4 Ways to Live Greener Right Now

We’re currently living through a moment of unprecedented ecological self-consciousness. Climate change and the escalating crises that have resulted—from fires to droughts to storms—are issues we’ll be contending with for generations to come.

It can feel overwhelming, and it is, but the best antidote to those kinds of feelings is action. It’s best to start small, and close to home. Here are a few simple adjustments you can make to begin living greener.

• Do a home energy audit (and ask about renewables!)

  New smart systems allow you to track your home energy usage in incredible detail, but you can also contact your energy provider and ask them to perform an audit to determine how efficiently your home systems are running. They may propose adjustments like switching out old appliances or replacing insulation.

  While the vast majority of Ontario’s energy doesn’t come from fossil fuels, some energy companies also offer an option to buy renewable, which can have beneficial knock-on effects.

• Replace your filters and lightbulbs

  LEDs and CFLs use up to 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times as long, so they also save you money.

  Dirty filters in your air conditioning and heater push your HVAC system to work harder, which also costs you money. A simple fix is to clear or replace those filters every three months. Turning down the heat or the AC while you sleep can also have an impact.

• Steer clear of single-use items Some estimates suggest that by 2050, the mass of plastic in the oceans will be greater than the mass of fish. So much of what we buy is wrapped in plastic it would be close to impossible to avoid it altogether, but there are small adjustments you can make. Consider lining your trash bins with biodegradable bags rather than lining them with plastic bags. Make your own all-purpose cleaner by mixing water with two parts vinegar and one part baking soda. Use washable cloths to clean rather than paper towels or napkins, which often come wrapped in yet more plastic.
• Be thrifty

  Luxury furniture doesn’t have to be new. Vintage pieces painted and repurposed are not only fresh, but add tons of character to even the most upscale dwellings. And upcycling is not just better for the environment because it saves materials, but also eliminates the carbon footprint generated from the rest of the supply chain.

  If that’s not an option, consider where your furniture comes from. Curbed’s guide to living sustainably suggests that when purchasing wooden furniture, look for a stamp from the Forest Stewardship Council. Forests play an integral role in keeping the planet cool. That certification indicates that the product is made with materials sourced from forests that aren’t being depleted or overharvested.