“Green in” the new year for 2022
How can you make your New Year a little more green? Kick your environmental awareness up a notch this year with sustainable habits to incorporate into your routine.
Starting the new year with another gym membership? Use your healthy goals as a way to make your life more sustainable! New resolutions means new opportunities to change up your diet. Improve your household greenhouse gas footprint by shopping local, reducing the emissions required to get your food from the producer to your table. Farmers markets are a great way to source local foods, and support your community. Plant based foods can have a huge impact on your household emissions. Compared to animal products emissions, plant-based foods average 10 to 50 times smaller. If you’re not so hot on plant based options, swapping out red meat for white meat can also make an impact. Studies suggest that red meat production is about 150% more greenhouse gas intensive than chicken or fish. Considering plant based alternatives, even just once a week can make a big difference.
Up your recycling game this New Year. Not all households get their recycling collected, if you’re one of those households, consider stocking up your recyclables and taking a trip to the recycling center. Knowing what to recycle can be tricky, fortunately, KTMB has a recycling guide. You can look at the easily accessible guides on our website, or search your item to see how it can be reduced, reused, and recycled.
Save your planet and your power bill by keeping your eye out for “phantom load”. This is the energy that plugged in appliances use even when they’re not being used. Devices like your TV, washing machine, dishwasher, and stereo systems all have phantom load. One way to reduce this is by using a power strip, making it much easier to turn appliances off. Another is to simply turn any energy-using technology off when you’re not using them. If you’re looking to invest in some new appliances, keep an eye out for Energy Star appliances that use less energy overall.
Cut down on chemicals by replacing toxic household cleaners with all-natural alternatives. DIY cleaning products can be made using supplies from around the house, like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and citrus. This combo is a sure-fire solution for dirty surfaces, and all your bathroom cleaning needs. Not only is this a cheap, sustainable alternative, but you can choose your own scents! Coffee grounds can make a great degreaser, scrubbing grit for doing the dishes, and can also be composted. If you’re shopping for household cleaners, keep an eye out for Green Seal or Safer Choice products that are tested and approved to be safer and non-toxic.
Being green doesn’t have to happen overnight, but incorporating these practices into your life does make a difference in your community.