Go Green Today: 4 Quick and Simple Tips for an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle to Save the Planet
“Environment is no one’s property to destroy; it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect.” — Mohith Agadi
In the scorching summer of 2023, where temperatures soared to unprecedented highs, reaching a blistering 115 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the United States, the urgency of adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle has never been more evident.
Experiencing it firsthand growing up in Texas where the weather sometimes went up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and humid, caused me to think about how I could help and make a difference, being one person out of the seven billion people on this Earth. In addition, I grew up in a household that did not recycle, repurpose or reuse items, nor compost — as I am sure a lot of people can relate. Most things that were not seen as useful or needed were thrown in the garbage.
The effects of this way of living are becoming increasingly evident as the summers get warmer, the sea levels rise, and the Great Barrier Reef continues to undergo coral bleaching.
With that in mind, I want to share 4 practical, easy, and simple things that I have started doing that you can incorporate into your lifestyle and potentially make a small impact and an even larger impact in the future.
1. Air Dry Clothes
One statistic that struck me was the average consumption of 3.3 kWh of energy per load by electric dryers. To put it simply, this is approximately the same amount of energy that an energy-efficient refrigerator uses throughout an entire day. The question then arises: how do we stop using dryers?
The answer is we don’t stop. We just start using them less and thus decrease our reliance and need of them.
Personally, I’ve adopted the practice of air-drying my clothes using a foldable laundry rack. The beauty of this solution lies in its compactness — it can be easily folded and tucked away into a corner or closet, occupying minimal space when not in use. When in use, the drying rack provides ample room to hang all of my clothing items.
When in use, the drying rack is huge and able to fit all of my clothes.
Furthermore, it is advisable to use a dehumidifier while air drying clothes. This helps prevent excess moisture from accumulating in the room, curbing the potential for create an environment for mold to sprout.
By not using a high temperature and tumbling of a dryer, it will increase your clothes’ longetivity. This means fewer trips to the store and less money spent and more money in your pocket.
2. Bidet
Invest in a Bidet — and no, I’m not referring to those extravagant Japanese bidets that cost a small fortune. I am talking about an $8 handheld bidet that can be a total game-changer.
In fact, it turns our that using a bidet is considered more sanitary and hygenic than traditional methods like relying solely on toilet paper (source).
However, it’s important to know that transitioning to a bidet might take some adjustment if not accustomed to a Japanse bidet. does take some time getting used to and definitely not as enticing to use if not a Japnese bidet. However, not only does this device save money, it saves those awkward trips to the cabinet storing the toilet paper while but naked. All you have to do is fill it up in the sink and your ready for a refreshing cleanse.
Just a friendly reminder, if you decide to adopt this practice, make sure to clean regularly — and not for the reasons you might be imagining. just like your shower or sink, it can accumulate grim over time, so a little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring a healthy and hygenic experience.
3. Monitor AC
On average, the AC unit consumes about 3–3.5 kWh of energy per hour, slightly exceeding the energy used by a dryer machine (source).
While the feasibility of living without or with limited AC can be challenging, we can adopt strategies to curtail its usage during cooler seasons, such as spring, fall, and winter.
Beyond providing cold air, our AC units also integrate dehumidifying technology to extract moisture from the air. This dual function not only produces a cooler environment but also diminishes the presence of warm moisture molecules in the air, contributing to the sensation of coolness.
One of the main things I do to maintain a comfortable body temperature when faced with rising heat is to consume frozen fruit, like frozen berries and grapes, which helps to lower body temperature effectively.
4. Compost
Composting is a well-known practice, yet it remains underutilized in our daily lives.
One of the primary reasons for this stems from concerns about potential messiness and odors that composting could invite, leading to the attraction of pests and insects. This unwanted mess and odor often arises due to the neglect of promptly managing the compost. For optimal results, it’s important to empty the compost bin within a reasonable time frame, typically ranging from 2 to 4 days after placing the first item.
Also important to note that foods that tend to produce stronger odors, such as chicken and fish should be taken careof the same night as they tend to spoil very quick. To streamline my composting routine, I rely on a dedicated compost bin, which I empty approximately every 2 to 3 days.
In a fascinating twist, here’s a little-known tip that might surprise Trader Joe’s shoppers: all of their produce bags are compostable-safe. This convenient fact means you can snag 3 to 4 extra compostable produce bags during your Trader Joe’s run, eliminating the need to purchase pricier compostable bags from online retailers, which can sometimes cost upwards of $15 on Amazon. This revelation not only streamlines the composting process but also makes sustainable choices more accessible for everyday shoppers.
Conclusion
In a world where the urgency of eco-friendly living has been underscored by scorching summers and escalating environmental challenges, the need for change has never been more apparent. The delicate equilibrium of our planet’s ecosystems hinges on our choices, echoing through the rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and record-breaking temperatures.
By integrating these easy-to-follow tips into your daily routine, you’re not only championing a positive shift for the environment but also setting a compelling example for others to emulate.
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