Actions that we can all do at home to help the environment

Save and take care of water

To take care of the environment in your daily life, one of the easiest steps is to start saving water. Water is a fundamental natural resource for the reproduction of life on the planet, so its use must be conscious and moderate. Turning off the tap while doing things like soaping your hands, brushing your teeth or shaving can save hundreds of liters in every home.

For example, if we leave the tap running while we carry out one of these tasks, we use around 6 liters of water, while if it is only turned on when necessary, the cost is less than half a liter. Other steps you can take to save water include taking a shower instead of a bath, running the dishwasher and washing machine on full load, and turning off taps tightly so they don't leak.

separate the garbage

Another of the actions that help the environment from home is the separation of waste, since this is the first step to recycle and reuse materials. Separating garbage into organic and inorganic is basic, although it can also be divided by materials such as plastic, cardboard, glass, etc. In addition, there are products such as medicines and batteries that must be disposed of in special containers.

Clean with organic products.

Many cleaning products are made with chemicals and components that are harmful not only for the environment, but also for health. However, there are products of natural origin that are ecological and help lead a more sustainable life.

Reuse and recycle materials.

Whether to store or decorate, materials such as glass, plastic, wood, cardboard or aluminum are ideal for crafts. With a little creativity, you can reuse and give a new life to the most varied materials.

Buy reusable products.

Avoid buying single-use items such as napkins, disposable plates and cups, as well as plastic bottles and containers, is a way of caring for the environment. Likewise, you can opt for biodegradable products and, if you cannot avoid it, give them the greatest possible use before discarding them.

Eat local foods

Buying food grown in your region is not only cheaper and healthier since these are usually fresh, but this helps to take care of the environment, since this avoids pollution derived from transport, as well as boosting the local economy.

Create your own garden and compost

Growing your own fruits and vegetables at home is another easy way to care for the environment, as home gardens replace supermarket groceries*, which have to be transported by land or air. Likewise, creating your own compost to fertilize your plants is a way to reuse kitchen waste and ensure that they grow healthy and strong.

Walk or use the bike instead of using the car

If you need to get to somewhere close to home, you can choose to walk instead of using the car or, in any case, go by bicycle, carpool or use public transport. In this way, you will not only help reduce road pollution, but it will help you exercise, save money on gas and avoid time spent in traffic.

Unplug devices you don't use and use energy-saving light bulbs.

Have you ever heard of 'ghost consumption'? This is the consumption made by electronic devices when they are connected to the network, even if they are not used. It is advisable to disconnect devices that are not being used or use power strips with a switch to turn them off when they are no longer needed.

In addition to generating a monetary cost, leaving the light on when it is not being used generates pollution. For this reason, it is important to turn off lamps and bulbs when they are not being used, in addition to opting for low-consumption bulbs, which can consume around 50% to 80% less than traditional ones. It is also advisable to take advantage of the hours of natural light to reduce the use of light bulbs during the day.

Buy products by weight or bulk.

If you buy products by weight or bulk, you reduce the use of packaging , some foods such as grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables allow this type of sale, in which the consumer takes the amount they need. While other edibles need to be sold packaged to preserve all their properties and maintain food safety.

Moderate the use of heating and air conditioning

Other actions to take care of the environment are to make good use of heating and air conditioning and we will be reducing our carbon footprint . To save energy, it is recommended to take advantage of natural heat and air-condition the space correctly only when necessary... wrap up more in winter, you don't need to go home in short sleeves!

For efficient use, it is recommended that the temperature be between 19ºC and 21ºC in winter and between 23ºC and 25ºC in summer.

According to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), humidity is a key factor in thermal sensation, so indoors it should be between 40 and 50%. For greater efficiency, it is also important to check for possible leaks, so that heat and cold do not escape through small cracks and the temperature is maintained.