MAKE THE SILVER LINING GREEN
The spread of this nasty virus is a reminder that we are simply unable to control every element of our lives. Sadly the world moves in unexpected ways more often than not. A lot of the time it can be very challenging & quite devastating... but we have to find the silver lining in everyday as remaining positive is truly a gift to our mindset. While it's an overwhelming time for so many households, perhaps now is a good time to find things in our day that can share in our focus. I know it's easier said than done, however working on improving what we can control might make us all feel a little better.
What better thing to focus on than our planet?! Our beautiful home sweet home. As always, I've been continuing to read, research & implement a whole bunch of ways to reduce my own carbon footprint and improve the way Josh and I live our lives. There's a million & one habits that are so easy to put in place but they can also be quite easily overlooked. Below are some of the ideas I've explored recently. Trust me, they're all very easy things to adopt!
A good place to start is to work out what your personal carbon footprint actually is. This calculation is made easy thanks to websites such as Carbon Footprint. You simply input all of your personal data & find out where you stand. From here you can work backwards in terms of lowering (or better yet, eliminating), any of the harmful or unnecessary habits you notice.
Check your lightbulbs. There are energy efficient light globes available everywhere these days and we should all be using them. If you're anything like me, you could also try & light some candles (only in rooms you're in of course to avoid any sign of a fire)! Create a peaceful environment in your home with a scented candle instead of always having bright lights flood into your room from all angles.
Check your appliances. For example your iPhone has a battery saving mode called "Low Power Mode" (find it under Settings > Battery). Switching this on when your phone is running low + lowering the brightness of your screen will save your battery. This of course means that your phone will require less time plugged it at the powerpoint. Win!
On the subject of power points, go around the house & check what is plugged in at the wall. If you don't need to use it (or if you're going away), unplug it or turn it off at the wall. Things to look out for ... hairdryers, a toaster, extra chargers, lamps in spare rooms etc. You'd be surprised to know that just having things turned on at the wall when they're not in use costs you money which you could be saving. Plus, turning more power points off is a healthy habit to fall into in terms of our environment. A very healthy habit.
Watch the length of your showers...get a timer if need be! As it's still pretty warm around Australia, make them quick!! Wasted water is the last thing Australia needs right now! If you know you need to shower get organised! Don't just leave the water running as you find a towel, clothes etc. Get in & get out!
Work out the best ways to store your fruit & veg. If you're constantly throwing out veggies at the end of each week, perhaps try and place them in storage bags in your fridge, sustainable containers in your freezer ... or just buy less! If we are throwing away so much, do we need it in the first place?
Wash your clothes properly and according to the label. Why? If you take GOOD care of your clothes you won't need to buy as many! This is particularly a good idea when it comes to your basics ... jeans, T's, workout wear, undies etc. Buying less is doing more than you'd know for the planet! In terms of consumption, we're shockers! Cutting back is giving back.
Walk or ride. Kill two birds with one stone by getting a workout into your day & reducing your fuel use at the same time. Better yet, save money and time in terms of not having to worry about your car park. Talk about calming your mindset and being "present". There is nothing more annoying that catching up with someone & having to keep your eye on the time. It's a mood kill... and something so easily fixed by a bike!
The aircon... do we need to use it as much as we do? Perhaps we need it in the middle of the day during the peak heat, but try & avoid getting in the habit of running it 24/7. Opening doors & windows to let in the afternoon breeze is a good alternative if it's not an absolute stinker. Better for our health too. Back to the mindset - fresh, clean air is everything!
Waste not, want not. When it comes to clothes & accessories ... sharing is caring! Going to formal events such as weddings normally requires a formal outfit but instead of having to purchase a brand new outfit, try borrowing from a sibling, a friend or even renting a dress? Let's be honest...most formal dresses are worn a few times and then left to hang in the cupboard.
Buy local. I can't encourage this last point enough!! Instead of buying things that have to be flown or shipped across the country or the world - look to your locals. Supporting these guys is amazing for the Australian economy (especially now given the amount of damage caused to small & medium sized businesses by the recent bushfires/floods etc), and it's fantastic in terms of your carbon footprint. Australia is full of premium goods & produce... the BEST of the BEST! You just have to do your research & you'll find gold. Trust me.
The world has a funny feeling to it at the moment but I promise you... if you do good to others & by others and if you support our incredible planet in the best ways you can, you'll reintroduce the feeling of positivity. Thinking green as much as you can is a wonderful way to live. In the long run you'll save on bills, you might even save on time and best yet, you'll save our world.
Elyse x
