National Environmental Education week kicked off with Earth Day on April 22. Earth day itself is the world’s largest environmental initiative that works to broaden, educate, and activate the environmental movement across the globe. When it comes to applying environmental initiatives to your life, even just a little bit goes a long way. Here are the top six ways to make an impactful change and reap other benefits like saving money at the same time.
Change your light bulbs
By replacing incandescent light bulbs with Compact Florescent bulbs (CFL), not only will you save 66% more energy, which also means lower bills, but it will save over 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per light bulb changed.
Clean with vinegar
Vinegar is a natural way to kill bacteria, germs, and mold. Not only will it benefit your health by not inhaling toxic chemicals while cleaning, but it also costs much less than standard poisonous cleaning products. You can find a gallon of vinegar at the grocery store for just a few dollars.
Grow houseplants
House plants help clean the air quality within your home by reducing carbon dioxide levels and reducing levels or other pollutants like benzene and nitrogen dioxide.
Repurpose
Instead of buying new furniture or décor, get creative and reuse or repurpose what you already have. Reusing instead of buying new also helps save the green in your wallet. Repurposing could be the excuse you needed to use the Twin Lakes woodworking shop!
Wash clothes in cold water
Washing your clothes in cold water uses 40% less energy compared to washing them in warmer water. Those energy savings show on your electricity bill too.
Opt for paper instead of plastic
As creatures of habit and comfort, we rely on the convenience of plastic. From bags and wrappers to bottles and straws, there are 150 million tons of single-use plastic waste a year. If you make an effort to choose the non-plastic option when you can, you will be doing your part in reducing the over-all global plastic waste epidemic.
Like any lifestyle change, starting by tweaking little habits is the best way to make a long-lasting change. Twin Lakes Community strives to be an environmentally conscious Continuing Care Retirement Center (CCRC) and supports our residents in their efforts in becoming environmentally friendly. For more information about Twin Lakes Community and the independent living options available call 336-538-1572 or view our online brochures.
