A big part of sustainable living is simply using less. Not only are you likely to save money and time by using less, but you will also look after your health and the health of our planet.
Use less water
Water is not an infinite resource. Water pollution is a growing issue in many parts of the world, as is water shortage. Why is this? Because everything you eat, sleep, work and study with all take some amount of water to create. It takes 2700 litres of water to make just one cotton t-shirt.
You can help reduce your water use by being careful about what you buy. Try to reuse, repair or refurbish items instead of buying new ones, plant water efficient gardens (think drought tolerant plants) and take shorter showers.
For more information and tips on saving water (and money), check out the following links:
Use less plastic
Plastic has been the foundation of packaging for decades. But we’re very lucky to have forward thinkers who have come up with a range of biodegradable materials to replace toxic plastics.
Using less plastic doesn’t mean you have to compromise on affordability. You may just have to compromise a little on convenience. For the sake of the earth and your health, that’s a small price to pay!
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Replace your plastic bin bags with compostable bags.
- Use stainless steel picnic ware instead of disposable.
- Try shampoo bars instead of traditional bottled shampoo.
Ready to give it a go? These products might help:
- Ethique (NZ owned shampoo/conditioner bars)
- The Block Dock (easy storage for your Ethique bars!)
- ZeroCo (Australian owned Eco-Friendly laundry products)
Use less energy
Using less energy is good for the planet and for your bank account. Next time you go to turn on your heater, maybe throw on a hoodie or pair of socks instead. Switch off the lights when you aren’t using them – or get creative with candles (vintage lighting!). You can also try doing laundry in large loads, rather than multiple small loads throughout the week.
By making a few simple changes in your life, you can do your part to help our environment and you’ll spend less money in the long run.
You can find plenty of tips and products online to help you play your part in sustainable living. Here are a few links I have found helpful.
