Good Energy, Wind TurbineIf you want to make a lasting impact on both your children and the world, going green is the way to do it. Transforming your household into a “no-waste” zone as well as reinforcing the importance of an environmentally sound way of life is a change that could benefit your family for generations to come. Are you wondering how you can get on the green train and then bring your family onboard? Keep reading to find out.
Going green: the basics
The great thing about making the decision to live a green lifestyle is that it is now so easy to do. Going green may mean more than separating your aluminium from plastic, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a hassle. Here’s where to start.
1. Energy-proof your home. The best place to start when going green is saving energy at home. Make small and inexpensive instalments such as fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower heads that save water, and a programmable thermostat that automatically shuts of the heating and cooling. These changes take only minutes to do but could bring your energy bills down significantly over time. There’s no better investment for your time or your money!
2. Start cycling to work. If you use a bicycle as your main mode of transportation, you can cut your carbon emissions to just a fraction of what they were before. You may also save on doctor’s bills; people who get regular exercise have fewer health issues and experience less sick days over the course of their careers. Cycling can also become a fun family activity that the kids can involved with when they are old enough. Plus, it’s free entertainment.
3. Switch to green electricity. Using renewable, sustainable power sources is one of the greatest impacts you can make to reduce your family’s carbon footprint. Luckily, green energy doesn’t have to entail installing solar panels or wind turbines on your family’s property anymore. You can go green (and stay on the grid) with a simple phone call to your energy provider to tell them that you want to switch. Research some renewable energy companies such as Good Energy, and then make your move.
4. Hydrate from the tap. Instead of throwing away thousands of pounds each year on bottled water, get your hydration from filtered tap water. Not only does this save you time and energy (no more driving to the supermarket to pick up a new case of water), but it also reduces plastic waste that takes generations to break down.
5. Eat green. If you come from a family of meat lovers, consider reducing your animal intake to just once or twice a week. This will give you the chance to try out some new and interesting recipes as well as the opportunity to infuse your family’s diet with more vegetables, fruits, and grains. For these items, consider shopping at local farmer’s markets so that you have the benefit of knowing exactly where your food is coming from and how it was raised. Eating local also cuts down on the carbon emissions that it takes to transport foods across vast distances.
6. Hold off on that upgrade. With a newer, faster version of every smart phone and personal computer released every month, it can be tempting to want the latest and greatest. But if you keep your electronics for longer periods of time, you can cut the amount of harmful chemicals that go into the trash along with them.
At its very core, green living is all about keeping it simple, which is a principal that works well for families. These tips are just the beginning, so find more ways to live green as you embrace the lifestyle!
Sponsored post by Leo Fisher