5 Ideas To Up Your Eco Efforts During COVID

As we’re all well aware, most of 2020 has been consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, travel restrictions, and curfews. Thanks to the stay-at-home orders in counties and countries across the world, most of us were – or still are – spending a lot more time indoors.

This has translated to more energy consumption by household appliances, electronics, and systems like HVAC. Even as these restrictions were eased in some places, there’s a big chance that this consumption trend still affects many people. Even as you protect yourself from the latest wave of the coronavirus, here are some tips on how to protect the environment by living green during the pandemic.

1. Save Energy at Home 

COVID hit us hard. Millions of jobs have been lost and people have no option but to look for ways to save a penny or two. One way you can do this is by cutting down energy use at home. Here are some tips:

• If you don’t really need the lights on, switch them off
• Turn off appliances and electronics when not in use
• Air-dry your clothes manually instead of using the dryer
• Use energy-efficient light bulbs
• Go for energy-efficient appliances when buying

2. Reduce Water Waste 

We have been washing our hands for the better part of this year, and from the look of things, we are not stopping any time soon. That means that some of us have to take a longer time at the shower to feel safer. It also means that you have to conserve water as much as you can. At this point, every drop matters. If there are any leaking taps or water systems, make sure a plumber attends to it. Even without COVID in mind, water leakage has a lot of disadvantages.

3. Dial Down the AC / Heat

When spending more time indoors, the AC tends to skyrocket the electricity bills. Most of us are trying to squeeze in our finances so we don’t overspend during the pandemic. Instead of running the AC full-time, you can have the windows wide open at times for enough sunlight and fresh air to circulate in the house.

Depending on your temperature preferences, you can choose when to close the blinds and draw the curtains. If you must have an appliance in the house for air circulation, a fan could serve the same purpose at lower electricity consumption.

4. Ditch Your Car 

In pandemic times, you may also want to give your car a break if possible. If you must go out, take a walk instead. Exercise your body and get a bit flexible and fit. You will also be saving the money you would have used to fuel your car.

If you still have an office job, say in California, and you live many miles away, moving to a location near your workplace can be a good idea. You can also move your business near your home. According to Rainbow Movers, however, moving can be extremely stressful at times. Especially in these pandemic times, you will want to make sure you work with a professional moving company.

5. Nurture Your Green Thumb 

You do not have to have a garden in your house to snap your green thumb. You can use your leaking basins and buckets to create your small garden. Use your balcony or place potted plants at the windows so they can get the required growth elements. If you have some space, you can grow some veggies and save a few coins off of your grocery budget during the pandemic.

These times have been tough. The harsh reality is that we don’t know yet when a vaccine will be available, and how the entire situation is going to turn out. Living a green lifestyle not only helps you protect the environment, but it also helps you keep some money aside for tomorrow. The above few tips will hopefully help you live an eco-friendly lifestyle.