Changing the world is a daunting task, but making these small changes in your home can ultimately help change our world's environment for the better.
What's more, these small changes can help save you money too. Bonus!
1. Invest in a reusable coffee cup — OR — brew your own coffee.
To-go coffee cups aren't always recyclable, or fully-recyclable. Just ask millionaire Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary. He never spends money on fancy coffee out. So maybe quitting coffee out can make you rich too. (Or at least save you money.)
2. Invest in a stainless-steel drink bottle.
Healthier for you than plastic. And it will keep your drink colder or hotter than you think.
3. Mind your own beeswax, plastic wrap!
(Photo courtesy of HoneyBeeWrap.com.au)
This cotton coated in beeswax wraps everything you'd normally wrap in plastic — except, it's quite likely it seals it even better. (There are many brands of this on the market. Choose your fav. Or make your own.)
4. Bulk up!
Not only can buying in the bulk aisle save you money, but you can also save on unnecessary packaging.
5. Suck it, straws!
Don't drink out of straws. Save money. Save the environment. Save on bloating your belly!
6. Try to go meat-free one day a week.
(Photo courtesy of kitchn.com)
Meat has a higher carbon footprint. So it just makes sense to go veggie green and save some green. That General Tso tofu looks good, right? So, try the easy recipe!
7. Grow your own herbs.
Plus, it will make your food more flavourful ... and healthier too!
8. Get recycled toilet paper.
It works just as well as the fake-white stuff.
9. Wash your clothes in cold water and avoid using the clothes dryer.
Plus, when you wash your clothes in cold water, colours don't tend to bleed. Go ahead, mix your whites and colours. Throw 'em all in there, you wild one, you.
10. Package-free soap is better than body wash.
And package-free soap is usually cheaper too ...
11. Unplug your appliances at the wall when you're not using them.
Even when you don't turn something on, if it's plugged in it can be draining power — and your money.
12. Open your windows!
Former Toronto mayor David Miller is a big advocate of turning off your air conditioning. It can be one of the worst environment offenders out there. (Or at least don't turn it so far down.)
13. Try an extra layer of clothing before you go to your thermostat.
Before you turn up your heat, try an extra layer. And turning up the heat also dries out the air in your home. Then you need even more moisturizer. It's a vicious cycle of money.
14. Don't ask for receipts unless you actually need them.
How many receipts do you have at the bottom of your reusable shopping bags? Those sure came in handy, didn't they.
