Going green can involve timely and costly commitments, such as buying all new energy-saving appliances or swapping out your Conoco-friendly Camry for an electric vehicle. But adopting sustainable living doesn’t need to be out of reach...or out of your budget. There are several affordable, simple, and effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, including the following:
Ditch Single-Use Items
Single-use items are a mainstay of landfills and ocean waste, so avoiding them whenever possible is among the simplest ways to go green. Small lifestyle changes that make a big difference include using cloth bags instead of paper or plastic at the grocery store, avoiding coffee pods, drinking straws, and bottled water, and using cloth rags instead of paper towels.
Invest in the Right Companies
Some companies are known for their dedication to eco-friendly practices; others care little for their carbon footprint. It might be unrealistic to ensure you only patronize environmentally conscious businesses every time you buy a product or service, but if you aim to support eco-friendly companies *most* of the time, you can make a difference. If enough people do this, companies that don’t consider their environmental impact will have to change their nature-negligent ways or lose profits.
Wear Layers Inside
Putting on a sweater before entering the living room might seem silly, but it can help reduce your energy use, which is good for the environment (and your utility bill!). Wearing layers and using blankets encourages you to keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, such as 68 degrees instead of the balmy 75 your inner beach bum craves. Wearing socks can also help, as it’s usually our feet that get most frigid, leaving us running toward the furnace for some cozy comfort.
Carry a Water Bottle Regularly
If you don’t carry a water bottle, you might just be kicked out of Colorado! Toting around a water bottle as routinely as you carry a purse or wallet offers several benefits for yourself and Mother Earth. Easy access to H2O keeps you hydrated in the dry and high Colorado elements and prevents the need to buy bottled water, Gatorade, sodas, and other drinks in single-use containers.
Cut Down on Mail
From credit card statements to bank ledgers to medical bills, mail piles up quickly…and most of this mail goes straight into the waste bin unread. While not all organizations offer e-statements, most allow you to opt out of snail mail and get your invoices in your inbox instead. When this option is offered, take it. You’ll help the Earth and avoid paper cuts!
Going green might be easier than you think. The above acts are simple ways to make a difference with minimal effort. Consider adopting a few of these new habits in the new year to help the environment thrive in 2025.
Fox Ridge Apartments in Longmont, Colorado offers a quiet residential location, mountain views, and modern amenities. We’re the perfect place to call home. Contact us to learn more.