With over 7 billion people in the world, it is important to teach your kids to do their part in reducing their carbon footprint. This doesn’t come without difficulties though. Making sure your family lives a more sustainable lifestyle can be challenging. Sometimes, it is hard to know where to begin. The following guide will help you make changes that your entire family can get used to.
Composting
You and your family can first try composting. You will need a composting bin and a new system of getting rid of trash. Everyone in your family needs to avoid throwing away items that can be composted. Many items can be composted like eggshells, food scraps, tea bags, bush trimmings, and leaves. Make sure all of these items are separated from regular trash so that you can place them in your composting bin. Follow the instructions, and watch as you create healthy compost that could be used in your grass, or it could be donated to a local community farm.
Solar Power
Switching to solar power could help your family live a more sustainable lifestyle. This just requires the initial installation costs and then you can continue using energy knowing that your family is helping the environment. A typical family uses a lot of energy everyday using smartphones, tables, TV, etc. All of these items could be powered by a sustainable energy source instead of relying on electricity provided by an energy company. Using energy from the sun to power your home is efficient and is a big step towards becoming more environmentally-friendly. Even if you don’t do this for the sake of the planet, going solar means lower energy bills.
Greenhouse
If you are going to be composting and want to take things a bit further, your family can consider creating a greenhouse. If you can build one or have one installed, you can grow all sorts of items in your backyard. You can grow vegetables and herbs that you can use at home or share with neighbors if you want. You will know that the compost you are using is healthy, and you will only use organic seeds to start. Even the materials you use to grow food can be reusable seed trays or biodegradable pots. By taking a step like this, you will not only be eating healthier food, but you also will be reducing your family’s carbon footprint. You won’t need to go to the grocery store often, so you will spend less and use less gas as well.
Anti-Disposable
The next thing you might want to change is your reliance on disposable items. There is so much your family uses that you probably don’t even think about, but you should. Instead of paper towels, why not invest in a set of rags. These are reusable and get the job done. It might be a little more work, but you can stop worrying about buying and throwing away tons of paper towels. Disposable plates, bowls, cups, and silverware should all be replaced with reusable items in your home. You will have to wash dishes more often, but you’ll be reducing trash and your carbon footprint. Consider giving everyone in your family their own set of eating utensils so that they learn to clean up after themselves.
Reusing
Buying brand new items is not always necessary. Try your best to reuse items instead of constantly throwing things away that are still useful. Your clothes could come from a thrift store or a luxury consignment shop. No one needs a new outfit every week, so try to keep that in mind. Buying clothes from these sorts of places is much cheaper, and your family reduces their carbon footprint with that one decision. Keep in mind that buying new items means you are contributing to the entire cycle. Production usually relies on natural resources, and once it is done, it is transported to its final destination. It goes beyond clothes, too. You can buy used plates, pots, pans, water bottles, and furniture as well. If you need to get rid of items, try to donate them so that others can use them.
These are just some steps you can take to try to live a more sustainable life. It might take a second for your family to get used to these changes, but give them time, and it should become second nature.
