Taking the initiative to save and reuse resources is one of the best things you can do to protect the environment and it's easier than you think. Start gradually and do your part by improving your daily habits. To make your contribution, try to decrease your water and energy consumption; change diet and means of transport in order to preserve natural resources; reduce, reuse and recycle to be more respectful of the ecosystem. Once you have achieved a more sustainable lifestyle, you can also engage in awareness and information initiatives so that others do the same.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Saving Energy and Electricity
Step 1. Turn off any electrical appliances when not needed
A good rule of thumb is to turn off electrical powered devices if you are not using them. This applies to lights, televisions, computers, printers, games consoles, and so on.
- Use a multiple socket so you can turn off multiple appliances with a single switch. You can connect multiple devices to a single power source. It is very useful especially for the computer workstation and audiovisual systems. When you're done, just turn off the power switch.
- If you forget to dampen appliances and appliances, try buying a power outlet with a timer at the hardware store or on the Internet. Schedule it to turn off at the same time every day.
Step 2. Unplug the power when you can
If some devices, such as a laptop charger or toaster, remain connected to the mains, they can consume "invisible" energy. Many appliances simply stay in standby or go into sleep mode when they are turned off. Even in this state they are able to absorb electricity.
This is especially true if you are going on vacation and if you do not plan to use a tool in the next 36 hours
Step 3. Regulate the internal temperature of the house
Whenever possible, set your heating or air conditioning system to a slightly lower or higher temperature than outside. This way, the appliances won't have to strain. Furthermore, the hotter the radiators are, the more they cost; the same goes for the air conditioning: the colder it is, the higher the bill.
- If the winter is too harsh to set the thermostat to just above the outside temperature, choose the lowest, but pleasant for the whole family.
- On hot summer days, set the thermostat to the highest but pleasant temperature for the whole family. For example, you could select 26 ° C. Even if the indoor air doesn't feel fresh enough, it's definitely better than 32 ° C!
- Use a fan or other system to cool down naturally in hot weather.
- Dress warmly and use a blanket to keep warm when it's cold outside.
Step 4. Use LED bulbs
LED bulbs cost more than regular bulbs, but the benefits outweigh the costs. They use 25-85% less energy, last 3-25% longer and are eco-friendly.
Start replacing the bulbs you use most often
Step 5. Use the old clothesline instead of the dryer
Dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances found in most households, after the refrigerator and air conditioning. However, keep in mind that air-dried clothes smell fresh and are more environmentally friendly.
If you have decided to use it anyway, be sure to keep the vent clean for greater safety and efficiency
Step 6. Measure the energy consumed by your devices
You can purchase an electric meter at home improvement stores. Just connect the device to the meter to determine the energy consumed. Not only does it detect how many kilowatts a device is using when it is turned on, it also tells you whether it continues to receive power when it is turned off.
Use it to carefully consider which appliances you should turn on less often, making sure to turn them off and unplug them from the home network when not in use
Part 2 of 6: Saving Water
Step 1. Make a conscious decision to reduce your water consumption
By reducing water waste, not only will you help safeguard water resources for future generations, but you can also save money on your bill. Here are some small measures to take to reduce consumption:
- Take showers for a maximum of 5 minutes or fill the bathtub to only a quarter or a third of its capacity.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- Use urinals in public restrooms when they are installed (if you are a man).
Step 2. Only do laundry in the washing machine with a full load
Using the washing machine for only a couple of dirty clothes will waste water and electricity. Save and reduce hydroelectric consumption by operating the machine when the basket is full.
- If you only have a few cloths, wash them by hand.
- Alternatively, consider buying an energy-efficient washing machine.
Step 3. Only turn on the dishwasher when it is completely full
These machines not only use a lot of water, but also a lot of electricity to heat the water. If you only run it when it is charged, you can save an average of € 30 on your bills and reduce annual carbon emissions by 45 kg.
If you only have a few dirty dishes and want to wash them by hand, close the drain and fill the sink about a quarter of its capacity. Do not wash and rinse dishes with the tap open
Step 4. Choose a low consumption fitting
Consider installing low-power faucets and aerators in the kitchen and bathroom, the overhead shower in the shower, and the water-saving toilet flush in all the bathrooms in the house. A low-flow shower head can cost just over € 10.00, but is capable of reducing water consumption by 30-50%.
Step 5. If you have a pool, cover it when you are not using it
This will significantly decrease evaporation and, as a result, you will need less water to refill it. The more water evaporates, the more you will need to keep the tub full. Without coverage, you will use 30-50% more water.
