Tips For A Green Winter — 5 Easy Ways You Can Protect The Environment This Winter
Protecting our planet can seem like a full-time job — because in many ways it is.
During the winter months, we can be particularly hard on the environment, and just dismiss it as necessary due to the weather.
While there are certain things that we require and can’t change — such as heating our homes — there are some simple steps we can take to make them less damaging.
Whether it’s improving on your home insulation or wearing sustainable winter gear, we can all do our part to reduce our impact on the planet.
Here are a few easy ways you can be eco-conscious this winter.
Cold Compost
We throw away a lot of organics, every single day.
Many people have taken to composting as a way to reduce what ends up in a landfill — and for some handy fertilizer.
Often people stop composting over the winter, either because they’re concerned that the process won’t work the same, or they just don’t want to make the extra trip outside.
Continuing to compost through the winter will make an immediate impact on your household waste, and there are even smell-proof options for moving your compost inside if going out in the cold is a deal-breaker.
Get Moving
With modern fuel-injected vehicles, there’s no reason to leave your car idling in the driveway.
30 seconds is long enough, and you should be ready to go.
Your car will warm up much faster if you’re driving it, and it will save a ton of gas — that’s good for your wallet and the environment.
Sustainable Gear
Winter jackets are absolutely essential, but that doesn’t mean we need to pick one off the shelf of a big box store.
The materials used in most winter gear are pretty hard on the Earth and the animals.
They almost always use goose or duck down, and more plastic than is reasonable.
Try an innovative fashion brand that uses vegan insulation and recycled plastic instead.
Walk It Out
It’s easy to fall into the habit of driving everywhere just because there’s snow on the ground.
Your legs work just as well in the winter though — and if you dress warmly, it can be a lot of fun.
Bring a sled or toboggan with you to pull unruly children or even your groceries — it’s actually easier to get your groceries home on foot in winter than in summer.
You won’t have to worry about your frozen foods defrosting on the trip, either.
Seal Your Windows
We spend a huge amount of money and fossil fuels to keep our homes heated through the winter, and we can save on both just by sealing up some drafts.
Get some plastic film insulation and install it over your windows for the winter, and you’ll notice a difference right away — in the temperature, and your heating bill.
If everyone does a little bit to minimize their impact, the overall effect will add up to a huge benefit for our planet.
To really make a difference though, we also need to get the big consumers to change their attitudes as well.
You can make your voice heard just by getting your goods from companies that believe in sustainability.
Consider doing your winter shopping with a local, eco-friendly brand — instead of the big companies that refuse to change their ways.
Together, we can make a difference.
