Living in the era of global warming and an inconceivable degree of pollution makes us rethink all of our previous choices and forces us to live our lives more in accordance with the health of our planet. Have you ever thought about the amount of water you spend whilst brushing your teeth or taking a shower? Have you been recycling in the past year or so? Conserving water and recycling are just some of the paramount actions we must practice in order to make our planet a much better place to live. If you think you need to improve your lifestyle and make it eco-friendlier, here’s where you should start.
Conserve water
Water is the source of life and should be precious to all of us. Instead of wasting gallons of water during showers, consider turning the water off as you soap up. The same goes for brushing your teeth. There’s no need for the water to keep running as you brush meticulously. Step up the water-conserving game and install smart showerheads.
Inspect doors and windows for holes
Your heating bills can be much lower, making you use less energy for warming up the house. All you need to do is make sure that your windows and doors don't have any cracks and that the sills are working properly. If you notice that they let the air in, it means that they'll allow for the cold to enter your house and make heating up the property virtually impossible. Fix any potential cracks or install new doors and windows.
Invest in eco-friendly home decor
Becoming more eco-conscious goes way beyond conserving water and cutting down heating costs. Your interior design can also consist of eco-friendly choices. Have you considered investing in handcrafted items that are made with recycled, natural, or organic materials or getting one of those amazing cowhide rugs that will complement your sofas and make the entire ambience more inviting? Just remember to make sure that your new rug is sourced as a by-product of the furniture industry.
Rethink fashion choices
Are you one of those people who constantly shop for individual clothing items that they end up not having to match with anything? That’s one of the biggest waists of money and clothes. Instead of buying cheap individual pieces, think about smart shopping. Rather than buying separate clothing items, shop for outfits. On top of that, invest in timeless pieces that you'll spend a little bit more money on, but will be able to wear for many years. A leather jacket, a black blazer, a white shirt and a pair of leather shoes never go out of style. Just as a little black dress and a pair of well-fitted jeans never do. You can mix second-hand clothes with them, without anyone ever noticing you shopped consciously. Invest in clothes made of recycled cotton, polyester, and other recycled fabrics.
Repurpose and recycle
Donating unused items is one of the best ways to repurpose old clothes, books, or furniture. If your clothes don’t fit anymore, or you got tired of them, but they’re in perfect condition without any tears or holes, donate them to charity. Do the same with your furniture if you cannot sell it to someone. Separate plastic, glass and paper from other materials and recycle them. Committing to keeping items out of the landfill is one of the best ways to start leading an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Taking care of our planet shouldn't be a hassle. It's the only home we have, so it deserves only the best care from us. Therefore, ensure your kids and grandchildren have a better future by becoming more environmentally conscious. Repurpose, recycle, conserve water and invest in eco-friendly items whenever you can. The planet will be very grateful.
Written by Diana Smith
About the Author
Diana Smith is a full-time mum of two beautiful girls and is interested in sustainability, ecology and home improvement. She enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family. You can find her on Twitter here.
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