Ten simple steps to live more sustainably
Contributed by Lynda King
Taking the first step toward living more sustainably can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. There are simple things you can do to set yourself on that path, and the best thing to do is take it one step at a time. If you've already replaced your incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs, and have a collection of cloth grocery bags, here are some other steps you can take:
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Use cloth napkins instead of paper.
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Cover bowls of food with plates instead of plastic wrap.
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Try to eat one completely local meal a week.
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Instead of using plastic tableware at parties, use second-hand stainless tableware, found at yard sales, consignment shops, or Salvation Army stores.
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Reduce your risk of exposure to toxic chemicals by reading the labels on household cleaners and personal care products. Look for words like biodegradable, phosphate-free, nontoxic, fragrance-free.
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As outdoor temperatures rise this summer, keep windows closed and shades down to help keep the house cool.
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Replace plastic drink bottles with stainless steel bottles; replace plastic storage containers with glass.
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If you like the ambiance of burning candles in your home, choose 100% beeswax or soy candles, since conventional candles are made from petroleum and give off toxins when burned.
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Disconnect "energy vampires" when electronics are not in use. Anything with a "chunky" plug, an indicator light, or digital clock display is using electricity even when the unit is powered off. (Think cell phone chargers, coffee pots, "instant-on" TVs.)
- Cut down on consumption of packaging by buying foods in bulk, buying products in concentrate form where available, and cooking in large batches, storing away future meals in reusable containers.
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Lynda King is a freelance writer from Massachusetts who writes on topics such as the environment, sustainability, and food. Her articles have appeared in Hobby Farm Home, Urban Farm, Family Chronicle, and GenWeekly magazines.
