A more sustainable life, it seems to be our goal in 2020. Although we don’t all have the budget to buy a hybrid car, there are some small things we can do.
Be part of the solution, not part of the pollution
Small changes you make in your life and sustain them effectively are better than heavy drastic decisions as far as I’m concerned. We don’t need to change decisively to a so-called hippie who produces her own detergent in function of a sustainable life. But what can we do? In what changes do you make a profit? Which changes are manageable and easy to comply with? We already list them.
Our menu
We are not scientists or environmental experts, but we are well aware that every year livestock farming is at the top of the league when it comes to emissions. Apart from the fact that we save a lot of animal suffering, banning or reducing meat is much better for the environment. For a piece of meat on our plate, a lot of trees are cut down, a lot of water is consumed and a high amount of manure and fine dust is produced.
The transport of fruit and vegetables is also quite a burden on the environment. Compare your weekly menu with seasonal vegetables or choose local products. Why get eggs from supermarkets if you can just as well get them from a local farmer?
In times of the first lockdown we also saw people hoarding for food. Large packs of rice, pasta and canned food were bought. But have you ever thought about the amount of food that is lost because of waste? Freeze surpluses for a later meal, don’t boil too much pasta, or reuse the surplus you have.
A simple act in the kitchen? Put a lid on the pot or pan on the fire. This miniscule action will save you two to three times as much energy as before – without any crap.
Tips for your household
You can also make a number of adjustments in your daily household that have an immediate impact on the environment. Start by thinking about your use of heating. Put the driver one degree less, better for the environment and for your account.
By the way, did you know that washing at 20 degrees is just as efficient as washing at a higher degree? Towels, underwear and dishcloths can be washed perfectly at 60 degrees because this will kill all house dust mites and bacteria. But all other garments are as clean at 20 degrees as washing them at a higher degree. In addition, it may take you a little more time to hang the laundry up on a drying rack instead of in the dryer, but it’s a lot better for the environment.
Reusable kitchen utensils are of course also much better than disposable products. Think of metal drinking bottles for on the road or environmentally friendly jars to store vegetables. But also smaller operations such as a reusable shopping bag, less long showers, or a sticker no/no on the mailbox are a good attempt.
A more sustainable daily life
We can already purchase many products that are sustainable and therefore better for the environment. But we can also make changes to our daily lifestyle. Just think of taking public transport instead of the car or buying sustainable clothing. But one of the biggest environmental polluters is still taking an airplane.
Of course, there are a number of other bigger actions you can take to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. Switching to green energy, using a menstrual cup and much more. Do you want to go a step further? Or do you want to learn more about a more ecological lifestyle? Check out our article with the best books for this.
Don’t hesitate to share your vision with us or maybe you have some useful tips to help you live a more sustainable life? Feel free to share them in the comments.
