Easy Ways to Reduce Your Household’s Carbon Footprint

These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a household that doesn’t practice conservation to some degree. Whether it’s basic recycling, composting or limiting the use of plastics, most families are becoming increasingly aware of the effects their actions have on the environment. Furthermore, getting serious about conservation doesn’t have to be an arduous undertaking. A few minor changes to your everyday lifestyle can effectively reduce your household’s carbon footprint and get your crew on board with conservation.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

While recycling may seem like a no-brainer today, a startling number of households approach it in an improper manner. For example, failing to properly sort papers, plastics and glasses can create confusion for local recycling services and result in certain items not being recycled at all. If your city or township requires recycling to be separated, it’s strongly advised that you comply with the rules they’ve set out. Additionally, take care to thoroughly clean bottles, cans and assorted containers before proceeding to recycle them.

Every member of your household should also be aware of what can and cannot be recycled. Certain types of items – plastic bags, for example – shouldn’t be put out with regular recycling, but instead dropped off in specially-marked areas of various grocery stores and big box retailers.

Buy Eco-Friendly Products

Buying eco-friendly products is another great way to do your part for the environment. So, when shopping for food, clothing and other household essentials, keep an eye out for manufacturers who use recycled materials and make other large-scale efforts at conservation. Many families are unaware of just how many eco-friendly products can be found with just a little bit of looking. Biodegradable waste bags, organic clothes and footwear, recycled paper and stainless-steel drink bottles are just a few of the convenient everyday items that can help reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, if anyone in your household is looking to get a guilt-free goodnight’s sleep, consider investing in a comfy eco friendly mattress.

Rethink Your Laundry Practices

With power consumption in American households at all-time highs, families would be well-advised to rethink their usual laundry practices. For starters, since a fair amount of electricity is used when loads are washed on warm or hot, it’s in your best interest to stick with cold water unless necessary. While cold water may not be as adept at tackling stubborn stains, it can prove quite effective when paired with a dependable stain remover. Washing your clothes with cold water can eliminate up to 90% of your washing machine’s electrical usage, thus protecting the environment and reducing your energy bills.

In addition to adjusting your usual water temp, you should also be aware of how much clothing you’re washing per load. Washing only a few articles of clothing at a time may be convenient in the short term, but it’s an incredible waste of both water and electricity. Make a point of only powering up your washing machine after a full load of laundry has accumulated.

Properly Dispose of E-Waste

From smart phones to tablets to personal computers, the average household has more gadgets than ever before. Additionally, since the next big thing is always just around the corner, it isn’t long before many of these devices become outdated or require replacement. However, if not properly disposed of, the materials found in many modern-day devices can pollute the air and potentially seep into waterways.

There are several simple ways to nip e-waste issues in the bud. Firstly, you can avoid needlessly upgrading perfectly usable devices and encouraging your family to do the same. Secondly, you can donate or sell any devices you no longer have any use for. Lastly, you can take any devices you wish to get rid of to your nearest e-waste management facility.

In decades past, many households regarded conservation as an afterthought – if they thought about it at all. Fortunately, in recent years, eco-consciousness has caught on in a big way. In addition, reducing your family’s carbon footprint doesn’t have to entail making a dent in your finances or completely upending your lifestyle. Families looking to get serious about conservation and do their part for the planet would be wise to put the previously discussed pointers to good use.