We human beings have a tendency to waste things. Whether we’re wasting space or wasting energy, we too often find ourselves making inefficient use of our resources. That’s a real problem, too, because living wastefully can harm our environment, our finances, and ourselves.
It can be difficult to adopt less wasteful attitudes. That’s because our society tends to encourage the opposite. From cheap “fast fashion” clothes that we throw away after just one season to frivolous car trips that burn gas and waste energy, the things that our culture pushes are often the worst choices for sustainability and efficiency. To make the right choices, you’ll have to fight back.
Battling Our “Throwaway Society”
Our society wastes a lot of material goods. We’ve been conditioned to expect cheap goods that are replaced rather than repaired. We clutter up our spaces with junk (the average American has a staggering number of possessions) and then when our things break or otherwise fail us, we toss them away and buy new ones.
That’s no way to live. This phenomenon often called our “throwaway society,” is incredibly damaging. It’s not just the environment that suffers: Some spiritual leaders have suggested that we, too, are damaged by this attitude.
There’s a better way. Consider buying more things “for life.” Invest in quality goods that will last a lifetime, and make a point of repairing things instead of replacing them. Opting for repairs can save you a bundle, too, point out the experts at uBreakiFix. The uBreakiFix team specializes in repairing iPhones and other pricey electronics. Just because you yourself might not know how to fix up a smartphone or a tablet does not mean that old and broken-down ones should be tossed away. You don’t have to go to the pricey brand-name customer service center, either—just look for a local team that knows how to fix your phone.
Apply this same logic to everything from blue jeans solar power, and you’ll find yourself making smarter and more sustainable decisions as a consumer. You’ll acquire fewer and more expensive things that are of higher quality. You’ll preserve and make the most of the things that you have, rather than merely throwing them away.
Cutting Down on Litter and Energy Waste
The physical waste that we create is obviously a problem, but some of the more dangerous things to waste are a lot harder to see. When you waste energy and fuels, it’s not always obvious that you’ve done so. But with each bit of heat that escapes through your home’s attic and with each inefficient drive that you take in your gas-guzzling car, you’re harming your financial bottom line and the environment that surrounds you.
Take steps to reduce your energy use and your carbon footprint. Common-sense steps that will limit your impact on the environment aren’t all about denying yourself comforts and experiences—instead, some of the best tips are about doing the same things you always do in more efficient ways.
What does that mean? Maybe it just means driving a bit more carefully, or maybe it means replacing your whole car with a more fuel-efficient alternative. Maybe it means improving your attic’s insulation, which will save you money on heating bills while helping our planet out. Or maybe it’s about adopting alternative energy sources. Solar energy is a powerful option, point out the pros at Vision Solar. With solar power, you can enjoy all of your electronics and other electrical devices and appliances without having to worry about waste.
A Sustainable Life
There’s more that you can do to waste less, of course. You could team up with others and carpool to work—or, better yet, take the bus or train. You could compost, grow your own food, or be more vigilant about recycling. Which steps you take are up to you, but remember: A less wasteful lifestyle is better for your planet and for yourself.
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