In order not to spend too much, you can buy an isothermal bubble tarpaulin. If you prefer something more durable, try a vinyl cover
Part 3 of 6: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Step 1. Be a waste-conscious consumer
Before buying a product, ask yourself what impact it could have on people and the environment. Reflect on your purchases both when you buy a large jar of jam instead of the one packed in trays and when you have to choose an ecological car. However, don't stress yourself out. Start gradually.
- In principle, avoid products that are over-packed. Often, food companies consume the same energy both in processing and packaging their products.
- Don't buy anything that isn't essential.
- Buy according to the criterion of durability. Whatever you need to buy, choose the one that seems most durable. Browse the Internet in search of forums and message boards where the issue of product durability is addressed.
- Borrow or rent the items you need if you need them for a short time or occasionally.
- Whenever you can, buy second-hand clothes and household items at thrift shops and flea markets or from private sellers.
Step 2. Make use of reusable items to limit the accumulation of garbage in landfills
While single-use items are very affordable, avoid anything that is designed to be used once and thrown away because not only does it increase waste, it ends up becoming more expensive in the long run.
- Opt for reusable grocery bags instead of the plastic bags provided at the supermarket.
- Even if you do have to wash them, try using regular tableware at your next birthday party or family reunion.
- In developed countries you can safely drink tap water, so you don't need to buy bottled water. Get a glass or metal bottle and fill it with water.
- Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones. Although it is now possible to throw them in the garbage thanks to a reduction in the use of chemicals, they continue to take up considerable space in landfills.
- If you are a woman, consider using a menstrual cup instead of tampons and tampons. It fits easily inside the vagina, like a tampon, and collects menstrual blood for several hours.
Step 3. Donate household items you no longer use so someone else can recycle them
Instead of throwing them away, consider selling them or giving them away to those who can use them. Donate your clothes and household items in good condition to a charity or volunteer organization.
Craigslist.org is a useful resource for buying, selling, and giving away used items within your city
Step 4. Turn unnecessary junk into fun and cute or new and original items
Recycling is a fun and virtuous activity. Instead of throwing away, give unused things a new purpose by creating jewelry, home accessories or clothes.
For example, you can turn an old t-shirt into a grocery bag or use the cinder blocks as planters or shelves for outdoor use
Step 5. Choose paper products made from 80-100% recycled material
If the product is made up almost entirely of post-consumer material, that's even better. However, even in these cases, don't overdo it. Use toilet paper, handkerchiefs, and paper napkins sparingly.
The best choice would be to use washable cloths or cleaning sponges
Step 6. Recycle to produce less waste
Try to recycle glass, metal, plastic and paper items as much as possible. If there is a door-to-door separate collection service in the municipality where you live, use it. If it's not there or if you need to dispose of special items, go to an ecological island.
- Check the rules set by the city to make sure you recycle properly. For example, glass may be collected on the same day as cans or all materials may need to be separated.
- If you need to separate waste collection, involve the whole family. Often, children love to break things down. In this way, they will learn to be environmentally friendly.
Step 7. Dispose of hazardous waste properly
Many materials, including fluorescent light bulbs, detergents, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, automotive fluids, paints and electronic waste (complete with batteries and plugs) must be disposed of properly. They should never be thrown as they are in landfills, sewers or manholes.
- Do not use helium to inflate party balloons. Fill them with normal air and hang them to decorate the room. Teach children (over 8 years of age) to inflate them as well because it is more fun than using helium gas cylinders. Pop them before you throw them out.
- Consult the regulations for the collection of waste to dispose of it properly.
Part 4 of 6: Changing Your Eating Habits
Step 1. Eat less meat and dairy products
The production of these foods requires a high consumption of resources. Reducing your consumption of meat and dairy products by increasing that of vegetables is one way to help the environment and keep you healthy.
- If you've been recommended to eat animal protein, look for more sustainable protein sources from, for example, zero-kilometer farms.
- Meatless Monday is a non-profit public health campaign that began in the United States but is now widespread in Italy as well, which encourages people to give up meat one day a week. Visit this initiative's website to find some meatless recipes.
Step 2. Prepare the coffee with the classic coffee maker
Avoid using single-serving pods. Ground coffee capsules for modern coffee machines increase waste because they are used only once and thrown away (although it is possible to recycle the pods of some brands by dividing the various components of paper, plastic and metal).
- To drink coffee, use reusable cups and mugs instead of disposable ones.
- If you prefer the convenience of the coffee machine that allows you to prepare only one cup and you already have one, buy a washable pod that is compatible with your appliance.
