How can you change your daily habits just slightly and yet have a huge impact?
Live more sustainably? - Sure I'd love to but it's such an effort and just makes life more inconvenient and expensive. I'm not going to make a difference in the grand scheme of things anyway...
Can you relate to this train of thought? It can seem like such an unachievable goal but small steps make big changes!
Join me as I lay aside my excuses and explore 6 steps to sustainability!
First thing in the morning, my alarm rings and I grope about, trying to find the light switch... but unless there's a solar eclipse, I could just get up, open the curtains and take in the natural sunshine! Sounds obvious and simple but that's the point- if we want to change we have to start with small things! So our first sustainability tip is simply:
Conserve energy by only using what you really need. Try to turn off lights and electronic devices when not in use. When purchasing new electrical appliances, check the energy rating and buy energy-efficient products that save your money and the environment.
Switching your home or workplace to solar makes a huge impact in reducing carbon emissions produced through traditional coal-generated electricity. And it will also save you money! Did you know a home solar system could avoid 10 tons of CO2 emissions per year! If you switch to all electric rather than using gas you’ll reap further benefits both economically and environmentally utilizing your free and clean energy from the sun.
Toast, cereal or just an apple for breakfast? For all food, clothing or electrical products it's worth paying attention to their labels for their origin, packaging and energy efficiency.
3. Choose eco-friendly products wherever possible. Look for items that are made from recycled materials, use less packaging, or are energy efficient. Look for "B Corp" certified products which means the product is verified to be socially and environmentally friendly.
4. Buy local products to reduce the amount of transportation needed to get the products to you.
Time to hit the road! I quickly fill up my water bottle at the tap - who needs to buy bottled water when there's practically free water from my tap! Melbourne water has won quality tests and taste tests against name-brand water! The extraction of water and production of all those plastic bottles is notoriously harmful to communities and wildlife, so here's another cheap way to further offset my carbon footprint:
5. Skip the bottled water and reduce waste by recycling and composting as much as possible.
As I close the front door it's time to make that choice- car, bus or bike?
A bit of exercise never harmed anyone and isn't that a good way to start the day- refreshed, knowing I made the more sustainable choice and saved money on fuel in the process!
6. Choose sustainable transportation methods such as walking, biking, or carpooling instead of driving a car.
It's only 8 am and already I've made 6 steps toward sustainability!
You can do it too, remember: small steps make big changes!
Simply add these 6 points to your personal checklist and enjoy living greener!
Good luck on your journey toward sustainability and get in touch with us for solar on any social media channel or by email: hello@energywired.com.au
Happy reducing, reusing and recycling!