Follow these four easy steps to shrink your carbon footprint.
Step 1: BYOB
Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) whenever you go out. Make using a reusable bag a priority. Don’t leave them under the kitchen sink or in the trunk of your car. When heading out to stores, run through the list in your head.
Not only will you have to carry fewer bags when shopping, but you also reduce the use of plastic bags. In fact, one reusable bag can hold approximately the same amount of product as three plastic bags. And, you can add some style by using a decorated bag.
Step 2: Go paperless
Getting organized ranks among the top five most popular New Year’s resolutions, and when you go paperless you can get a head start and save some trees in the process. Sign up for paperless billing, direct deposit, and to receive important tax and benefits documents electronically. Did you know most user manuals are online? Check to see if any you’re holding onto are available digitally, and then recycle the paper versions. As a bonus, you’ll have less clutter and fewer paper cuts.
Step 3: Take it down a notch
Back in the day, it was important to wash your clothes in hot water to get out tough stains. But did you know that today’s fabrics aren’t meant to withstand the heat of a hot wash? Look for opportunities to use cold water. You can also lower the temperature on your water heater to use less energy.
Step 4: Flip the switch
Whenever you can, opt for natural lighting. In addition to turning off indoor lights and saving you money on your electric bill, natural lighting is said to help create a calmer environment by reducing stress. It’s also credited with improving focus when studying. It’s a win for you and your wallet. So, turn off the light and let in the sun for a little more Zen in your life.
