Going Green: Changes You Can Make In Your Home

When it comes to doing the best for the planet, it helps if we are all chipping in. And there are so many other ways to go green that simply just recycling – although that shouldn’t be left on the shelf. There are lots of little things that you can do that will make an impact.

When it comes to going green, lots of people doing little things make a big impact overall.

So let’s take a look at things you can be doing to go green.

Tasty Treats

While it is unlikely that you will be able to have your whole food shop grown in the garden, you can make a start. Over time you will find that you get a feel for what grows well and what doesn’t. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint grow well at almost any time of year. So starting with them is a great idea. You don’t need a particularly large garden, either. Just a few pots will get your started. 

Reusable 

When it comes to your weekly shop, if you are still buying bags ‘because they’re only a few cents’, then you should consider what you are doing with those bags after. And the chances are you are throwing them away or storing in another bag where they will never see the light of day again. Invest in some tote bags for your food shop and once you unpack your shopping, pop them in the boot of the car or by the front door so that you remember to use them. 

Farmer’s Markets

Aside from growing some lush goodies in your own garden, you should head to your local farmer’s market. Because, in most cases, the food that is available has been freshly picked from the area, it won’t have traveled as far as what you might buy from the market. Making it a better choice in terms of carbon footprint too. 

Paperless

When it comes to bills and other mail, you probably don’t need paper copies. So where you can go paperless. You’ll need to make sure the payments are automated or that you have a list of when everything is due so that you can make sure you pay everything on time. 

Water

If you have leaks around the house, make sure that you get them fixed. But more than that, you can put water-saving packets in your toilet cistern, and timers on your shower too. And the shower one might take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll be used to a shorter shower in no time.

You can also collect rainwater to water your indoor plants too, and save it to water the garden when you get sunnier weather. A big water butt will help you tackle this. 

Make Your Products

If you are ready to create something but also cut back on buying other things, then you might consider making your own household cleaning solutions and beauty products. A quick scented all-purpose cleaner is:

• One part vinegar
• One part water
• Lemon rind
• Rosemary Sprigs

Mix them all up and put them in a spray bottle. You’ll need to let the lemon and herb-infused for a week before you use it to get the best scented result. This solution will get rid of grease smears, hard water stains, and so much more. 

Reuse

Millions of glass jars are thrown away every day, but you can find ways to repurpose yours. Use them to store dried goods in, to make your own pickles and condiments. 

Donate

When your clothing gets too small, or you just don’t want it anymore, donate it. When clothing is in good condition, it can go on to live another life with someone else. And, when you need some new items, you can head to a thrift store to buy something. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be contributing to the clothing industry. 

Energy

In many places, there is a range of energy suppliers, and you can look into ones that are using alternatives to fossil fuels. Not all energy providers have 100% access to clean energy, but many are making changes. You can also look at initiatives that help with solar panels on the roof and extra insulation. 

Research

You know your own lifestyle, and sometimes what will work for someone else – like ditching cars or growing vegetables won’t work for someone else. So it doesn’t matter if you simply cut back on buying new clothing, or start walking instead of catching the bus when you can. Small changes make a big difference.

Credit to free-use photo by Brad Stallcup on Unsplash