With climate change intensifying hurricanes and wiping out islands from the map, it seems that humanity is indeed doomed to an apocalyptic disaster anytime soon. Experts continuously warn against our earth-destructive habits, such as consuming single-use packaging, but many of us find it hard to listen.
On a positive note, awareness about environmental issues are increasing, thanks to esteemed commercial solar providers. With more homes and businesses switching to solar power, the effects of burning fossil fuels can be reduced, and renewable energy sources may become the new norm in time.
Schools are also teaching students the 3R’s — reduce, reuse, and recycle. Therefore, you have every reason to start making your household more eco-friendly. It will allow your kids to apply what they learn in school, and let you become the change you want to be.
So here are ways to make household management more environmentally-friendly:
1. Wash and Reuse Your Kids’ Sandwich Bags
Ditch the single-use plastic, and go for reusable food containers and washable sandwich bags. They save you money, and they don’t add to your daily waste consumption. And instead of packing candies and junk food for your child, just pack fruits for a healthier and organic snack. Remember that candy wrappers and food packets generate waste, so limit your purchase of those.
2. Fertilize Your Garden with Composted Leftovers
If you don’t have a food waste disposer, rid your home of leftovers by scattering them in your garden. Food waste are natural nutrient sources for plants, so don’t just dump them in the trash. But don’t include grease, dairy, meat, and cooking oil for composting.
3. Swap Chemical Cleaners for Non-toxic Ones
Harsh bleaches and other chemical cleaning agents may do the job, but at the expense of your health and the planet’s. Hence, swap them for nontoxic ones, or try natural remedies like vinegar, baking soda, and of course, water. Just reserve the harsh ones for extra-tough cleaning jobs.
4. Limit Packaging
Many people don’t think they can live without packaging, but if you just give it a try, you’ll realize how much waste you can stop generating every day. Start by bringing empty jars to your local coffee shop. That would already rid you of the packaging waste you generate each time you buy fresh beans. After that, use washable bottles or cups for your beverage orders. From there, you can come up with more ways to limit your packaging consumption, until you stop it altogether.
5. Conserve Water
Little things that don’t seem to make a difference can actually have huge impacts. For example, leaving the tap on as you brush your teeth. In the minutes that clean water is running, gallons of it might be going to waste.
Inspect for leaky faucets and pipes, too, as those issues increase your water consumption and bills. And the overused advice of stopping the consumption of bottled water cannot be stressed enough. Use a filter for your tap, and you never have to buy a separate drinking water again.
6. Consider Washable Feminine Products
The menstrual cup isn’t just famous for its comfort and cost-saving benefits, but also for its positive environmental impact. If you have regular periods lasting at least a week, then you’re generating dozens of sanitary pad or tampon waste during that week. But with a menstrual cup or washable pads, your bins won’t overflow with disposable products again.
These are just a few ways to make your household more eco-friendly. As your family gets accustomed to these practices, you can start adopting more, so unlearn your detrimental habits now. In time, you’ll be living in a much cleaner space, and paying way less bills.
