Many people don’t realize how wasteful their lifestyle is. Unfortunately, many of the products that we use daily are built for convenience, not sustainability. For that reason, it’s important to be conscious about our habits and the products that we use.
Many people assume that being eco-friendly means higher expenses. While there are some expensive eco-friendly alternatives to household products, there are ways to cut back consumption without raking up new expenses.
Here are some of the best ways to live a more waste-free life:
1 Cut Back on Plastic Wrap
Plastic is detrimental to the environment. However, it can be difficult to avoid plastic because it is used everywhere. We use plastic straws, plastic bags, and other forms of plastic for packaging materials – how can you avoid it?
An alternative to plastic wrap is beeswax wrap. These eco-friendly wraps are a smart alternative to plastic because they last up to two years. They shape to objects, creating a tight and anti-bacterial seal.
Since they last for so long, you get a lot of value for your purchase. Click here to buy your own beeswax wraps.
2 Eat Less Meat
Most people don’t know that eating less meat is one of the best ways to be eco-friendlier. The livestock industry accounts for 9% of CO2 and large percentages of other harmful greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide.
Cutting back on your meat consumption reduces the demand for livestock, which can prevent the spread of these harmful gases.
3 Use Canvas Bags
Single-use plastics are a huge problem. When you go to the grocery store, bring your own canvas bags or see if your local store has reusable bags for sale. You can usually purchase these bags for less than a dollar.
Canvas bags are sturdier than plastic bags, so they double as a protective measure against unnecessary spillage. And, you can use canvas bags for so many other purposes. While it may not seem like these bags can make a huge difference, they do the more you use them.
4 Switch your Light Bulbs
When the light bulbs you have now burn out, consider switching to an eco-friendly brand of light bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs are a good option because they last much longer than incandescent bulbs and they use much less electricity.
Also, they’re brighter than incandescent bulbs. For that reason, you can reduce the number of light fixtures in your home.
By switching to CFL bulbs, you can be more sustainable and even save on your electricity bill.
5 Buy Second-Hand or Rent
Regardless of what type of product you’re on the hunt for, consider shopping second-hand. The production of most products is harmful to the environment. If you look to the resale market, you’re doing your part to reduce demand and put an end to mindless consumerism.
Did you know that people tend to wear new clothes only a few times before they get rid of them? One way to combat this is to use clothing rental services. These services allow you to try new styles and wear clothes that you love without committing to the purchase.
6 Use Less Water
Using less water is one of the easiest ways to be eco-friendlier. Instead of using water bottles, buy a water filter. In the long run, you’ll save money. Take shorter showers in the morning and install a low-flow showerhead.
If you like to have water available on-the-go, purchase a refillable bottle and bring it with you wherever you go. Doing these things will benefit the environment, but it will also reduce costs and make your water bill less expensive.
