Hi! Welcome back to #WorldWednesday. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"-Margaret Mead
There are many ways to implement earth-friendly changes in intentional, meaningful ways. If collectively, we all make one positive change every day-it can make an exponential difference over time. A win-win philosophy towards environmental change can include cost savings for us--and a healthier environment for our children and grandchildren.
Here are 5 Top tips to help you cut back on your spending and your carbon footprint:
1) Be water savvy. The average American family uses about 300 gallons of water per day. Roughly 70% of this is consumed indoors. On average, 10 gallons, (14%), is lost to leaks. One of the easiest ways to cut your water footprint is by repairing leaky faucets and toilets. If you use a low-flow showerhead, you can save 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower.
2) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce and reuse often go hand-in-hand. For example, reusable grocery bags are a simple substitution for plastic bags. Before you recycle something, think about ways to give it new life. Repurpose glass, plastic and cardboard containers. Did you know that most plastic bags are used for an average of 12 minutes. Unfortunately, it takes 1,000 years for that same plastic bag to break down. An estimated 300 million plastic bags end up the Atlantic Ocean every year. By the year 2050, the world's oceans could contain more plastic than fish measured by weight.
3) Eat seasonally. Eating seasonal produce will help you save money on fresh food and improve the diversity of your diet. By consuming seasonal, local produce, you’re saving money, boosting the local economy, positively impacting the environment, and improving your health. It’s a win for all involved.
4) Hit the thrift shop first. Hitting the thrift shop before shopping online will not only save you money but will also have a positive environmental impact. If you can't find what you want locally, consider buying vintage and second hand wear online. Two great suggestions include thredUP and TheRealReal.
5) Evaluate your appliance and electronic useage. The appliances and electronics you choose and how you use them affect your energy use and costs. Examine the appliances and electronics in your home and estimate their energy useage. Consider strategies for reducing the energy use of your appliances and electronics. Three apps to check out include: green outlet, energy cost calculator and smappee. You can also replace current appliances with energy star products.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, "We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference." Tune in next Wednesday for more helpful tips and tricks. See you soon! Warmly, Susan