We are aware of it. Breaking old habits may be a challenging task. However, contemporary climate research has informed us that the temperature of our planet is rising to levels that are very dangerous for all forms of life, including human beings, plants, and animals. We need to adopt better behaviors if we want to put a halt to increasing temperatures and sea levels. These actions should be ones that drastically alter the course that our environment is taking.
If you, your friends, and your family are interested in learning how to become more conscientious global citizens, we have compiled a list of 25 vital green living ideas that have the potential to have the most significant influence on the environment. Below, we have arranged our suggestions in descending order of relative complexity, from the simplest to the most difficult, with the intention of assisting you in making the transition to an environmentally friendly way of living as smooth as possible.
Furthermore, we emphasize the need of implementing just one or two modifications at a time. When you try to create too many new habits at once, it is simple to get upset with them too quickly.
Simple Green Living Tips
Think of these suggestions for green living as the table settings on the menu of how to live a truly green lifestyle. Due to the fact that they need extremely little to no work to accomplish, you will find them on almost every "Here's How to Go Green" list that can be found on the internet. However, despite this, you should surely put these suggestions into action since it is still beneficial to the environment.
1. Use LED Light Bulbs
Eco-friendly light bulbs have a longer lifespan, produce less wasted energy, and do not contain any chemicals that might be hazardous to the environment. It is recommended that you replace all of your old bulbs at the same time if you have the financial means to do so. Alternatively, you may just replace those old bulbs whenever one of them stops working.
2. Use ENERGY STAR Appliances
This technology is more efficient in its usage of power, resulting in a reduction in the amount of electricity used. Additionally, these energy-saving technologies may help you save money, in addition to being beneficial to the environment. For this reason, you should not replace your existing appliances until it is absolutely necessary to do so. Additionally, you should search for every chance to recycle old appliances in order to prevent them from being thrown away in landfills.
3. Use Canvas Bags
There are enough plastic bags in the world, so you should instead use ones that you can use over and over and over again. This doesn’t apply to just grocery shopping, but to any shopping you do.
4. Turn Off the Lights
It’s the oldest trick in the book, but it’s also one of the most tangible ones that can make a difference. We also encourage you to see how long you can go in a day without using any large overhead lights by simply using a small lamp or sunlight from your windows.
5. Turn Off Electronics
Not only do we mean turning off consumer electronics and appliances when you’re finished using them, but we also mean unplugging everything so they don’t draw vampire power from the wall. And yes, this includes the chargers for your devices.
6. Use Less Water
A wide-ranging tip, this includes the following:
- Installing low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Taking shorter showers
- Turning off the faucet when washing dishes or brushing teeth
7. Use Appliances Thoughtfully
Another broad tip, you should implement the following techniques:
- Only run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher after the sun goes down
- Run your washer on cold water
- Open the dishwasher door to dry your dishes
- Hang dry clothes when possible
- Skip preheating your oven
- Use the microwave instead of the stove or oven when possible
- Set your water heater to 120 °F
8. Actively Recycle Everything
In the event that your municipality implements any kind of recycling program, you have to participate in it and adhere to the regulations. Additionally, the retailers in your region should be contacted to see what kinds of heavy products may be recycled. These items include consumer electronics, light bulbs, plastic bags, and other similar items.
9. Use Renewable Electricity
Switching to an electricity plan powered by renewable energy — instead of power generated from burning coal and natural gas — will go a long way to helping the environment.
10. Use More Efficient Thermostat Settings
With this tip, you’re reducing your overall electricity usage, which helps the greater electricity grid by slowing down on our collective consumption. Our suggested settings are as follows:
- Summer: 75 °F if someone is home
- Summer: 80 °F if no one is home
- Winter: 68 °F during the day if someone is home
- Winter: 65 °F at night or during the day if no one is home