Simple Ways for Young Families to Live a Greener Life
The industrial era has brought about many benefits to our lifestyles, but one of the significant disadvantages of mass industrialization is pollution. The global waste problem and the consequent pollution that it creates is a major threat to a healthy and safe life. Owing to the increased awareness on this matter, people are now becoming more considerate of their daily choices and the results that they have on global pollution. A growing number of people are joining the “greener lifestyle” trend, especially young families, are opting for energy and water conservation, using recyclable products made of aluminum tin containers and glass, and reducing their overall carbon footprint. In this blog, we will tell you about a few ways to live a greener life and adopt the small changes that will go a long way toward keeping the environment healthy.
Living a green life is not only beneficial for you, the society, and the environment, but it also helps you save some hard-earned money. An increasing number of families are pledging to revert the damage caused by humans and leave a better place for the next generation. Going green is an essential step in protecting the environment. Still, unfortunately, most people find themselves stuck in the planning phase and keep wondering if their individual and minor changes would make a difference.
Reuse and Recycle
One of the most critical steps towards a greener life is implementing the “Reuse and Recycle” strategy. This includes avoiding disposable utensils, containers, and bottles, and instead opting for reusable aluminum, tins, glass, paper, and other materials in your daily life. For example, if you want to store leftover food in your fridge, you should opt for a reusable food container made of glass or aluminum and avoid single-use plastic containers. Furthermore, in general, it’s better not to use plastics at all because they might contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, which is hazardous to our health. In the same manner, avoid the usage of one-time-use plastic bottles and instead use aluminum bottles. An added advantage of reusable beverage bottles is that you can refill your aluminum bottle at public filters and fountains and even save some money.
Aluminum containers and tins are highly rated in the recyclable circle compared to plastics. Aluminum recycling is way cheaper and safer than plastic recycling. Generally, most plastic trash is a major landfill pollutant in landfill sites. Additionally, aluminum containers are also easily customizable and print-friendly – meaning they are compatible with current printing technologies. You can print your family name, wedding picture or even a cool family slogan on aluminum items. This will help make your daily use containers look fantastic and help you live a greener life at the same time.
Conserve Energy
Another efficient and impactful way to live a greener life and reduce your carbon footprint is to cut off your energy losses. It may sound cliche, but it is necessary to conserve energy to live a greener life. Teach your kids and adopt a green habit of turning off lights and other electronics as soon as you are done working with them. Switch to more advanced and energy-efficient technologies such as LED bulbs and automatic switches and sensors. LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient than conventional tube lights and work for extended periods. Also, make sure to use natural light more frequently and reduce unnecessary usage of bulbs and light during day times.
Taking a step further ahead, you can also opt for solar power to run your home. Initially, it might seem like a costly investment, but it is a cheaper and better option when considering the bigger picture in the longer run. With advancements in technologies, solar panels are becoming more affordable and accessible for the commoner. To further save on energy losses, you can insulate your walls and ensure your windows are sealed. Again, this seems to be a costly investment, but you will be surprised at how quickly you will get a payback on your investment in the form of money saved on the energy bills. These steps help reduce your carbon footprint as you need less energy to run your home.
Save Water
Another major step towards a greener life is the conservation of clean water. With the exponential growth of industrialization and the development of huge cities, water is made available to most of us 24/7. The vast water supply network and minute cost of clean water have increased the over- and miss-use of the water. Climate change, declining groundwater levels, and recent dry and prolonged droughts have already put nations on high alert. Water wastage is not only the waste of precious recourses, but it also accounts for the energy wasted to bring that water into our homes. To reduce the wastage associated with water, talk to your family about the importance of conversing with water and raise awareness about clean water as a resource. Some steps that you could take to conserve water are as follows. Please turn off the taps while brushing your teeth and make it your habit to spend less time in the shower. Encourage your family to use buckets when washing your car instead of running water. Collect rainwater and use it to water plants in the garden. These lifestyle changes will not only help save water but also some money off your water bills.
Once you initiate the greener life movement around your house, you will notice healthy changes in your lifestyle as well. It is also the need of the hour that we give nature a chance to heal and leave a better world for the generations to come. Each family can do more and more; however, sustainable living doesn’t have to be overwhelming; small steps and minute changes can have a significant effect collectively when implemented the right way.
