It may seem like sustainability takes a ton of hard work. In many cases, that’s true, but there are easy ways to be energy conscious.
No matter how much time you have on your hands, it’s possible to lead an eco-friendly life. In fact, you can get started right now.
Here are eight simple strategies to try out.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
Did you know that homes and businesses are responsible for about 12% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States? We use natural gas daily to cook and heat our homes, so this isn’t a surprise. That doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it, though. In the winter and summer, energy is wasted when thermostats heat and cool empty homes. To remedy this, pick up a smart thermostat.
These gadgets adjust the temperature of your house automatically. When you’re asleep or at work, you can save money and cut down on your carbon footprint.
2. Eat Less Meat
Maybe you love to grill out and enjoy a nice rack of ribs. That’s all well and good, but if you want to make an impact, try to implement meatless Mondays.
The average diet of a U.S. citizen requires nearly 1,320 gallons of water to produce each day, and much of that goes toward animal products. To lessen your impact, go for vegetarian or even vegan options once a week. These days, there are several delicious alternatives.
3. Go With a Space Heater
Don’t jack up the thermostat to heat your entire house when it’s cold. Instead, focus on the rooms where you spend the most time. Space heaters are great for this. They’re mobile, so you can move them wherever you please.
Many now use ultra-low sulfur diesel, which is a cleaner energy resource than most. These devices also have timers that switch off the heater at certain moments.
4. Take Shorter Showers
Many men don’t take lengthy showers, but this tip is necessary to point out. Of all the easy ways to be energy-conscious, this is the most convenient. Limit showers to five minutes or less. Turn off the faucet when you shave and brush your teeth.
This way, you can save as much water as possible. If you want to take it a step further, you can pick up a smart shower head. These reduce water usage through the use of technology.
5. Cook More Often
These days, you can order a full-course meal with the tap of a button — but try not to go that route. Cook at home as often as you can, since it’s inexpensive and reduces consumption. Think about the plastic containers and utensils that come with your typical carry-out order.
What about the fuel burned so the food could make it to your house? Learn a few recipes and you can cut down on this excess. As a bonus, cooking is an educational and fun hobby.
6. Change Filters
Take a look at your furnace. If you haven’t done this in a while, it’s time to clean it. This takes less than an hour. Remove it and rinse it out, and after it dries, you can put it back.
This way, the furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to produce heat. On a similar note, this will help to clear the air. Pollution in this sense is on the rise, so we must take action, even if just in our homes.
7. Drink From a Water Bottle
It’s time to ditch single-use plastics. Grab a water bottle made of metal or hard plastic and take it with you everywhere — the gym and the office included. The bonus here is that you’ll always stay hydrated.
You can also transport food in reusable containers, so you don’t create too much waste. Opt for straw-less drinks when you do eat out. Every little bit of effort counts, and it’s so easy to take these energy-saving measures.
8. Use Natural Light
When you leave a room, do you turn off the lights? In 2019, residents in the U.S. used 75 billion kWh of energy through lighting. Luckily, you can change this with a few simple fixes. Replace your current bulbs with LEDs.
Open your blinds and use as much natural light as possible. Remember to shut off lights in every room before you leave the house. This way, you can save cash and energy in only a few minutes.
Take Note of These Easy Ways to be Energy-Conscious
Small changes make a bigger difference than you think. There are so many easy ways to be energy-conscious, but the key is to get started. Implement these tips and tricks so you can lead a greener lifestyle.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
