At a time where global warming can’t be ignored, households are facing an impossible dilemma. On the one hand, of course, a Sustainable Lifestyle that reduces your carbon footprint is the way forward. Yet, on the other hand, cutting down carbon emissions can be an expensive project. As energy consumption is a significant source of carbon footprint in the household, switching to an environmentally friendly system could make a huge difference to the planet. If you are thinking solar panel installation, you could rely on renewable rather than fossil fuels to provide energy. It’s a fantastic idea. But, not everyone has recovered from the financial impact of the pandemic. So, the last thing you may want right now is to purchase solar panels. So what are your options to create a sustainable household that doesn’t require a massive investment at this time? 

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Turn your garden into a green environment

The quickest way to go green is in the garden. It’s the area where your household directly interacts with the environment. Most people don’t realise how much difference growing your own vegetables can make. Planting and growing crops may not save a considerable amount in your grocery shopping, but it will avoid relying on imported products. It can gradually reduce the carbon footprint in your food. Similarly, preserving wildlife by planting wildlife-friendly bushes and flowers and building shelters inside your garden can also significantly impact the environment. Preserving biodiversity helps sustain the local ecosystem, which is the ultimate purpose of building a sustainable lifestyle and household. 

Turning away from fast trends shopping

I want it; I buy it regardless of how long it will last. Does it sound like a familiar behaviour? Most of us are used to tapping into fast shopping because it’s convenient. It’s immediately available. It’s often inexpensive. Unfortunately, we miss the big picture. Purchasing Quick Fixes, from mass-produced furniture to fashionable fast fashion items, only establishes the start of a vicious cycle. Quick fixes don’t last; hence they need to be replaced regularly. What is the environmental cost of producing these items? On the other hand, handmade furniture and long-lasting clothing items are more expensive, but they are an investment into your future and the future of the planet. It’s no wonder that bespoke homemade furniture is in fashion as it’s durable, reliable, and provides timeless style to your interior. Besides, how much will you spend on quick fixes compared to investing in a long-lasting solution? 

You, me and the boardgames

Most people think of boardgames as a great hobby on a rainy day. But there’s more to boardgames than meets the eye. Indeed, the alternative to games tends to be watching tv or playing video games. Unfortunately, it’s easy to develop binge-watching habits after a long day. But the more you watch tv, the more likely you are to binge eat at the same time as you don’t engage mentally with the activity. What are the typical TV snacks? Popcorns, crisps, biscuits, chocolate are some of the most popular. These are mass-produced, tend to come in plastic wrapping, and don’t always rely on ethical sourcing or processing methods. In other words, the more you watch TV, the more you pollute. So why boardgames? Because they are an actively engaged hobby that doesn’t encourage mindless snacking. 

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Hopefully, this can inspire you to take small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle without putting your finances or your family plans at risk.