Strategies for More Sustainable Living
In our pursuit to live a more sustainable life, sometimes we come to a point where we don’t know what else to do. You bike to work, waste less water, and use the smart settings on your thermostat. You know there’s more you can do, but what?
Perhaps what you need is a fresh perspective on how to live a more sustainable life. There are many things we can do inside our homes, outside, and even in our government to further protect the environment. To get you started, here are some strategies to live an even more sustainable life.
Clean Your Way to a Greener Tomorrow
Although we sometimes don’t think about what’s in the cleaners and soaps we use, many cleaning supplies contain chemicals that harm more than just the germs in our homes. Even though bills have passed banning certain hazardous elements, some products still have substances that not only contaminate the air and water supply but also spur the onslaught of serious diseases in people.
To keep the environment and yourself healthy, ditch the toxic cleaners and look for eco-friendly alternatives instead. For tough stains and caked-on grime, use a solution of soda water and salt. The physical properties of the ingredients when used together help to eliminate bacteria as well as get a deep clean. For smaller cleanups, regular soapy water will do the trick. A strip of carpeting is also great if you need to brush the dirt off from window and door screens. Even just a rag dipped in water can take care of a lot of your house’s cleaning needs.
Turn Down the Lights
Many people are well-versed on switching to more efficient light bulbs to reduce their energy consumption. However, just changing your lights might not be enough to protect the environment. Light pollution is more concerning than it once was.
Animals are starting to become confused by all the artificial light, thinking it’s time to wake up when it’s actually time to sleep. Some species also use the light from stars and the moon to guide them home but inevitably end up lost following the lights from buildings instead. Humans are obviously not exempt from the effects of light pollution either.
Being exposed to artificial lights throughout the day and night prevents us from falling asleep peacefully, negatively affecting our energy levels when we wake up. The easiest way we can reduce light pollution is by simply turning off the lights. Leave them on only when you truly need them to see. If there’s plenty of natural light or it’s time for bed, then switch them off.
Motion sensing lights can especially help in outdoor areas by only turning on when someone’s in the general vicinity. Also, check your utility bill to see if you’re paying for any street lights. If you are, you can call your power company and ask for the light to be removed, decreasing light pollution as well as your power bill.
Get Involved
There’s only so much you can do on your journey to living a more sustainable life. In order to make a bigger impact on the health of our planet, higher authorities must take charge and get involved. These higher authorities are your local and national government. Our representatives truly have the power to make the changes the environment desperately needs.
However, before we can rely on our congressmen to be informed on the issues, we need to inform ourselves first. Keep up with the latest news on renewable energy and solutions that really make a difference. That way, when new bills and legislation on greener energy and practices arise, you’ll know which side to support.
Being involved in local and national elections will also give sustainability a leg up by voting for candidates with environmentally friendly agendas. Don’t be afraid to contact your representatives as well and ask what their stance is on the environment and what they’re doing to help.
Living a more sustainable life is always within reach. Committing to greener cleaning supplies and the reduction of light pollution are great ways to further help the environment. Becoming politically involved in the fight for greener energy will also advance solutions only the government can execute. Every step you take is another step towards a greener future. Just remember to turn off the lights when you’re done.
