5 Simple Switches for a More Sustainable Lifestyle

One of the easiest ways to start becoming more sustainable is to conserve energy. Whether you are at home, at work or even out at a restaurant, saving energy is possible! It can be as simple as turning off the lights when you leave a room to turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth. The U.S Department of Energy states that “when appliances are turned off, they continue to consume small amounts of electricity, known as standby power.”

A few ways you can reduce your standby power around your home are by: 

• Unplugging all chargers, electronics, styling tools, power strips and speakers when they are not in use
• Buying energy efficient LED light bulbs
• Using your heat/AC less by closing your blinds when it is hot outside to keep the cool air in and opening your windows to let the fresh air in when it is cooler outside.

Did you know that saving on water consumption also directly affects your energy consumption? 

• If you have a few dirty dishes, hand wash them or fill up your dishwasher entirely before running it.
• Take quicker showers and don’t let the faucet run when washing your face or brushing your teeth.

The more energy you conserve, the better it is for the planet and your bills.

Recycling is as simple as discarding your paper in the designated recycling bin while throwing out the trash in the trash can. Many containers, dishware and products in general will have an insignia with a number on or under them indicating if the item is reusable and what type of material it is made out of. This helps you to identify how the product can be recycled and if so, how to recycle the product properly. If you don’t know what your city’s recycling codes are or want to know more about them, you can find more information here. 

Eight states in the United States have completely banned the use of single-use plastic bags. Making the switch to reusable grocery and shopping bags is much more sustainable for the environment than using plastic bags. Eliminating the use of plastic water bottles and opting for using reusable water bottles instead is a much better option. When ordering take-out, bring your own reusable cutlery if you will not be going home to eat. Try switching to glass containers instead of plastic ones when putting leftovers away. Lastly, try switching to reusable straws, silicone sandwich baggies, wool dryer balls and reusable make-up removing pads. Incorporating reusable products into your life is not only great for your health, but it is even better for the environment.

What products you buy and how you go about buying those products make a huge difference in terms of sustainability. The first way to make your shopping habits more sustainable is by buying local; shopping at your local farmers market and small businesses, means you’re directly helping lessen the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are typically given off from factory production and/or transport. Consider shopping from refill stations or zero-waste stores that allow you to buy in bulk and bring in your containers to refill on items such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, dried goods, coffee, nuts, beans, and pasta. If you’re interested in where stores like this are located, you can find more information . When searching for products to buy, implement buying from brands that are going or are completely, like Fulton insoles! If you’re looking for a new wardrobe piece try shopping at your local thrift store.

Switching up your mode of transportation can be one of the simplest ways to become more sustainable today. Try to limit the amount of international and domestic travel you do by plane, and stay local instead. If you have the ability to walk to work or to the grocery store, or carpool your kids and their friends to school do just that. When possible, take the bus or train, or bike to work. If none of these options seem feasible, consider getting a hybrid car or one that is completely electric. Changing up your transportation when you get the chance will help decrease pollution and carbon emissions plus will get you to be outside more! If you’re going to be walking whether to work or around the block, be sure to pick up some to add foot arch support that prevents foot pain from walking, while you support our planet by being more sustainable!