Climate change is here; it has been affecting weather patterns and events for the past several years in noticeable ways. For many people, that means throwing in the towel on efforts to go green. After all, what is the point if it is too late to do anything, right?
That defeatist attitude is understandable, but it fails to consider how much worse things can get. Now is the time for everyone to pitch in and do what they can to help stop environmental degradation. Here are five simple ways you and your family can get on board, go green, and maybe even save some money along the way:
1. Wash Laundry In Cold Water
Many people are in the habit of washing clothes and bedding in warm or hot water. However, most modern detergents, including many eco-friendly options, work just as well in cold water. Making the switch cuts down the amount of energy needed to run each load of laundry.
If you feel like your clothes are not getting fully clean, consider having a whole-house water softener installed. These clean the water supply, removing minerals that interfere with cleaning. As a bonus, the water will be tastier, too.
2. Use DIY Household Cleaners
Making household cleaners is simple and can be a fun way to get kids to help out a little more. Get started with a box of baking soda. Mix some with a few drops of essential oil and place it in an old spice jar. You can sprinkle this on carpets before vacuuming to freshen them, use it as a mild abrasive for tough scrubbing jobs, or sprinkle some in the toilet and add a splash of vinegar for a bubbly cleaning reaction.
That is a lot of cleaning power for under a dollar. Plus, there are tons of great recipes online to help you get started with more adventurous items.
3. Reduce Turf Grass
A lush green lawn is not the most environmentally friendly option for home landscaping, especially if you live in the western part of the country. As a result, many homeowners are moving away from the traditional lawn. Some options to consider instead include:
- Native grasses
- Wildflowers
- Ground covers and mosses
These require less time and resources to maintain, which means they will look great with less effort from you.
4. Put Food Scraps To Work
Composting is easier than many people think. It is also a great activity to get kids involved with. If you plan to have little ones help out, look into vermicomposting with a worm bin. The food scraps you add serve as food for worms whose casting you can harvest for fertilizer. Many people get finished compost within a few weeks.
Wondering how to put in-ground compost properly? First, choose a suitable location in your garden, and then dig a hole that is about twice the size of the amount of compost you have. Place the compost into the hole, making sure to mix it well with the soil. Then, cover the hole with the soil and water thoroughly. With a little effort and some patience, you can have nutrient-rich compost to help your garden thrive. So why not start composting today and make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying quality time with your family?
If that seems like more than you are looking for at first, try getting started with a simple tumbling composter. These are best placed outdoors. You simply open the lid, add your scraps, and turn the barrel to make rich compost. This type of system takes a little longer than worms to produce finished compost.
5. Stop Buying Bottled Water
Single-use plastic is a big problem. According to the UN Environment Programme, one million plastic bottles are purchased each minute around the world. Obviously, no single household is responsible for that level of consumption. However, you can do your part to reduce plastic use.
Instead of buying a couple of cases of water on your next grocery trip, consider grabbing a few refillable bottles to wash and reuse. Try to encourage everyone to carry the bottle throughout the day. In addition to reducing plastic waste, this may also help keep your family’s hydration levels up. It can help to buy unique designs for each family member so everyone can keep track of their bottle.
Being environmentally conscious does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. In many ways, using green products and methods can be less expensive and easier than the ones they replace. Star with simple swaps, like washing clothes in cold water, composting food scraps and using refillable water bottles.
