Sustainable Living
Choose wisely
Reuse. Repurpose. Readjust—but don’t replace. When choosing storage solutions, look for durable products that adapt again and again for a long lifespan. Before you buy, find out what’s inside… Does the product contain recycled materials? How does it affect air quality? By adopting a conscious approach to storage solutions, you can create an organized and sustainable home. Embrace the power of sustainable storage and make a positive impact on both your home and the environment.
Know before you go
Extra trips to the grocery store cost you time, money, fuel and frustration. Plan a menu for the week so you buy only what you need. Set up your pantry space for quick inventory so you know what you have before heading out the door. Sort by food type. Turn food labels outward. Group items often used together. Stack back to front in descending size. Enjoy the convenience of having a well-stocked custom pantry, where ingredients are readily accessible and meal planning becomes a seamless part of your weekly routine. Embrace the efficiency and organization of your pantry space, and experience the benefits of a more stress-free and enjoyable cooking and dining experience.
Get fresh
Stock your pantry with pull-out baskets to store and display fresh, local produce (many goods like tomatoes and potatoes fare better outside of the fridge). Plus, local foods require less fuel in their transport and fewer preservatives since they get to your table sooner. Enjoy the benefits of extended produce shelf life, reduced environmental impact, and the pure joy of showcasing nature’s bounty right in your own home. Choose sustainability, support local farmers, and savor the delightful flavors of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Work smart
By showing the boss that you can work effectively from home, you’re likely to get the go-ahead to do so more often, saving gas and time. Get the day started early before the kids are up. Locate your workspace near natural light to improve alertness; use shades to reduce screen glare. Change up your posture and take breaks from time to time to keep your mind fresh and your focus sharp. Enjoy the benefits of flexibility, time savings, and a healthier work routine as you navigate the virtual realm with confidence and productivity.
Refine recycling
Locate recycle bins in a place where it’s convenient for you to sort recyclables right after use. This makes your weekly recycling day a cinch. Give recyclables a proper rinse—ensuring they don’t contaminate the batch (or attract pests). Situate a paper-only mini-recycling center near desks and craft areas and consolidate weekly. Together, let’s create a greener future one recycled item at a time.
Simplify cleaning
Maintaining a clean and healthy living environment becomes easier when you adopt a proactive approach to cleaning. When you don’t give grime time to build up, you’ll be less likely to resort to harsh chemical cleaners. Organize for light, frequent cleanings. Consider storage solutions that lift your stuff off the floor, making way for a swift sweep or speedy scrub.
Use see-through baskets and hooks to keep earth-friendly cleaning supplies at the ready: microfiber cloths, spray bottles, baking soda, vinegar, lemon. With microfiber cloths, natural cleaners, and a bit of elbow grease, you’ll achieve a sparkling space while minimizing your environmental impact. Let’s clean smarter, not harder, and create a healthier, greener home for all to enjoy.
Gather your giving
Designate a space to store items destined for charitable donation. There’s no point in letting good things from last season languish in the back of your closet when someone else could put them to use. By establishing a zone for this stuff, you’ll also make it easier to remember to take it along on your next errand. Your act of kindness will not only declutter your home but also bring hope and happiness to someone in need. Let’s spread the joy and make a positive impact together.
Be a lifelong learner
New technologies, research findings, and innovative ideas emerge, offering us fresh insights and possibilities for creating a more sustainable future. What we know about sustainable living is always changing, always growing. Expand your knowledge by checking out these websites:
earth911.com