Step 3. Buy zero-kilometer food to reduce pollution caused by transporting food
Transporting food from distant locations requires a waste of energy and resources because food travels by truck, rail, plane or ship - all of which are polluting. In addition, local products are fresher and therefore have a higher nutritional value.
Visit local farms to buy fruit and vegetables or join a solidarity buying group (GAS) to source fresh produce on a regular basis
Step 4. Don't waste food
Organize yourself so that you don't cook more than you think you eat. Save the leftovers and use them for the next meal. If you have a lot of food left over, for example after a party, share it with friends or neighbors.
Part 5 of 6: Moving Responsibly
Step 1. Walk or cycle when your destination is near
Ironically, small trips are more difficult by car and have a greater impact on the environment than long trips. If you need to go somewhere nearby, go on foot or take the bicycle instead of the car.
- Make sure children learn to ride a bike from an early age because the benefits of this bike far outweigh the risks. Suggest that your child's school install racks so that other children can also use the bike when they go out in the morning.
- Always wear a helmet and reflective safety devices when riding your bike.
Step 2. Arrange a carpooling service to go to work or school
Arrange with one or two people to go to work or partner with other parents to take the kids to school. In this way, you will help the environment by saving gasoline and avoiding unnecessary expenses for car maintenance. Arrange with other parents to accompany the children to school or their extra-curricular activities.
- You can also search the Internet for carpooling or carpooling services designed specifically for this type of travel. You will save time and money.
- If you live near your child's school, you can consider organizing the "foot bus" instead of taking the car. The children of the neighborhood will be able to walk all together to school, under the supervision and guidance of some parents. You can decide to lead the group in turn.
Step 3. Take public transportation
If you live in an area covered by public transport services, such as the bus, tram, or subway, consider these other options for getting to work, school, or other places in the city. By choosing public transport rather than the car, you will help reduce road traffic and the consumption of non-renewable resources, such as petrol.
In large cities, many buses are equipped with diesel-electric hybrid engines, which further limit harmful emissions
Step 4. Plan the various tasks and organize the trips accordingly
It is much more efficient to develop a route that allows you to make as many stops as you need for your errands. In this way, the journeys will be a little long, but few and well organized and will avoid you having to retrace the same roads several times.
- Don't forget to call or browse the internet to make sure you arrive within closing hours and know if what you want to buy is available. You could also make appointments directly and arrange purchases online or over the phone.
- When you can, make it easy to shop by checking availability directly on the store's website or by making a phone call before you leave. For example, you can use a shopping app to select the products you need and be sure to find them when you arrive at the store. You will save time that you can devote to other tasks!
Step 5. Buy an electric car if you want a new vehicle
Alternatively, consider a hybrid car, equipped with a gasoline and an electric engine. Not only does it produce fewer polluting emissions, but it also saves money since you don't have to fill up with much gasoline.
Ask the dealer about the possibility of obtaining government incentives for the purchase of a hybrid car
Step 6. Take fewer plane trips
Whether it's for work or vacation, you should try to cut down on your air travel. Airplanes emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, which increase every year due to the increasing number of flights around the world. If you want to make your contribution to protecting the environment, take the plane less.
- If you have a choice, stay longer in one place instead of moving back and forth.
- The train and bus are great alternatives on shorter routes.
Part 6 of 6: Engaging in Awareness Initiatives
Step 1. Contact local politicians
Call local political representatives or send them emails inviting them to support environmental protection and the use of renewable energy. You also propose to create and support policies that empower companies.
Visit the website of the Municipality where you live to find out about the offices in charge of environmental and ecology services
Step 2. Make a donation to an environmental cause
There are hundreds of organizations that deal with problems related to the preservation of the ecosystem. Choose one that reflects your vision and donate money to help her achieve her goals.
Some donations to non-profit organizations are tax deductible. Ask for a receipt so that the amount is calculated as a deduction from taxable income
Step 3. Join an environmental organization
Choose an association committed to the interest and protection of the environment, such as Greenpeace, WWF or Friends of the Earth and become a supporting member. You can choose an organization dedicated to the protection of the ecosystem in a broad sense or a group that has a specific mission.
- If you are mainly interested in the protection of water resources, look for an association that deals with the objectives of protection, quality and recovery of aquatic ecosystems.
- If you care about air quality, look for a group that deals with air pollution issues.
Step 4. Volunteer in your spare time to promote environmental remediation
You can help by collecting garbage, repairing bicycles, planting trees, cultivating gardens, cleaning up rivers and raising awareness. Find a business that fits your interests and try to make your contribution.
