Following we would like to present some very simple sustainable tips, so you can help our nature without a big effort.

The tips are divided into Water - Electricity - Cleaning/Waste separation - Groceries - At the office - General

 

Water

• Before you throw away the water in your water bottle, prefer watering a plant with it.
• Do not leave the water running unnecessarily while washing your hands, brushing your teeth, etc.
• Do not leave the water running unnecessarily while washing the dishes.
• Check that all the faucets are properly closed.
• Repair leaky pipes.
• Collect the rainwater and use it to water the plants or clean the floor.
• Wash only complete loads in your washing machine.
• While washing your car, use a bucket with soap water to wash it and do not leave the water running unnecessarily.
• Install water saving faucets.

Electricity

• Buy energy star qualified products.
• Use the sunlight, install lightwells.
• Replace the common light bulbs with energy saving lamps.
• Turn off and disconnect the electric appliances.
• Do not use air conditioning.
• Take into consideration installing a solar heater (there are home versions at a very affordable price) There is plenty of information in the internet.
• Inform immediately if you detect any problem with sockets, switches or any other electrical device.

Cleaning/waste separation

• Use biodegradable cleaning products to clean as well as for washing the cloths and the dishes.
• Use biodegradable litterbags.
• Separate your waste. Most of the waste we generate is recyclable.
• Separate your organical waste and composte, or install a home biodigester.
• Reduce the use of plastic bags and other nonbiodegradable and nonrecyclable materials such as Styrofoam.

Groceries

• Before you go to the supermarket make a list of the things you really need and stick to it.
• Take your cloth bags to make your groceries.
• Buy local seasonal products, the transportation to import products causes pollution.
• Buy fresh products and avoid the frozen ones.
• Prefer organical products
• Visit the vegetable and fruit market, the products are fresher and you support the local producers.
• Buy rechargeable batteries.
• Prefer personal care products like soap and shampoo that are biodegradable.
• Consider the package of the products when you choose what to buy, they should at least be recyclable.

At the office

• Print only what is necessary and remove logos and pictures in order to save paper and ink.
• Print on both faces of the paper.
• Print on ink-saving mode.
• Reuse the paper that has been printed only on one side, as a notepad.
• Do not throw away the empty ink cartridges, refill or recycle them.
• Turn off your computer when you are not using it.
• Unplug your electronical devices (computer, printer, etc) when you finished using them.
• The flat screens use less electricity and cause less radiation. The Laptops are more efficient than the desktops.
• Use environmental friendly fonts. For more information click here.

General

• Have a small patch at home.
• Walk or use the bicycle whenever possible instead of the car.
• Plan your routes daily and look for shorter alternatives.
• Use whenever possible the public transportation means or form a carpool.
• Donate the cloth you do not use anymore.
• Support local environmental projects but inform yourself well about the background, the accomplishments and the recommendations.