Go Green This Earth Day With These Energy Efficient Ideas

Go Green this Earth Day with these Energy Efficient Ideas

There’s never a bad time to improve your environmental consciousness. But, what better way to celebrate Earth Day than by instilling a few eco-friendly habits?

Here are a few easy ways to go green for Earth Day 2019.

Create a Home Recycling System

Even if you don’t live in a neighborhood with a municipal recycling service, you can still do your part at home.

Plastics, glass, paper products, and even food waste can be recycled if items are separated correctly. Research waste management centers in your area, and ask about how you should prepare these materials for donation.

Some facilities even accept e-waste, printer cartridges, batteries, and other discarded items.

Go For a Green Commute

One of the most impactful ways that most people can reduce their carbon footprint is to rethink their transportation options. Depending on your lifestyle or budget, one of these options might work for you:

Public Transit

As long as you live in a well-connected area, you can save thousands of dollars each year by taking the bus or metro to work instead of driving. Additionally, you’ll take part in reducing the smog coverage in your area.

Ride a Bike, or Walk

The only method of transportation that’s more considerate than using a low-emission, shared vehicle is one that creates no pollution at all.

For people who are fortunate enough to live close to their job or school, a manual commute is the way to go. Plus, you get the added benefit of incorporating a bit of exercise into your daily routine. Enjoy the scenery, pop in some earbuds, and forget about gas costs or parking fees.

Opt for an Eco-Friendly Vehicle

If you’re in the market for a new car, consider buying a model with high fuel efficiency. Hybrids, electric cars, and even some standard options with high MPG can save you hundreds in fuel costs each year.

Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle might also give you a free pass to use the HOV lane, even if you’re driving alone. If you need to own a car, you might as well go for an eco-friendly option.

Carpool or Rideshare

Do you have friends or coworkers with commutes similar to yours? You might be able to organize a carpool. This will help everyone involved to save money, while reducing their individual emissions.

You don’t even have to organize your own group. Many rideshare apps, such as Lyft and Uber, give you the option to share your route with other riders. If you don’t mind meeting strangers, this option is typically cheaper than taking a solo ride.

Start Small

You’d be surprised how easily we waste energy with common, everyday behaviors. They may seem insignificant, but even the smallest changes can add up to make a huge impact.

Do you have a habit of opening the oven door to check while you’re baking? Do you leave unnecessary lights on throughout the day? Is your TV always on, even if no one is watching?

Take some time to audit your day-to-day activities, because you might find that you’re wasting energy without even realizing it.

Bring Your Own To-Go Containers

How many single-use containers do you throw away each week? Many restaurants and grocery stores don’t use biodegradable materials to make to-go boxes and bags.

Rather than taking your items away in something you’re going to discard immediately, always bring a few reusable containers and shopping bags with you. Adding a set of silverware to your desk or handbag is another way to reduce your waste consumption.

Bringing your own cup, bowl, or shopping bag might even get you a discount at checkout.

Improving the health of the environment might seem like a tall order, but we have the power to make mindful decisions. Adding just a few changes to your daily routine can make a dramatic difference. In honor of this year’s Earth Day, here are some things you can do to make the world a greener place.