Adjusting your lifestyle in simple ways can result in a smaller carbon footprint , lower energy bills, and provide the satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing your part to help preserve the planet. You just have to learn your options! Most people don’t realize that opportunities to live a sustainable lifestyle are all around them – by doing things such as bringing your own cup to Starbucks instead of using a disposable one or remembering to grab reusable cloth bags before heading to the grocery store. These little things add up!
Some personal trainers suggest that their clients use counters in order to track the healthy choices that they make. If they drink water instead of soda, they click the counter; if they exercise, they click it again. This idea translates perfectly into sustainable living – especially if you have kids who might like to get in on the fun. If you remember to unplug your cell phone charger when it’s not in use, give yourself a click; if your recycling bag is fuller than your trash bin, click it again.
Less Waste, More Savings… Common Sense!
By investing in long-lasting, sustainable products, you’ll not only save money, you’ll create less waste. For example, instead of taking a bag of disposable paper plates to a cookout, buy a set of durable dishes suitable for outdoor use; clean up isn’t as difficult as you might think and you’ll have them for years.
Single people or couples without children might not think that buying in bulk is a reasonable idea, but for some everyday items like laundry detergent, buying a larger size is not only more economical, it contributes to less packaging and therefore less waste.
A Bright Idea
Other, more substantial changes such as switching to CFL light bulbs (you know, those twisty, energy-saving bulbs that are available everywhere now) are much easier than you think. Some people are under the impression that CFL advocates want everyone to throw out perfectly good light bulbs and switch to the greener version, but that isn’t the case. It is recommended that you slowly convert to CFL bulbs as your old ones burn out; if you aren’t patient enough for that, switch the lights you use most frequently – in the bathroom, kitchen, and living areas.
Once you decide to make the switch, it’s important to note that CFL bulbs contain mercury and should be disposed of safely. Don’t worry – it’s easy. Simply bring any unbroken CFL bulbs to Home Depot for safe, free recycling. Visit Home Depot’s website for more information about CFL bulbs, including their CFL bulb recycling program. This program is an extension of Home Depot’s Eco Options initiative, which allows customers to easily identify products that have less of an impact on the environment.
Once you start creating good habits and establishing a few simple changes in your home, you’ll be well on your way to a sustainable lifestyle!
