June 5th of each year is World Environment Day, designated as such by the United Nations (UN).
This day reminds us that we have to take care of the planet, and this can be achieved from your own home by raising awareness, especially with the little ones in the house who learn by example.
The goal of every task performed is to create awareness in you and your whole family; especially the little ones who learn by example.
Recycle, reuse, and reduce
Each of the waste products generated can be recycled. In this article, you can find some tips on how to start this work at home and involve even the little ones.
Recycle everything you can. Glass, plastic, paper, tetra pack cartons, organic materials... All are recyclable. Keep your recycling organized, so it will be easier.
Even analyze the products you are buying. Some can be reused several times before discarding them. A smart option is to use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.
Reduce and refuse any plastic consumption. That is why you should purchase the reusable bags made by Mujeres MAS. In this way, you will avoid consuming more plastic and will be helping the entrepreneurship of these female heads of households.
Electricity savings
Take advantage of natural light as much as possible and get used to keeping the lights off while you are not using them.
Another good habit is to change incandescent or CFL bulbs for LED bulbs. This technology is environmentally friendly and will save you up to 90% on your monthly electricity bill.
Another point in favor of LED lighting is its lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, equivalent to 20 years using it 6 hours a day. Or, to eliminate any doubt, a product with this technology can be 50 times more efficient than traditional lighting.
Try to leave electrical appliances unplugged. Even though they are turned off, if they remain plugged in, they continue to consume energy. This is called phantom power consumption.
When using air conditioning, prefer units with Inverter technology. The difference of this technology, compared to a conventional appliance, is the use of a variable speed compressor, unlike other equipment that uses a single-speed (high) compressor.
This compression system keeps the equipment running at a speed between medium and very low, achieving a more pleasant ambient temperature without the need to turn off automatically like conventional equipment, which is the point of highest consumption for air conditioners.
During the day, keep the temperature between 22°C and 24°C, and at night, use the “sleep” function.
A conventional MiniSplit unit has an average consumption of 12 amps, while an Inverter-type MiniSplit reaches an average consumption between 4.8 and 6.1 amps.
Opt for solar heaters. Implementing these at home allows for a considerable reduction in electricity consumption. They are 100% environmentally friendly thanks to the use of solar radiation and the well-known greenhouse effect.
The internal system allows the panels to promote the absorption of solar radiation waves, which are trapped to transform them into thermal energy to heat the water stored in the tank, which will then be distributed throughout the house.
Water saving
Once you finish washing the dishes, showering, or brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the faucet.
One way to be conscious of this is to install a single-lever faucet since its system prevents the outgoing flow from being too abundant. This type of faucet can be installed in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
Another option is to install a faucet for the sink with a sensor. These are activated when they detect your hand nearby.
When showering, try to last a maximum of 10 minutes. Getting children used to this practice will be beneficial for your wallet and the planet.
Regarding toilets, choose those with dual flush or low flush. This means that the water savings will be greater. Traditional toilets have a liquid consumption between 13.2 liters (3.5 gallons) and 6 liters (1.6 gallons) per flush. High-efficiency toilets, as well as dual-flush ones, consume 4.8 liters (1.28 gallons) of water per flush.
Other alternatives
Pollution in large cities is caused, for the most part, by automobiles.
Once a week, you can choose to travel by public transport, be it a train or a bus. Or even coordinate with neighbors who work near you and practice carpooling.
Plant trees. They produce oxygen and are essential for nature. Organize a family activity and together you can plant a tree, hopefully a fruit-bearing one. Commit to taking care of it and in the near future enjoy its fruits.
If you want to go further, you can start producing your own compost. You need a large pot, soil, and a piece of cardboard the size of the top of the pot.
Add soil to the pot up to half its height. Add food scraps such as vegetable and fruit peels, avoiding adding meat, dairy, or citrus fruits. Cover the scraps with a little more soil and place the cardboard, completely covering the opening of the pot.
Every 3 or 4 days, stir the soil with a gardening trowel. Add water without soaking the mixture. After a few weeks, you will have your composted soil to put on your plants or create a garden.
Taking care of the environment is a task that must start from home, involving the entire family. In this way, learning and awareness will pass from generation to generation.