5 simple actions to reduce your environmental impact on a daily basis
Today, environmental protection is a major concern for many people. In the face of the climate emergency, it's important to adopt more environmentally friendly behaviors. At Le sens des choses , we believe everyone can do their part by adopting small, eco-friendly actions every day. Here are five actions you can easily implement.
Sort and reduce your waste
Sorting is fundamentally eco-responsible; it helps reduce our environmental impact, save resources, avoid waste and reduce pollution.
Reducing your waste involves several actions:
Favor bulk
When shopping, try buying in bulk rather than packaged goods. Many grocery stores, bakeries, and convenience stores are increasingly offering this option, so don't hesitate to ask around. If you have no choice, opt for products with fully recyclable packaging to minimize your waste.
Use reusable bags
Stop using single-use plastic bags! Choose fabric, cotton, or mesh bags that you can reuse every time you shop. This will help reduce plastic waste.
Composting your organic waste
Food waste makes up a significant portion of our trash. By composting it, you can transform it into a natural fertilizer for your plants. It's a simple and eco-friendly way to do it. Composting can be done anywhere, even in apartments! It's a fascinating topic that could even be the subject of a future article.
Reduce your water and energy consumption
Water is a precious resource that we must learn to conserve, and reducing our electricity consumption will have a direct impact on the environment. Here are some simple tips:
Take shorter showers and turn off the tap
Instead of taking baths, opt for shorter showers. This will significantly reduce your water consumption. When brushing your teeth or washing your hands, don't hesitate to turn off the tap. It's a simple gesture that will save a lot of water.
Wash your clothes at a low temperature
The majority of the energy used in a washing machine is spent heating the water. One eco-friendly way to reduce your energy costs is to simply wash your clothes at a low temperature. Most clothes wash well at 30°C or cooler, and washing in cold water can even extend their lifespan.
Turn off electrical appliances
When you're not using an electrical appliance, don't hesitate to unplug it or turn it off completely. This will save you energy. A device on standby still consumes electricity!
Prefer local, organic and seasonal products
Buying local is more environmentally friendly because the products have traveled fewer kilometers to reach you. It's important to favor short supply chains and products packaged in recycled or sustainable materials. At the same time, organic products are not automatically the most environmentally friendly. It's essential to know their origin. Therefore, the ideal is to combine organic and local.
Here are some other tips in bulk:
Reduce your meat consumption
Meat production has a fairly high environmental cost. Try to reduce your meat consumption and opt for plant-based proteins like legumes.
Limit food waste
Every year, tons of food ends up in the trash. By planning your meals better and using up your leftovers, you can significantly reduce this waste.
Adopting greener modes of transport
It's clear that our travel has a greater or lesser impact on the environment depending on the mode of transportation we choose. Here are some solutions to make them more sustainable:
Public transport
When possible, opt for public transportation like the bus, subway, or train instead of driving. They will help reduce your carbon footprint.
Cycling or walking
For short trips, consider using your bike or walking. It's an eco-friendly mode of transportation and it's also good for your health!
Carpooling
When you have to drive, try carpooling with friends or colleagues. This will help you reduce your fuel consumption.
Buy second-hand
Second-hand shopping is becoming more and more popular, and there are many ways you can consume more responsibly.
Online platforms
There are many platforms today that allow you to buy and sell second-hand items: Vinted, Leboncoin, eBay, etc. They are perfect for a more sustainable lifestyle, but be careful! Many of them encourage (over)consumption, which will have the opposite effect of an ecological approach. The textile industry remains one of the biggest polluters in the world, so consume in moderation!
Local events
Flea markets and yard sales in your area are veritable treasure troves. They're a great way to buy secondhand goods without breaking the bank! Don't hesitate to check out your local website or Facebook, which are great places to find out about events.
By adopting these 5 simple eco-friendly actions every day, you'll help preserve our planet. At Le sens des choses , we believe everyone can do their part for a more sustainable future. For more tips on sustainable living, sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications when we post a new article.
Photo credits:
Image by Shirley Hirst on Pixabay
