Live Sustainably Without Sacrificing Practicality

If you’re interested in creating a more sustainable lifestyle for yourself, you’ve probably read enough articles to realize how much a grey water reclamation system actually costs. There are some sacrifices you’ll have to make in order to achieve zero waste, however you don’t have to go completely green to make an eco-friendly changes to your lifestyle. Take a look at these examples of sustainable living that the average person can accomplish with minimal effort and minimal spending.

Switch Your Lightbulbs

Take the first step toward a more sustainable lifestyle by changing your current lightbulbs for energy-efficient CFL or LED versions. You may need to spend a little more money for the new bulbs, but you will quickly be repaid by the reduction of your energy bill. An average energy-efficient bulb uses less than $1.50 of electricity per year and will last about ten years!

Abuse Your Dishwasher

If you’re looking to conserve water, start running your dishwasher more! Most people assume that living sustainably means washing dishes by hand, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. The average dishwasher uses around 6 gallons of water per cycle, energy start rated machines will average about 4 gallons. While the average faucet produces 2 gallons of water per minute, so unless you are able to wash and rinse a stack of dishes in less than three minutes, using your dishwasher is going to be the better choice. Remember, make sure the dishwasher is full before using it.

Cold Water Laundry

While doing laundry, make the conscious effort to always set your washing machine to cold. Nearly 90% of energy used while running a washing machine goes toward heating the water. A simple twist of a knob can help you save a huge amount of energy, and even keep your clothes lasting longer as cold water helps clothes retain their color, size, and shape better than warm water. Be aware some powder detergents don’t work well in cold water, and oily stains should be washed in warm water.

Landscaping Locally

While planning your summer landscaping, bring in native plants from your area. Native plants will require less care than others because they’re primed to grow in your specific climate and soil type. Native plants will often be cheaper than non-native species, these plants will also aid in providing food and habitat for local insects and wildlife.

Dispense with Disposables

Rather than using products such as plastic cups, paper plates and other items you use and throw away, replace them with reusable versions that won’t require you to change your habits. There are a ton of easy options, including:

• Bringing a mug to use for coffee/tea at work rather than the paper/styrofoam cups provided.
• Buying lunchboxes rather than paper bags.
• Using dish cloths, sponges or rags to clean up messes instead of paper towels or wipes.
• Bringing reusable grocery bags to the store instead of taking plastic bags home.
• Refilling a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing single use, plastic bottled water.

Go Paperless

One of the easiest ways you can live a more sustainable life is to remove yourself from mailing lists. Go to DMAChoice.org, and completing their online registration. Once you’re registered, pay the $2 and to stop all mailings from companies you’ve never purchased from or donated to. If you don’t wish to use DMA Choice, consider going paperless on your bills and other mail, most companies will have a paperless option on their website.

Choosing a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t need to be an inconvenience. Use these tips to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle and prove that going green can be as simple as making a few changes to your everyday routine. Not only will you save money, you will also help save our planet! Remember, if you have a ton of waste you can not dispose of properly, call us at Waste Solutions 123 for an eco-friendly dumpster rental!