The concept of sustainable development in the Philippines is slowly but surely getting traction. The recent projects of top real estate companies in the country are starting to explore sustainable energy sources and using materials that are eco-friendly in the design and construction of their buildings.
More importantly, sustainable living is slowly becoming the norm. Numerous businesses have switched to eco-friendly packaging, and more dining establishments have stopped using plastic straws for their beverages. Supermarkets no longer use single-use plastic bags, instead offering reusable eco-bags or encouraging their customers to bring bags. Even 24/7 convenience stores have joined the straw-less, plastic-less bandwagon, which means that the country is effectively reducing its carbon footprint, slowly but surely.
You do not have to be a business owner or adhere to the rules of businesses to live sustainably. Sustainable living starts at home, and your small steps can definitely make a significant difference. Here are some tips on how you can make your home more eco-friendly:
Remember to recycle
The phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” does not just apply to your trash – it applies to everything in your home, because every single item has an environmental footprint, starting with the materials used to create it, to the pollution that was emitted while it was being made, and finally, to the packaging that ends up getting thrown to the landfills. Repair everything that can still be salvaged, shop your closet, and reuse things that are not disposable. It also helps to be more conscious of your shopping – buy only the things that you absolutely need. This recycling for sustainability helps you save money but also protects the environment.
Conserve water
A nice, long shower or a few hours in the tub sounds like a good way to end a tiring day, but if you want to conserve water and give your body a thorough cleansing at the same time, it is more eco-friendly to gather enough water in a bucket and use a dipper. Taking care to turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth might not seem like a major step, but you are saving gallons of water over time. Instead of throwing away water that was used to rinse off your laundry, you can gather it in a basin or pail so you can use it to flush your toilet later on.
Another way to save water is to refrain from buying bottled water as much as possible. Bringing a water bottle that you can refill from the office pantry or a water faucet is cheaper, and it also lets you drink as much as you want.
Think twice before bringing your car
Instead of bringing your car, it is much better to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation whenever possible to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. You save up on gas and parking costs, and you do not contribute to the traffic and pollution. You can also combine errands to make fewer trips to maximize your time outside.