Knowledge is power. That is why I have created this list of ways that we as individuals are ruining the environment and what we can do to reduce our impact.

1. We use too much energy

All homes run on energy. We need energy for our fridges, our TV’s, our heat and AC and our water heaters. Our homes consume more energy then we might think they do. All of this energy consumption, whether it is actively being used or not, hurts the environment and it hurts our wallets. Luckily, there are lots of things that can be done to reduce our energy consumption and therefore our impact on saving the environment.

• Clean & replace air filters in your air conditioning unit on a regular basis.
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater.
• Turn off or shut off your water heater when you go away for vacations or extended trips.
• Turn off lights in rooms that are not being used to save money, energy, the environment and increase the lifespan of your bulb.
• Do not constantly open the oven/fridge door or leave them open as this can reduce/increase the temperature by up to 25 degrees each time.
• Unplug seldom used appliances.
• Wash clothes in cold water versus hot water to reduce energy usage required to heat up the water.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Ensure your home is well insulated and sealed.
• Use cold water vs. hot or warm water whenever possible.
• Connect outdoor lights, pumps, etc on a timer.
• Install solar panels on your home to heat your pool or house for a fraction of the cost.

2. Our homes are full of toxins

Most individuals are painfully unaware of the number of toxins that are in our homes. These toxins are emitted from appliances, cleaning products and older paints. We can reduce the level of toxins in our homes through a few simple steps and this will not only help the environment but also our health.

• Purchase items without mercury whenever possible.
• Dispose of items with mercury at appropriate facilities.
• Increase your knowledge of alternative cleaning products that do not contain harsh chemicals.
• Become familiar with labeling practices of household cleaners and always review before use or purchase.
• Test your paint for lead if you live in an older home.
• Use the least amount of toxic products if you cannot find an alternative.

3. We throw out too much garbage

Without evening realizing it, most households fill up 2+ cans of trash that goes straight to landfills. This is increasingly effective the environment in negative factors due to the need for more landfills and the non-degradability of many products that consumers purchase. You can however reduce your trash by paying attention to what you buy and what you throw out.

• Donate instead of garbage products whenever possible.
• Buy items in bulk from loose bins vs. individual packages.
• 33% of what we throw away is packaging so be consumer-savvy and try to buy products with less packaging or recyclable packaging.
• Ensure that the proper items are being recycled instead of thrown away.
• Buy re-usable products.
• Keep your products in good condition to avoid having to buy replacement products.
• Use cloth bags and napkins instead of plastic or paper
• Buy rechargeable batteries.
• Set up your own compost for vegetable and food products.
• Buy used products whenever possible.

4. We use too much paper at work

Not only do we harm the environment at home, but we also harm the environment through our offices and work locations. Luckily for us, there are lots of ways we can reduce our carbon footprint through our work.

• Start an inner-office recycling program.
• Print on both sides of paper.
• Use email and phone versus mail and printed documents whenever possible.
• Reuse folders, envelopes and other office supplies wherever possible.
• Use recycled paper.
• Use scrap paper and the backs of paper for notes and reminders.
• Use a re-usable or ceramic coffee cup.

5. We don’t watch our water usage

This is one of the most major environmental concerns faced by individuals, countries and the global community. Our water usage is over-whelming compared to what a household actually requires on a daily basis. There are however many ways we can reduce our water usage and the electric requirements in our every day life.

• Fix water leaks in a timely manner.
• Install economic and efficient devices on showers, toilets and faucets.
• Do not leave the water running when you wash dishes or brush your teeth.
• Install low-flow shower heads.
• Only use your laundry machine and dishwasher when you have a full-load.
• Take short showers and always take a shower vs. a bath.