How to Be More Eco-Friendly at Home | Earth Day 2021

April 22nd is Earth Day and throughout this week earthday.org have been talking about how we can help recover our planet. From tackling climate and environmental issues, continuing reforestation efforts, hosting worldwide clean-ups, and more. So it’s the perfect opportunity to rethink our habits at home and try to be more eco-friendly in our day-to-day lives. With that in mind, I’d like to share a few small things you can try at home to be more eco-friendly, which can be added into your daily routines.

How to Be More Eco-Friendly at Home

Try Using Less Water

Turning the tap off when you’re washing your hands, or brushing your teeth is a such simple way to save water. But so many of us leave the water running! Instead only use it to wet your hands (or toothbrush) and to rinse afterwards. You could also consider taking shorter showers or installing a dual-flush for your toilet, which will help save you money too!

Switch off appliances

When they’re not in use try switching off your appliances or electronics (such as televisions) off at the wall to save energy. The same goes for lighting – try and remember to switch off the lights when you leave the room and consider using energy saving bulbs. Which is another great long-term money saver.

Try reusable products

If you’re out shopping say ‘no’ to single-use plastic bags and bring your own reusable shopping bags instead. The same goes for coffee shops, or when you’re taking a walk or having a picnic in the park. Try bringing reusable coffee cups, water bottles, and lunchboxes with you. Refill is a great app to find your nearest water refill station so you can fill up your reusable bottle wherever you are. 🥤

Buy local

Wherever possible buy your fruit and vegetables from local farmers markets or greengrocers. Not only are you helping to support the local economy, but you’re less likely to buy food packed in plastic! Cloth shopping / produce bags are perfect for carrying your fruit and veg in.

By Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Get Involved with litter picking or a beach clean-up

While you’re outside take note of how much litter you see around you. I bet you’ll be surprised just how much there can be! From overflowing bins, food wrappers, and rubbish on the side of road, it all mounts up. Which is why ‘Keep Britain Tidy‘ host various clean-up events across the country. So, either find a local event near you, or grab a bag and pick up any litter you see on your next walk. It’s such a great way to support your local community, and get out in the fresh air too. Just make sure to bring some gloves and hand sanitizer!

Change your washing routine

Instead of using a tumble dryer, try hanging your clothes outside or on an airer indoors – Lakeland do some great ones which are so handy in the Winter months. Not only is hanging your clothes better for the environment but it’s also lower cost than a tumble dryer. You should also consider how you wash your clothes, for example washing on a lower temperature or shorter cycle.

Get out in the garden

There are so many ways you can have a more eco friendly garden; plant a tree or some wildflowers to encourage local wildlife into your garden. Or build them a home in your garden. Collect rainwater using a waterbutt or watering can to water your plants intead of a hosepipe or tap. Grow your own fruits, veggies, and herbs. Even if you don’t have a garden of your own you could use your windowsill, or find out whether there are any community allotments in your area.

Change your search engine

If you’re reading that heading thinking how on Earth can changing my search engine make me more eco friendly at home. Then I have news for you, Ecosia; which is a search engine that plants trees based on how many searches you carry out. I use this on my desktop and smart phone whenever I need too. So far Ecosia have planted over 92 million trees! 🌳

What other ways can we be more eco-friendly at home? Share your ideas in the comments. 😊

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The Lifestyle Ladies Blog Collab is a collaboration between myself and 7 other amazing ladies, and every month we will write a post relating to the collab on our own blogs.

For this month, our theme is Earth Day 🌍

• April 20th: Karalee from Tales of Belle
• April 22nd: Luce from Perselem
• April 23rd: Haley from Introverted Creativity
• April 24th: Rhiannon from Mrs Slee-Jones
• April 25th: My post! Thank you for reading.
• Jessie from Wanderer and Traveller
• Beth from Thoughts of a Real Redhead
• Kirsty from Kirsty Marie