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With the effects of climate change becoming more evident every year, it’s clear that living a greener lifestyle is more important than ever. It’s not as difficult or as expensive as you might think, either. Here, we reveal simple changes you can make at home to reduce your carbon and water footprints and help ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
Green Living
20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home
February 24, 2017
With the effects of climate change becoming more evident every year, it’s clear that living a greener lifestyle is more important than ever. It’s not as difficult or as expensive as you might think, either. Here, we reveal simple changes you can make at home to reduce your carbon and water footprints and help ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
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1. Plant Native Species
1/201. Plant Native Species
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Instead of filling your garden with exotic tropical plants, opt for native species that can adapt to the local climate. Your yard will be easier to maintain and will create a friendlier habitat for wildlife. Strategically planted trees and shrubs will also help regulate your home's temperature.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home1. Plant Native Species
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Instead of filling your garden with exotic tropical plants, opt for native species that can adapt to the local climate. Your yard will be easier to maintain and will create a friendlier habitat for wildlife. Strategically planted trees and shrubs will also help regulate your home's temperature.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2. Buy Local
2/202. Buy Local
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
While it’s better to buy food that's not exposed to harmful chemicals, organic isn’t always the best option. Transporting organic produce great distances to sell at a farmers' market creates carbon emissions and negates the good intentions with which it was produced. Be sure to focus on locally grown produce instead (and even better if it's also organic!).Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home2. Buy Local
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -While it’s better to buy food that's not exposed to harmful chemicals, organic isn’t always the best option. Transporting organic produce great distances to sell at a farmers' market creates carbon emissions and negates the good intentions with which it was produced. Be sure to focus on locally grown produce instead (and even better if it's also organic!).Photo Credit: Getty Images
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3. Eat Less Meat
3/203. Eat Less Meat
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to the <a href="http://www.fao.org/livestock-environment/en/" target="_blank">Food and Agricultural Organization</a> of the United Nations, livestock accounts for 14.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. You don’t have to go full vegan to reduce the environmental impact of your diet; going meat-free just one day per week will make a huge difference.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home3. Eat Less Meat
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -According to the <a href="http://www.fao.org/livestock-environment/en/" target="_blank">Food and Agricultural Organization</a> of the United Nations, livestock accounts for 14.5% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. You don’t have to go full vegan to reduce the environmental impact of your diet; going meat-free just one day per week will make a huge difference.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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4. Get Reusable Shopping Bags
4/204. Get Reusable Shopping Bags
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
More and more Canadian municipalities are now banning single-use plastic shopping bags, while others are charging for them. Get into the habit of reusing plastic bags, or opt for the tote bag varieties. You can even make your own from an old T-shirt, such as this one from <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-10-Minute-T-Shirt-Tote/" target="_blank">Instructables.com</a>.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home4. Get Reusable Shopping Bags
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -More and more Canadian municipalities are now banning single-use plastic shopping bags, while others are charging for them. Get into the habit of reusing plastic bags, or opt for the tote bag varieties. You can even make your own from an old T-shirt, such as this one from <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-10-Minute-T-Shirt-Tote/" target="_blank">Instructables.com</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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5. Reuse Milk Bags
5/205. Reuse Milk Bags
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/green-home/11-ways-reuse-old-milk-bags.html" target="_blank">Treehugger.com</a> suggests several ways in which you can reuse plastic milk bags, from freezing food in them to transforming them into grow bags for small plants.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home5. Reuse Milk Bags
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/green-home/11-ways-reuse-old-milk-bags.html" target="_blank">Treehugger.com</a> suggests several ways in which you can reuse plastic milk bags, from freezing food in them to transforming them into grow bags for small plants.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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6. Match the Pot to the Burner
6/206. Match the Pot to the Burner
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
When cooking, use a burner that's smaller than the size of your pot. This way, you’ll use the heat more efficiently and produce less energy.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home6. Match the Pot to the Burner
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -When cooking, use a burner that's smaller than the size of your pot. This way, you’ll use the heat more efficiently and produce less energy.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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7. Get an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
7/207. Get an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
<a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/appliances/dishwasher/13991" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a> says that an Energy Star certified dishwasher uses an average of 12% less energy than a standard model. This means even more savings on your hydro bill, in addition to helping the planet.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home7. Get an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -<a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/appliances/dishwasher/13991" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a> says that an Energy Star certified dishwasher uses an average of 12% less energy than a standard model. This means even more savings on your hydro bill, in addition to helping the planet.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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8. Go Digital
8/208. Go Digital
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Use your laptop for more than just social media and watching videos of cats. Reduce your paper usage by going online to read the news, submit your taxes and get e-tickets when travelling.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home8. Go Digital
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -Use your laptop for more than just social media and watching videos of cats. Reduce your paper usage by going online to read the news, submit your taxes and get e-tickets when travelling.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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9. Opt for Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
9/209. Opt for Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/bulbs/13918" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a>, Energy Star certified light bulbs use between 70 and 90% less energy on average than conventional incandescent bulbs. In addition, LED lights last 15 times longer.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home9. Opt for Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -According to <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/bulbs/13918" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a>, Energy Star certified light bulbs use between 70 and 90% less energy on average than conventional incandescent bulbs. In addition, LED lights last 15 times longer.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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10. Weather-Strip and Caulk
10/2010. Weather-Strip and Caulk
