10 Easy Ways To Live A More Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Sarah Jessica Smith - Contributor

Posted on Thursday 6th February 2020
eco-friendly

 

Many people would like to live green and give their contribution to the environment but few of them go through with it because they think it would require significant life changes.

On the contrary, many eco-friendly acts don't need a lot of your effort. The small things can make a huge difference, so start making your contribution today with these easy ways:

1. Bathroom tricks

Around 10% of the overall energy spent in a household goes on taking a shower. The only thing you need to do is to shorten your time under the shower by five minutes, and the impact will be significant.

You can also install low-flow showerheads, which will additionally cut back on water use.

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2. Visit the local farmers' market

You know that organic food is much healthier than commercial products in the stores but they are also more expensive. To help the environment but also to avoid spending more than necessary, visit the local farmers' market. Farmers sell their own products cheaper than others but many of their products are organic or at least heathier than those in the store; it just isn't labeled on the products.

What's more, through buying local products, you are supporting local economy and reducing your carbon footprint because you are not buying products that have to travel a long way.

3. Get energy-efficient home appliances

No one says you should replace all your old appliances with new ones at once but you can replace them one by one over time. Look for appliances with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label - these appliances use 10-50% less energy than regular appliances. And yes, they are a bit costly but they will save you money in the long run and make your home more environmentally friendly.

4.Give up smoking

This sounds like a huge step, and it is - for your health and the environment, so it's worth the trouble. Not only does smoking puts you under risk of many serious diseases and premature death but cigarettes also pollute the air, cigarette buts contaminate waterways and land, while production of cigarettes causes additional air pollution.

If you find it very challenging to give up smoking completely, switch to more ecological and healthier alternative - vaping. Many online retailers like Hoopers Vapour offer various flavors by the most prominent manufacturers, so it's worth trying.

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5. Plant a tree

We all know how important trees are for clean air, and you can make your contribution by planting one near your house. It will improve the air quality and if you plant it in the right place, it could reduce your cooling bills in the summer because it will provide you shade.

6. Unplug electronic devices

Half of people overcharge their electronic devices, meaning they leave it plugged even though they are fully charged. When you leave your phone charging more than necessary, with several TVs and lamps on, you can easily incur massive electricity usage.

7. Use the dishwasher

You may find it surprising, but a dishwasher uses less water than you do when you hand-wash your dishes. Moreover, don't pre-rinse the dishes before you put them in the sink - you could easily waste up to 20 gallons of hot water per day.

8. Make your own cleaning products

Ok, there are numerous green and "clean" cleaning products on the market today but why not making them on your own? That way, you will also save money by using simple household ingredients. There are many recipes online for making such products. Of course, if it's too much trouble, you can always resort to conventional green products and still help the environment.

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9. Use cold-water detergent

Many people believe that hot-water detergents clean clothes more effectively but it's not true. Many cold-water detergents clean most of the clothes just as effectively as the hot-water ones; you just need to find the right one.

10. Buy used things

Instead of buying brand new things, there are many occasions when a used or second-hand thing will suffice. It doesn't refer to clothes only - you can find quality second-hand appliances, decorative items and other things that could last long and be useful.

Moreover, even when you choose to buy something, think carefully about whether you really need it. Ask yourself - Do I already have something that does the same thing or do I have something that could be repurposed for it? By being more honest and realistic, you will save money and the environment.

All in all

These tricks are quite simple and easy to make them a part of your everyday life. What's even better, there are many other ways to help the environment without drastically changing your life.

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