1) When furnishing a home, use refurbished building materials and used furniture.
Maybe friends or family want to swap furniture for a fresh, new look? Consider furniture consignment stores for more upscale items than from thrift stores.
2) Replace disposable items, such as razors, with reusable ones.
3) Keep what you need and simplify your life. Store less.
Storage units are quickly replacing our natural areas.
4) Grow gardens, not lawns.
And do the following:
- Xeriscape
- Plant more trees and native plants (require less maintenance and help birds and wildlife)
- Compost yard waste
- Save water from heating up water and hand washing dishes to water lawns or plants, or to flush toilets
5) Reduce chemical use.
Such as:
- Lawn & gardens
- Personal / household products
- Dry cleaning
- Opt for natural cleaners, such as vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and lemon juice
6) Buy cruelty-free and palm oil free products.
Also:
- Use biodegradable products, such as loofah sponges
- Use 100% post-consumer recycled paper products
- Use tree-free paper products
- Use reusable cloths
- Start using a bidet
7) Reduce energy use wherever possible.
Such as:
- Line-dry clothes
- Close blinds in sunny weather
- Lower or raise the thermostat when not home
- Consider using a washable, reusable furnace filter
- Try using a pressure cooker, an electric water kettle or small appliances over a stove