There are always a multitude of small things that when done can largely contribute to a more energy efficient and non-toxic environment for yourself and the world around you. So if it is only one thing, pick out something and make a difference to either your energy bill, reduced wastage or healthier home.
- Energy Saving Light Bulbs
- Thick curtains. This will help reduce heat transfer on your windows, so cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Clothes line. Use a clothes line instead of dryer, or a clothes rack inside if it is raining
- Vinegar instead of harsh chemicals for cleaning just about anything
- Solar Power
- Wind Power, yes you can get this for the home
- Clothing Bins. Put old clothes from your children or yourself in clothing bins. They get recycled or reused.
- Mulch your garden, especially if you live in a hot climate, it reduces the amount of water your garden needs.
- Recycle, paper, cans, glass or plastic
- Used recycled toilet paper
- Walk or ride, whenever you can, exercise for you and the family as well.
- Higher octane fuel. Most countries in the world today offer different types of fuel. Choosing the higher octane (or numbered) fuel will result in more miles (or kilometers) per tank, resulting in less pollution plus you will also find it is very comparable in price if you consider the extra distance you travel with each tank.
- Service the car regularly. A serviced car operates more efficiently and burns less fuel. If you also make sure your car is lighter by cleaning it out and the tyres or properly inflated, you will use less fuel.
- Grow your own vegetables and fruits. It make take some time to get started, but fresh fruit and vegetables result in healthier food and less energy in production. Your children can also help get this started and maintain it. My son likes to taste test every pepper (capsicum). At least he is eating well.
- Use recycled paper
- Change old T.V`s or computer screens to LCD. They are more energy efficient.
- Front loading washing machine
- Upside down fridges, are generally more energy efficient
- Compost, all fruit and vegetable scraps. Since we have done this, the amount we send to the landfill each week has drastically reduced. We don`t even come near to a full bin anymore. (We each alot of fruit and veg). Our garden is benefiting as well.
- Buy local. Any produce you buy locally drastically cuts down on transportation costs and supports your local farmers and economy.
- Use bamboo. Bamboo is fast growing and requires little water. It has a lower impact on the environment than growing trees. Think bamboo flooring or even clothing.
- Reusable shopping bags. Remember to take them to the supermarket to avoid consuming more plastic bags.
- Choose cardboard or glass packaging when buying items. Not only does it not leach chemicals into your food, it is saving more plastic from the landfill.
- Choose organic. Organic foods and clothes leave less environmental impact and are better for you.
- Stop junk mail. There are varying laws in each country, depending on which one you are in, you can put up a sign on your letterbox requesting no junk mail or contacting organizations to put you on lists to stop junk mail being delivered. Junk mail uses a vast amount of resources and if you consider how much you get it soon adds up.
- Buy eco friendly toys for children
- Insulate your home.
- Buy carbon offsets. But be careful and do your research, not all are the same and some actually do more harm than good.
- Plant a native tree. Seems simple enough, but it is essentially the same as buying carbon offsets and you get to do some gardening.
- Buy second hand. Second hand items can be almost brand new and it saves on landfill and production costs. Another way, is if you have a high socio-economic suburb close by and your country has bulk refuge (takes away large items of rubbish once a year), then go and check it out. I have seen items still unopened going to landfill.
- Water saving shower heads or tap fixtures
- Unplug unused appliances. Appliances that you don`t use that often, unplug from the wall once you are finished with them. Normally they will continue to drain a small amount of electricity while not in use.
- Don`t leave the water running, while you are brushing your teeth, or getting ready for something. Only turn on the tap when you are using it.
- Use organic or physical pest control methods where possible
- Buy perennials. Plants that live more than 1 year.
- Install a rainwater tank
- Choose soy wax over paraffin wax if you have candles
- Put on a jumper, instead of the heater
- If you do have plastics in your home get biodegradable plastic
- Home canning. Can your own food grown in your back garden
- Green roof. Not possible on all roof types, but roofs that have gardens on top help use water otherwise destined for drains, provides natural insulation and support more plant life.
It is interesting to note, that almost if not every idea listed above saves you money in the long term as well. You don`t have to do everything at once, just 1 at a time if you want.
