There are many different reasons why you should start thinking about some ways you can reduce your impact on the environment. Going green is going to save you money, improve your overall health, and protect the world for many generations to come. Recycling old cans and newspapers is only the first step in a much longer process, and you might not realize just how big of a carbon footprint you really have. Here is a quick look at three easy ways you can start changing the world for the better.
Dispose Of Your Waste Properly
Tossing all of your garbage and unused items into the trash can is going to pollute your local environment. Most waste disposal companies have very specific rules regarding what items can and can’t be placed in the regular garbage cans. As soon as you move into a new home or apartment, you should spend some time familiarizing yourself with your waste disposal company’s rules. Cleaning chemicals and automotive products must always be taken to a hazardous waste collection center or a storefront that offers hazardous waste removal services. The same should be done for all electronics such as laptops, phones, batteries, printers, and cables. Many of these devices contain extremely dangerous toxins ranging from lead to mercury. Before recycling those items, you can also check local electronics stores to see if they have any buyback programs.
Limit Your Wasted Food
We all need food to survive, but many of us waste an incredible amount every single day. You might find yourself making too much food for dinner or forgetting about certain ingredients that have been sitting in the refrigerator for weeks. One of the best ways to limit how much food you waste is to carefully plan out all of your meals at the start of the week. That includes exact proportions for all of the ingredients that you will be using. You can also try to keep track of how much food goes bad after making those meals so that you can better control the amount that you make next time. Another simple way to limit your food waste is to properly store all of your ingredients. A high-quality vacuum sealer and some myler bags can preserve fresh foods and leftovers for weeks.
Unplug Your Devices
Even when your home is empty, your devices could still be drawing quite a bit of power. Also referred to as phantom loads, this phenomenon takes place when electronics consume a little bit of power whenever they are plugged into the wall. These loads are especially common among devices that update during quiet hours or keep a clock running at all times. That includes laptops, DVD players, televisions, cable boxes, video game consoles, and coffee makers. The most effective way to get rid of phantom loads is to attach all of your devices to power strips that you can turn off before you sleep or leave your home. When you are choosing power strips, you should find products that physically cut all electricity to each of their outlets.
When it comes to saving the planet, these few suggestions are only the tip of the iceberg. Reducing your carbon footprint is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and dedication. If you feel like your family is still being wasteful, then you can schedule a professional energy audit for your home. An experienced auditor will give you a detailed list of changes you can make to minimize your impact on the environment. In addition to making your home as green as possible, they are also going to help you come up with a detailed plan to lower your energy bills and save a little extra money every month.