Have you been thinking about ways to make your life cleaner? If you are, you’re in good company. While everyone might have different reasons for doing so, making eco-friendly changes to your lifestyle can result in a healthier, simpler existence.
If you’ve become overwhelmed with the dos and don’ts of how to pursue these changes, remember that even the smallest adjustments to your routine or lifestyle can add up to a lot. You don’t have to change everything all at once, or even at all. Here are three tips to get you started on your journey.
1. Source Alternative Energy
Is your monthly electric bill getting you down in the dumps? Do you wish there were another way to power your home, or even just parts of it? Maybe you’re trying to cultivate more of an eco-friendly environment, and your energy source is a big piece to the puzzle.
This is where solar energy comes in. Not only has its popularity grown exponentially over the last few years, but it’s also a great way to either supplement your home or power it completely as well. And since everyone’s situation is different, researching solar installation North Carolina will help you make the most informed decision.
Solar is a great choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It can also increase home value, which is always a good thing.
2. Green Up Your Cleaning Products
When you think about cleaning, what comes to mind? If it’s bleach, rubber gloves and plenty of ventilation, it’s time to explore other options. Think of it as cleaning up your cleaning products. It’s a lot simpler than you might expect.
While there’s no doubt that bleach can come in handy for certain situations, you’ll be much better off relying on non-toxic yet effective products, such as a glass cleaner made with white vinegar. If you’re not comfortable with or interested in making your own, make sure you know how to read labels. Product greenwashing is prevalent, so doing your research first is a must.
In addition to cleaning products, how you treat and clean your home is important as well. For instance, if you typically don’t remove shoes before going inside, consider making your house a no-shoes zone. Purchasing a steam mop will help to not only sanitize your floors with just hot water, but remove everyday buildup as well.
Reducing the number of throw rugs you have is another great way to reduce the dust and other allergens in your home.
3. Fine-Tune Your Diet
Could your diet use an overhaul? Making small changes to what you eat and drink each day is all you need to do, so don’t let yourself get overwhelmed thinking a complete overhaul is necessary.
The next time you’re at the grocery store, make sure some organic, grass-fed or free-range meats and eggs make it into your cart. Familiarize yourself with which fruits and vegetables are best to purchase organic. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, even those that are marketed to be organic or healthy (greenwashing is real with food, too).
While you will find that organic and natural foods are higher priced, you’ll also find that they’re of better quality. The peace of mind you’ll have knowing you’re making the healthiest choices possible will be more than worth it as well.
Now’s also a great time to start making more of your own food as well, such as sourdough baked goods, fermented vegetables and even butter. Not only will you be able to control the ingredients you use, but you might also find a new hobby that you love.
Improving your lifestyle by making eco-friendly and cleaner choices should be exciting, not daunting. It’s important to remember that every change you make will add up to something big, so start small and make it manageable.
Before you know it, you’ll gain momentum and will be thrilled with how much progress you’ve made. And the best part? You’ll feel great about all of it.
