Do just one thing
STOP HEATING HOME WHEN EMPTY
Did you know where you live is about 26% of your overall carbon footprint? And it’s even slightly higher if you live in a colder climate that requires you to heat your home. To reduce your footprint, make an effort to stop heating a home when it’s empty. The Department of Energy says you should keep your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter and reduce the temperature when the home is empty. A smart thermostat can do it for you and even turn the heat back on a few minutes before the home is full again so you never have to feel the chill.
FLYING COACH
Yes, it saves you money and makes you “greener” to fly coach on a plane. Because economyclass seating takes up less room than business and first class, going coach means more people collectively add up to a smaller carbon footprint. Domestically, you can opt for airlines that have all-coach seating when you absolutely, positively need to get on a plane and get somewhere. And don’t forget: Rack up those frequent-flyer miles and donate them to charity.
‘FAST FASHION’
According to the environmental advocacy organization Greenpeace, we are wearing clothing about five times less often before it’s thrown away or donated. This is due to “fast fashion,” which is inexpensive and cheaply made clothing that simply doesn’t last very long. These cheaply made duds now account for about 80 billion pieces of clothing created every single year. Just say no to fast fashion, and invest in quality, not quantity. Buy items that last, can be laundered easily and are things you absolutely love.
RE-DYE DENIM JEANS
Did you know one of the most popular items of clothing worn worldwide is denim jeans? It’s no surprise: They’ve become a common fashion staple for their comfort, durability and ease of fit for any body type. And while denim jeans can take a beating and be washed many times, they will eventually begin to rip, tear or fade. Instead of replacing them, repair them! Consider redyeing jeans to make a darker finish; take them to a tailor or even back to a retailer to have them mended; and invest in a sewing kit to fix them yourself. You’ll be surprised how easy it is!
RESALE WEBSITES
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of shopping at thrift shops or reselling your used items in a consignment store or yard sale, go online instead. Resale websites have made it easy to find a new home for items you don’t want or for you to find a great deal on whatever you’re looking for. From high-end sites like Therealreal to more reasonably priced sites like Poshmark, Mercari and Thredup, resale websites are an easy way to reduce, reuse and ... resell clothing, accessories and home items.
STREAM EFFICIENTLY
Whenever you stream a video, do an internet search or buy something online, energy is used beyond just what your phone or laptop is drawing. Those bytes of information come from a data center where an incredible amount of energy is consumed to meet the constant demand from users. In fact, these centers currently use a whopping 2% of the world’s energy. Some easy ways to help: Stop cc’ing everyone on emails, compress attachments and use ad blockers when searching online. And, of course, limit your time spent online overall.
SICK PLANTS
Household plants can be a natural and efficient way to purify the air inside your home. But if your plants get sick — with white or black mold spores on the outside of the leaves — they can also contribute to an unhealthy air environment. For sturdy plants, wipe down the leaves with a damp microfiber towel to pick up the mold spores; wash the microfiber cloth in hot water to sanitize the towel. Rinse delicate plants clean with cool water in a deep sink or bathtub; let them drain and air dry before returning them to their sunny spot in the home.