routine to benefit the environment, and keep looking for other ways to make a lasting impact. In no time, you will be getting the most out of your life while enjoying a clear conscience!