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Proper weather-stripping and caulking around your windows and doors will keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the demand for air-conditioning or heating. This will cut your energy usage by as much as 25%.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home10. Weather-Strip and Caulk
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Proper weather-stripping and caulking around your windows and doors will keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the demand for air-conditioning or heating. This will cut your energy usage by as much as 25%.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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11. Use Natural Detergents
11/2011. Use Natural Detergents
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The harsh chemicals in many conventional detergents can wreak havoc on the environment, especially when they seep into lakes and rivers. Opt for a natural and biodegradable detergent instead, such as a multi-purpose variety that effectively cleans clothes, dishes and more.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home11. Use Natural Detergents
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -The harsh chemicals in many conventional detergents can wreak havoc on the environment, especially when they seep into lakes and rivers. Opt for a natural and biodegradable detergent instead, such as a multi-purpose variety that effectively cleans clothes, dishes and more.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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12. Or Make Your Own Cleaners
12/2012. Or Make Your Own Cleaners
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Eco-friendly cleaners can be pricey, but many websites provide recipes for creating your own, which will save you money in the process (<a href="https://wellnessmama.com/start/" target="_blank">Wellness Mama</a> is a great place to start).Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home12. Or Make Your Own Cleaners
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Eco-friendly cleaners can be pricey, but many websites provide recipes for creating your own, which will save you money in the process (<a href="https://wellnessmama.com/start/" target="_blank">Wellness Mama</a> is a great place to start).Photo Credit: Getty Images
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13. Get an Energy-Efficient Laundry Machine
13/2013. Get an Energy-Efficient Laundry Machine
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to <a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/appliances/clothes-washer/13984" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a>, an Energy Star certified washing machine uses, on average, 25% less energy and 40% less water than a standard model. Not only will this reduce your carbon and water footprints, it will also help you save a significant amount on your hydro bill each month.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home13. Get an Energy-Efficient Laundry Machine
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -According to <a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/appliances/clothes-washer/13984" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a>, an Energy Star certified washing machine uses, on average, 25% less energy and 40% less water than a standard model. Not only will this reduce your carbon and water footprints, it will also help you save a significant amount on your hydro bill each month.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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14. Wash Full Loads
14/2014. Wash Full Loads
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Instead of washing a small load of laundry or dishes every day, wait a few days and then tackle one large load. After a while, you'll notice a dip on your energy bill.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home14. Wash Full Loads
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Instead of washing a small load of laundry or dishes every day, wait a few days and then tackle one large load. After a while, you'll notice a dip on your energy bill.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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15. Wash in Cold Water
15/2015. Wash in Cold Water
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
You can save energy by using a cold-water cycle for your washing machine or dishwasher. If you prefer warm water, opt for a lukewarm setting.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home15. Wash in Cold Water
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -You can save energy by using a cold-water cycle for your washing machine or dishwasher. If you prefer warm water, opt for a lukewarm setting.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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16. Hang Clothes to Dry
16/2016. Hang Clothes to Dry
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Instead of using an energy-guzzling dryer, hang your wet laundry on the line and let nature dry it for free. The sun also acts as a disinfectant to help ward off germs.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home16. Hang Clothes to Dry
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Instead of using an energy-guzzling dryer, hang your wet laundry on the line and let nature dry it for free. The sun also acts as a disinfectant to help ward off germs.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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17. Install Savvy Bathroom Fixtures
17/2017. Install Savvy Bathroom Fixtures
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
An energy-efficient, low-flow shower head uses less than half the water of its conventional counterpart. Tap aerators also cut water usage in half without compromising water pressure.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home17. Install Savvy Bathroom Fixtures
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -An energy-efficient, low-flow shower head uses less than half the water of its conventional counterpart. Tap aerators also cut water usage in half without compromising water pressure.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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18. Put a Bottle of Water in the Toilet Tank
18/2018. Put a Bottle of Water in the Toilet Tank
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to a <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/waterislife/waterathome/how-much-are-we-using" target="_blank">McGill University study</a>, Canadians are among the world’s largest per-capita consumers of water, and 30% of what they use literally goes down the toilet through flushing. One solution? Fill a plastic bottle with water and place it in your toilet’s cistern. This makes the water level in the cistern rise while actually using less water every time you flush.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home18. Put a Bottle of Water in the Toilet Tank
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -According to a <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/waterislife/waterathome/how-much-are-we-using" target="_blank">McGill University study</a>, Canadians are among the world’s largest per-capita consumers of water, and 30% of what they use literally goes down the toilet through flushing. One solution? Fill a plastic bottle with water and place it in your toilet’s cistern. This makes the water level in the cistern rise while actually using less water every time you flush.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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19. Turn Temps Down
19/2019. Turn Temps Down
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
You can reduce your energy usage by turning down the heat or air-conditioning. Remember: there’s no need to heat or cool a room when you’re not spending time in it.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home19. Turn Temps Down
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -You can reduce your energy usage by turning down the heat or air-conditioning. Remember: there’s no need to heat or cool a room when you’re not spending time in it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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20. Use Batteries Wisely
20/2020. Use Batteries Wisely
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Batteries are filled with toxic metals that are an environmental hazard. When you have to use them, choose the rechargeable variety. Once their lifespan has ended, contact a recycling program such as <a href="http://www.call2recycle.ca/" target="_blank">Call2Recycle</a> to find out how to dispose of them responsibly.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home20. Use Batteries Wisely
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -Batteries are filled with toxic metals that are an environmental hazard. When you have to use them, choose the rechargeable variety. Once their lifespan has ended, contact a recycling program such as <a href="http://www.call2recycle.ca/" target="_blank">Call2Recycle</a> to find out how to dispose of them responsibly.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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