BlogCommunityLocal EconomySustainability8 Ways To Support Local Sustainability Efforts From Home

Do you leave the tap water running while you brush your teeth? Have you put off switching to more energy efficient light bulbs? There are many little things one can do to avoid wasting resources at home. Try turning off the lights before leaving the house or washing your clothes in cold water.

Did you know that food scraps and yard waste that are often thrown away can instead be used to help nature thrive? These materials, when composted, can be added to soil in order to help plants grow. This means these scraps are being put to good use rather than being dumped in a landfill. 

While you may not know the first thing about composting, it’s not terribly hard to get started! You can create a compost pile in your yard or even have a sealed composting bin in your home. Don’t worry – if done correctly, this new addition to your property shouldn’t attract any unwanted pests.

Additionally, you should always do your best to recycle. If your community’s garbage pickup doesn’t retrieve recyclables, you can always drop these items off at a local recycling center. There are countless resources available online to help you understand what items should be recycled and how to go about recycling them properly!

Different geographical locations contain different plants and wildlife. Do some research to learn more about what plants and animals are native to your area! Then, if you’re able, you can try and grow species that are destined to thrive. Planting different types of flowers can also help benefit bees and other insects that are vital to our communities. You can also build birdhouses and bird feeders to help our flying friends get the nutrients they need!

Many companies have committed themselves to ditching plastic straws in favor of more biodegradable options. There are many other plastic-filled products that require our attention, though, too! Plastic is one of the most harmful contributions to landfills all over the globe. It takes hundreds or even thousands of years for plastic items to decompose. Trading these out for biodegradable or reusable options can be an amazing step in reducing waste!

Some coffee shops will allow you to provide your own reusable tumblr or coffee mug when ordering a drink. At home, try exchanging your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo option, or switching from paper towels to washable rags. Many creatives have even developed reusable cloth materials in beautiful patterns and colors, further incentivizing their usage. From cotton pads to produce bags, there are plenty of reusable household items, sometimes even allowing you to support a small business!

Slow fashion focuses on high-quality items that are built to last. Buying handmade, ethically-made items from sustainable businesses or thrifting rather than supporting fast fashion companies are amazing ways to keep clothing out of landfills and build a stronger wardrobe. To learn more about sustainable fashion, check out our previous blog post!

Paying a visit to your local farmer’s market is a fantastic way to support your local farmers and artisans. Not only can you get your hands on some of the freshest seasonal produce this way, but you’re also helping reduce the need for large shipments and bulk packaging. Knowing where your food comes from is so important, and your community’s hardworking farmers might even be willing to share their go-to recipes with you! For more information on why farmer’s markets are a great place to stock up on ingredients, check out our blog post all about it!

While we might currently be in the age of social distancing, things will eventually go back to normal. When they do, it might be a good opportunity to examine your current transportation habits. Do you drive your own car everywhere you go? Consider taking the bus or a rideshare alternative a few times per week. You could even propose a good old-fashioned commute with family members, neighbors, or coworkers! 

Taking a moment to consider if any restaurants and shops are within walking distance from your home or office can also be impactful. How much fuel would be saved if you took a walk to and from lunch instead of driving? What nearby dessert place has yet to be discovered by your family? Not only would you do right by the environment, but you might even discover a hidden gem in your neighborhood.

While making any one of these changes to your lifestyle can be a meaningful adjustment, the fight for a sustainable future doesn’t end there. Continue doing your research to learn about emerging advancements in technology that might allow you to keep making a difference. It’s never a bad idea to stay in the loop, and who knows? You might even help someone else make a positive change to their lifestyle by spreading the word!

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