Jan 8, 2021
After living in our new house for a short while, I’ve compiled a list of 10 sustainable practices at home.
Like most people around the world, we have been spending a lot more time at home than usual the past several months. The photos and statistics from around the world have been staggering. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, pollution levels around the world decreased and the record-breaking hole in the ozone layer began healing. At the same time, poaching was the rise in certain places, an apparent result of a decrease in tourist traffic to deter such actions. We are able to see firsthand how human activity directly impacts other humans, and the health of our planet as a whole.
Saul and I moved into our first house together in the midst of the global pandemic. We are using this extended time in one place (a first for us, as individuals and as a couple!) as an opportunity to evaluate our consumption habits and set up our house and lifestyle in a more sustainable way. That doesn’t mean we do everything perfectly. We realize that there’s plenty of room to grow. Still, we are proud of the progress we’ve made, and this blog post is our way to share our best practices for a sustainable home!
Our home is a new build, so we got to select many of the features and appliances that went into it, keeping in mind our desire to incorporate sustainable practices. Some studies show that running an efficient dishwasher daily may actually use less water than hand washing, and many of the new models have special compartments to wash water bottles and re-usable straws. We also went with an electric range instead of gas, which would have utilized a nonrenewable and polluting resource. We purchased an electric washer and dryer, and opted for a side-loading washing machine instead of a top-loading model. I didn’t know this before (I have always had a top-loader), but side-loading models use less water and are gentler on clothing! The home building company that constructed our home also emphasizes sustainability, and installed energy-efficient windows, LED lights, and a hybrid hot water heater. In addition to being top ways to incorporate sustainability at home, they also save us money on our utility bills!
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I have been following a pescatarian diet for the past year and a half, with an effort to eat vegan at least one day a week. Many studies show that the production of animal products, especially meat, contributes to greenhouse gas production. Since we’ve been cooking together in quarantine, I am proud that Saul has more or less adopted a similar diet. We’ve found many nutrient-dense, hearty, plant-based recipes to enjoy together. Another plus during these times: many of these ingredients are shelf-stable.
Thanks to this time to slow down and consider our consumer habits and impact on the planet, I am confident that I will be able to transition some of my sustainable practices at home to make better choices when I travel. I already pack a reusable water bottle and bamboo travel cutlery, and always hang my towels at hotels so the maids don’t waste water washing them daily. In the last year, we’ve also been more conscious about choosing to spend our money to support hotels that prioritize sustainability. Some of our favorites were on our honeymoon: Bawah Reserve in Indonesia and Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos.
I’d love to know what you think! What other suggestions do you have for making more sustainable choices at home or when traveling?
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