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Looking to level up the sustainability of your home? Want a more efficient (and fun!) daily routine? You’re in the right place!
Minimising our environmental impact at home is important, but it doesn’t need to be hard, and with a few small changes you can help out the environment in a big way. Let’s dive in and take a look at 4 easy ways to go green at home.
1. Invest in durable reusables
When looking to reduce your environmental impact around the home, one of the easiest steps you can take is to do away with single use plastics. So, instead of buying bottled water, invest in a filtration device (either for your tap or your fridge) and a stylish, durable reusable water bottle. Not only will you be using far less plastic, but you’ll also be saving yourself some coin in the long run. Think about all the delicious smoothies and juices you could make yourself to drink on the go, from work to the gym and even out on your daily errands.
You can even take this further, investing in a reusable cup to take on your morning walk. Not only does this allow you to BYO and ditch the cost of barista made coffee entirely if you choose to, but you’ll often get a discount from cafes if you bring your own cup.
2. Dive into composting
Food waste has a big impact on the environment. Even when you do your best to only buy the amount of food your household will consume, there are still peels, cores and other things that will end up in the trash. The good news is that this one is super easy to fix, simply by implementing composting at home.
Basically any fruit or vegetable waste can be composted, as can egg shells, bread, coffee grounds and tea, and the process is rather simple, all you really need is somewhere to keep your compost. It helps to add twigs and soil to the base so your compost will aerate better, but other than that you can simply add worms, or just wait for them to move in. You can also buy compact compost systems that are suitable for apartments, so don’t worry if you’re short on space.
As an added bonus, composting is a great science experiment for little ones, and helps give your plants a boost for very little cost.
3. Reduce and reuse with upcycling
When things reach the end of their lifespan for their intended purpose, we usually throw them out. Why not give them a whole new life with upcycling? You can get your creativity hat on and create fun and unique items. For example, an empty jam jar makes a great planter for herbs or propagation station for your favourite plant. Old t-shirts can be given new life as tote bags, and icy pole sticks, paper towel centres and bottle tops make great craft supplies.
The only real limit to what you can create is your imagination, and your new home-made items will add a personal touch to your space, while also reducing waste.
4. A plant for every space
Finally, bridging the gap between your indoor and outdoor areas is also a great way to make your home a greener space — both literally and figuratively. Those with larger outdoor areas will find that a garden full of lush native plants will really pop, while also being beneficial to native species and local animals. You can also grow your own vegetables, and will find that organic practices in the care of your garden are great for both your family and the beneficial insects that share your space.
If you have less outdoor room, a windowsill garden could be just what you need. Perfect for growing herbs to add to your favourite meals, or use in delicious herbal teas, this type of garden is low maintenance and has a small footprint but large impact.
Going green in the home is beneficial both to your wellbeing and the environment. Not only will you feel better knowing you’re doing your part for the planet, but these tips will help boost your physical health as well. Give them a try and enjoy your new fun and efficient green additions.