5 Easy Ways to Have a More Sustainable Home

5 Easy Ways to Have a More Sustainable Home

Have you ever considered the journey of the products that come in and out of your home? Do you know where they come from, what resources are consumed in their production and distribution, and where they go when you’re done using them? What about how much trash you produce on a weekly basis? It can be seriously overwhelming. The average American produces 4.9 pounds of trash on a daily basis (dumpsters.com), that’s 34.3 pounds per week (or 3+ ten gallon bags of waste), compared to the global average of 1.6 pounds per day. This contributes to the 268 million tonnes (or 536 million pounds) of waste produced in America per year. While the phrase “out of sight out of mind” has rang true for decades, that will not always be the case! There are over 3,000 active landfills in the United States and 10,000 that are closed, simply taking up space. (www.colorado.edu) The recent ban of imported waste in China means this number will continue to grow (theguardian.com). The accumulation of waste contributes to the dispersion of toxins and microplastics into our soil, water, food, and air. This pollution often leads to health issues for communities worldwide. To help combat these environmental challenges, here are five ways you can cultivate a more sustainable home.

 

Fill your home with indoor plants!

spider-plant

What’s good for the earth is good for your health – and often your wallet. Plants naturally purify the air from volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) like formaldehyde and benzene (time.com) and bring a fresh, vibrant look to any space. While many houseplants absorb indoor air pollutants, species like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies are specifically known for their air-purifying abilities (thecommons.earth). 

 

Find plant-based products you love

plant-based products: flower oil diffuser and amber oil bottle

Choose plant-based options for your home, from soy to cotton or linen textiles. These materials are often more sustainable and biodegradable than their synthetic counterparts. Keep in mind that it is still important to buy quality pieces that last - on average it takes around 26 to 40 gallons of water to produce 1 kilo of dyed fabric (epa.gov). While investing in pieces can seem daunting, finding brands you trust and calculating cost-per-use can reveal long-term savings.

Sustainable home decor

Opt for furniture and decor made from sustainable, recycled, or reclaimed materials. Supporting local artisans and craftspeople contributes to the local economy and reduces the demand for mass produced, widely distributed products. Investing in energy efficient home appliances is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint and your electric bill!

Minimize plastic use

Since we haven’t figured out how to break down plastics yet, reducing reliance on single-use plastics by choosing alternatives like glass, metal, or bamboo for straws, storage containers, and utensils is a big step in the right direction! Something as simple as switching to reusable shopping bags and produce bags can lead to substantial reduction in your use of plastic! (environmentamerica.org)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Lastly, follow the three R's as best as you can! 

Reducing how much we consume is the biggest thing we can do for the planet. Aside from the waste that is a by-product of mass production, the vast amount of resources that go into producing goods are detrimental to our collective home. Reducing waste most commonly looks like avoiding or replacing single use products and plastics. Many cleaning products are filled with water - buying soap concentrates or bars significantly reduces packaging and trips to the store! Instead of throwing away empty candle jars, consider reusing them and buying refillable inserts. Look into Bee’s Wrap - a reusable food wrap alternative for single-use cling wrap and plastic bags. When replacing plastics it is important to build habits and remember that regular repeat purchases cause more harm than good - a lot goes into making things that last!

Refillable glass candle jar and insert being placed in the jar

Reuse items whenever possible whether it’s candle jars, clothes or takeout containers. Supporting thrift stores by buying and donating items is a great way to give something old a new life. Upcycling is another great way to refresh your surroundings while exploring your creative side - AND, fun fact, if this doesn’t fit in your world or your schedule there are so many small businesses that will do it for you! Rethreaded Clothing Co. is a creator who makes custom pieces of clothing from thrifted quilts that clients can send in themselves.

Recycle waste properly! Check in with your local recycling center or community to see what materials are accepted.  It is also a great idea to stay fresh and up to date on your knowledge of the recycling rules. For example, containers must be cleaned out first and any labels must be removed. Oh and that greasy cardboard pizza box? Unfortunately should not end up in your recycling bin and must be thrown away. If your old electronics are not viable for trade-in you can sell them to companies that specialize in refurbishing such BackMarket.

 

Intentional purchasing holds a valuable impact on our environment, our economy, your home, your health, and your wallet. Everything you don’t buy is calculated into demand and tells companies to produce that much less. Researching enterprises that are truly committed to sustainability, finding quality products, and calculating cost-per-use are tried and true methods to embracing and engaging in a more sustainable lifestyle. It can be overwhelming and seemingly impossible at times. Also, it is OKAY if you can’t do everything on this list! Just remember that something is always better than nothing at all. I hope these endeavors bring joy to your home and health to your habits!

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