The Easiest Ways to Help the Environment at Home

holding a bag of apples

There are a few simple things you can do at home to improve the environment. These are: Recycling, Using reusable shopping bags, Walking or Biking, Installing a programmable thermostat, and using low-phosphate washing-up liquid. These can all make a difference in the air we breathe, and they can also reduce pollution. And, if you’re not sure what else to do, these tips will get you started.

Recycling

Many companies use recycled materials and by purchasing their products, consumers are supporting these companies and reducing the need for natural resources. Broken items can be made new again using recycled parts, and many can even be transformed into art. For example, people can create recycled jewelry, pottery, and other pieces of artwork by collecting and repurposing their recyclables. Recycling is also easy enough to do on a personal level, as people can ask their local government to provide more recycling bins. In fact, if they could find them, 9/10 of American households would recycle their recyclables.

Buying reusable shopping bags

Purchasing reusable shopping bags is a great way to help the environment. They can be used repeatedly and will last for years without needing repair. Furthermore, they are recyclable. Unlike flimsy plastic bags, the material from which they are made is polypropylene. Reusable bags are also more environmentally friendly than traditional plastic bags, which are often disposed of by burning.

Walking

There are many benefits to walking, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it reduces pollution. More people drive, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. And more cars mean more air pollution, which contributes to respiratory problems. According to the CDC, every car on the road leads to more auto-related deaths and accidents. The cost of gasoline alone can add up to a third of our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions each year. Besides helping the environment, walking helps you save money that you could otherwise spend on other local necessities.

Using a programmable thermostat

Heating and cooling your home can be expensive, so you might want to consider adjusting your thermostat accordingly based on the time of day and whether you are home or away. Programmable thermostats are easy to set, and they can save you a ton of money in the long run. By programming the settings only once, you can save on energy costs all year round.

Carpooling

Carpooling is a simple way to reduce pollution by sharing the cost of gas and parking. By sharing the costs of fuel, you’ll reduce your gas bills by 50% and reduce the number of cars on the road. Carpooling also reduces the costs of roads, tolls, and other costs related to air pollution. In addition to saving money, carpooling protects the environment by keeping the air, water, and land cleaner.

Buying organic food

The environmental benefits of organic food are well documented. Organically grown food contains fewer pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment. It is also more nutritious and often contains more important nutrients. Organic food also has fewer chemical residues on the food itself. Many people who eat organic food report lessened symptoms from allergies or other conditions. Soil erosion is a serious problem that promotes flooding and drought, which pollute the air.