Earth DayIt is becoming a more important time to be eco-friendly. Experts suggest that there are many things that you can do individually to reduce your negative impact on the environment.
Although there have been There is plenty to discussThe Environmental Protection Agency has the final say on whether individual actions can have a significant impact on climate change. Still encourages people take actionin their own homes that they can reduce the effects of climate change by making better choices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Green choices can save you money in the long-term, especially if you make smarter decisions.
Here are some tips to incorporate more eco-friendly practices in your daily life.
Renovating your home? Go green
Spring is home improvement season. The EPA recommendsHere are some ways you can save energy. This is one of most cost-effective ways that you can reduce greenhouse gases and combat climate change.
The EPA recommends that you look for the Energy Star certification when shopping for anything, from a new dishwasher or a front door.
High-quality windows and appliances that are energy-efficient may be more costly upfront, but they will save you money in the long-term through lower utility bills. The EPA states that some Energy Star products come with tax credits or rebates.
The official product finder can be used at energystar.gov/productfinderTo find items in nearby stores, check out these Charlotte hardware shops.
Find out where you are leaking air
Drafty windows and doors are not just annoying, they can also be detrimental to the environment and your wallet.
Your HVAC system will lose heat in winter and cool air in summer because of poorly sealed or insulated doors and windows. This can lead to increased energy consumption and higher bills.
The EPA recommends Check your home for drafty spots and address them. The Energy Star guide Visit its websiteThis will help you identify problem areas and create a plan to fix them.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
The three Rs are not just a cliche, they do more than just sorting your paper into a separate trash bin on trash day. The EPA Notes.
It is easy to reduce waste by donating items that you don’t need but still work to a charity, second-hand shop or shopping for secondhand items yourself.
A meal plan and shopping list can be created before you go grocery shopping to ensure you only buy what you need. This helps reduce food waste which can lead to food ending up landfills, which emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gases.
It is also possible to reuse items within your own home, which reduces waste.
Revamp your cleaning habits
Spring cleaning is another area you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Cleaning has traditionally involved using a lot single-use products like paper towels and plastic bottles. Better Homes & Gardens experts recommend that you use reusable clothes and scrubbers, which can be repurposed items like toothbrushes or old T-shirts, to reduce waste and save money.
You can also try their products. Make your own cleaning products.
Try Meatless Monday
To help the environment, you don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan.
You don’t have to give up meat completely. Instead, you can try Meatless Monday. This campaign encourages people to cut down on meat one day per week.
For 348 miles, a single serving of beef a week can be reduced by as much as a year. The campaign statesCiting research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Healths Center for A Livable Future
Charlotte also offers a variety of plant-based options for dining out.
Reduce water usage
The EPA recommends that you take simple steps to prevent water supply shortages.
It takes a lot energy to heat, treat, and pump water. Conserving water also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. According to the agency.
You will also use less water and pay a lower monthly bill.
Mary Ramsey is a service journalist reporter at The Charlotte Observer. Born in the Carolinas, she studied journalism at The University of South Carolina. She also worked in Phoenix (Arizona) and Louisville (Kyle).
