How Can You Practice Sustainable Technology At Home?

The term sustainable technology is deceiving for some people. It doesn’t always relate to “technical” objects, such as cars or computers. Wikipedia defines technology as

“Technology can be most broadly defined as the entities, both material and immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value. In this usage, technology refers to tools and machines that may be used to solve real-world problems, the knowledge of and application of doing things.” 

Most people that are aware of the need for sustainable living. They change how they conduct their lives to be consistent by adapting to new sustainable technology. Things like altering their methods and modes of transportation, minimizing their energy consumption, and adjusting their diet. More importantly, taking steps that will reduce their carbon footprint and remain in natural balance the Earth and her cycles and ecology. 

So, how can we correlate sustainable technology practice with our everyday lives at home, school, and work? Some would say “kicking it old school” would be a step in the right direction, and to some level, that would almost be an accurate statement. We offer these 9 ways to put sustainability technology in your daily life: 

1. A community garden

By joining or starting a community garden, members can grow and consume their own food. You can use any waste created from the garden as organic fertilizers, and because plants produce oxygen by using carbon dioxide, they will clean the air. 

2. Minimalism

Minimalism living style is the ultimate in recycling. Not only are you making sure anything you own is used to the maximum, but they are made of recycled materials and/or can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. By resisting the urge to buy new products, reuse or repurpose as much as possible. Additionally, these measures will eliminate waste of packaging. Purchase everyday things in bulk reduces packaging waste and choosing products are in bio-degradable packaging. Paper over plastic is always the better choice. 

3. Lighting

Besides using more natural lighting, changing from the traditional light bulb to CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) or LED (Light-Emitting Diode) will minimize the use of electricity. 

4. Errand efficiency

Most importantly, combining errands into one trip will reduce carbon footprint by saving on fuel. Even better, shopping at local stores within your neighborhood not only saves energy and reduces your carbon footprint, it also promotes small businesses. 

5. Clean naturally

Homemade cleaners or all-natural leaners like baking soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar can work than store-bought cleansers. It eliminates mounds of packaging and most importantly, reduces chemicals being put into the water system. In addition, when it comes to your personal hygiene, take shorter showers!

6. Bike, carpool, or walk

When we think sustainability, the first thing that comes to mind is cars and the pollution they emit. By taking a different mode of transportation, like bicycling or walking, we not only reduce our carbon footprint, additionally, we’re helping our heath and putting ourselves available for meeting other people that share the same passion.

7. Play games or read

Instead of relying on our modern technologies like computers and television for entertainment, have family game nights or sit and read a book, an actual book not an e-book. This reduce the requirement of energy and the natural resources used to create that energy. Unplug any device that you aren’t using will save on that energy use as well. Most electrical devices are using electricity even when they are turned off. Unplugging them not only will save on the energy, but your utility expense too.

8. Choose the right size

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to housing, nor just because you can afford it, doesn’t mean you need it either. The less square footage, the less your utilities will be. Additionally, if you’re having a house built, choose green home ideas to get a start in the right direction. 

9. Stop the junk mail

Call, email, or make an online request for companies to take you off their mailing lists. Ask them to send their advertisements online instead. 

Most importantly, remember while your actions may not save the entire world in one day, every bit can help. Not effort is too small!