Do Just One Thing
AVOID 6 P.M. ENERGY RUSH
Did you know the peak energy time is around 6 p.m. in your community? It makes sense, since most people are at home and cooking dinner, doing laundry or watching TV at that time. But if you can avoid turning on electricity-guzzling appliances during this time, you’ll help the environment a lot. Utility companies know about peak usage and will supplement supply by using old and inefficient sources called “peaker plants.” These plants produce more carbon emissions, and the energy cost is more expensive to you. Choosing off times to run appliances can help a lot. USE ‘LOCAL’ FILTER
There are several online shops that give artisans, makers and small businesses a chance to showcase their wares and sell all over the world. But is it really environmentally friendly to buy a heavy handmade blanket that comes from all the way across the world to your doorstep? When shopping on these sites, opt for the “local” filter that limits your searches to vendors who are within a certain range. This will prevent costly Co2-emitting shipping and keep your carbon footprint lower.
LIMIT GROCERY SHOPPING
Here’s a simple idea to help prevent food waste: Hold off on going to the grocery store for as long as you can. The reality is, you probably have enough in your pantry and fridge to make a perfectly good meal. On average, about 30% to 40% of the food we purchase goes to waste. That fills up landfills and also wastes money. Skipping a day or two between grocery store runs is a simple way to use up what you have. And a quick tip: Don’t go on an empty stomach; it’ll help prevent impulse purchases.
CLEAN THE WORLD
We all know that using soap and water plays a vital role in staying healthy and preventing the spread of diseases. But often soap in other parts of the world is either expensive or impossible to find. The charity Clean the World is working with hotels — from big chains to small bed-and-breakfasts —to recycle discarded bar soaps into new soaps to give away. You can share this information with your local hotel, motel or inn and encourage them to join and give. All they do is fill a box with soap bars and attach a prepaid UPS label. Learn more at cleantheworld.org.
CLEAN UNDER THE BED
Nobody likes a dusty home, but if there’s one place you should be extra sure to clean, it’s under the bed. This is where “dust bunnies” typically collect, and this massive concentration of dust is more than just dirty, it can be toxic. A study by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation found chemical toxins, including things like phthalates, flame retardants, heavy metals like cadmium, lead and mercury, and a whole host of other chemicals, in dust samples collected from bedrooms. When you consider that you sleep near this collection of dust for six to eight hours a night, it makes sense to vacuum or mop under the bed as frequently as you can.
USE PLASTIC UNTENSILS ONCE
Reusing items is a simple and meaningful action that is one of the greenest things you can do. But when it comes to disposable plastic utensils like forks, knives and spoons, it’s best to use them once. While it’s tempting to rinse a plastic utensil and reuse it, they really aren’t designed for repeat use. When you wash plastic, microscopic spaces are created that can harbor food particles that eventually will turn into bacterial growth. So if you must use plastic utensils, use them once, but try to opt for reusable ones -- like stainless steel -- whenever possible.
COMPANION PLANTING
Smart planning for your flowerbeds around the house can lead to significant water and time savings when caring for your gorgeous blooms. According to National Geographic, consider “companion planting” by grouping certain plants together to help them mutually grow. When taller, sun-loving plants are planted in the back with shorter, shade-loving plants in front, they help each other thrive. The taller plants block the sun’s rays and also help reduce evaporation of water from the shorter plants. This symbiotic planting will help your flowerbeds thrive and grow almost all on their own.