Habits: Eco-Friendly Checklist

It's recommended to change thin filters (1 - 2 inch) at least every 3 months thicker filters (4 - 5 inch) every 6 months

Doing routine checks for leaking or running faucets, spigots, or other water sources around your house is a great habit to get into. Especially for lesser-used water sources, a constant running or leaking faucet that goes unnoticed for an extended period of time can waste fully use a significant amount of water.

Investing in creating your own home composting process can be very rewarding in addition to more intentionally disposing of different waste types. Especially if you're a gardener, home composting food scraps and other compostable items is a great option.

Getting the most out of each load of dishes you run through the dishwasher can ensure you get the most accomplished for the water and energy you use - since the same amount of resources are used whether you wash a full load or a single dish.

Adjusting your washing machine's settings to use only the amount of water required and trying to do larger loads of laundry at a time can reduce the water and energy used significantly over the years.

Using power strips that give easier control of turning power on or off with a switch can make controlling your electricity usage much more convenient.

Many people let appliances run 24/7. Turning off appliances can save energy and money.

We all know one of those habitual 'leave every light on' people. Don't be that person! Turning off lights when you aren't using them saves energy and money.

This is simply a good habit to get into. Turn the water off if you're not actively using it. If you're paying for municipal water, you can actually save a little money by adopting this habit too.

Running water when you're soaping up and scrubbing the dishes is not necessary. Try to organize your sink setup to where you are able to scrub the dishes, then turn on the water to rinse, allowing you to minimize the time your water is running.

Using paper bags from the grocery store is better than plastic - but using no bags is better than that! Bringing your own bags and avoiding extra unnecessary bagging can help fight against the tremendous amount of plastic waste that the grocery industry creates.

According to the Consumer Energy Center, cleaning refrigerator coils can result in up to a 30% reduction in energy that your fridge uses. (1) Not only that, but you'll save money too - an average of 11% energy cost savings (2).

Planning ahead and buying bulk when you can will avoid multiple trips to the store - saving on emissions from your car, gas in your tank, and your time.

Browsing local thrift shops can be a lot of fun. Purchasing things second-hand reduces product creation demand and works to reuse items. Many thrift shops also donate to charities or support great causes. So do some research about the thrift stores near you.

We often have fresh, clean water falling from the sky that we can use for all sorts of things - but few people collect it. You can reduce your water use and reliance on municipal water by using rain barrels. However, this isn't legal in all states unfortunately.

This is a total mindset shift. Once you get into this headspace, you'll find yourself thinking of everything - how can something be reused or made to be multi-purpose? This can have a huge impact. You'll find yourself buying less, creating less waste, and increasing your creative thinking skills!

Where we can't reuse or compost, we recycle. Getting into the habit of this order of operations can maximize the usefulness of the things we buy, reduce our individual carbon footprint, and combat the demand for single-use and first-time materials.

Depending on the season and your location, this may be easier for some people than others. Air drying your clothes on a line can save all of the energy used by your dryer.

Buying locally cuts down on the emissions and harmful effects of transportation of custom ordered items or large distribution channels. Plus, you are supporting your hometown, which is always a plus.

A military shower is a common name for a method of showering where you rinse, turn the water off and scrub with soap, and then turn the water on again to rinse off. The entire goal of this is to conserve as much water as possible.

Depending on where you live, local farms may be less accessible. Supporting local farmers can reduce the demand for mass produced food items, emissions from transportation, and you'll have better, cleaner, and healthier food if you find a good organic farm nearby.

Not everyone has the ability to build and tend to a full garden. But you can grow your own food to whatever extent you're able and willing, whether that's a simple potted herb garden or a full backyard variety. Every bit counts!

Not every sustainable or good product will have a certification. Sometimes they can be difficult and costly for companies to obtain. However, if you do see one, you can be more confident in your purchase. It's a good habit to take a closer look at any certifications and materials.

As you start to review ingredients and materials of the products you buy more closely, you'll be able to notice patterns or common things you'll want to avoid. Try to lean towards reusable items and compostable or biodegradable materials as much as possible.