When you can reduce the resources you use, it's even kinder to the environment than reusing or recycling. In addition to being better for the environment, reducing your use of resources tends to have a good effect on your personal budget.
Do you really need 4 pairs of jeans? Does the water need to run while you're getting ready to brush your teeth? In some cases, you may have good reasons for what, in other situations, might be a wasteful use of resources. But it's helpful to stop to consider what really has value to you.
Can you rent, borrow or share something? This can work especially well with larger, but rarely used appliances. For instance, if your carpet needs a deep cleaning once a year, instead of buying the cleaner, you can probably rent it -- or even just pay someone to come in and clean it with the appropriate equipment. (On the other hand, if you have white carpets and small children, you may need this often enough to make the investment in a cleaner worthwhile.)
Suggestions
Please add your suggestions of ways to reduce using resources to the following list:
- use regular washable plates rather than paper (used once, disposed, then another is needed)
- don't run the water the whole time while you're brushing your teeth
- use lower energy light bulbs
- use energy efficient appliances
- use water saving showerheads
- don't run the sprinkler system when it's raining
- turn off the lights, radio, tv, etc. when you leave the room
Rent
There are places that specialize in renting equipment needed to maintain a home. You can rent short term for things you need only periodically or longer term if you cannot afford to purchase something now or if you will only need it for a fraction of its expected lifespan. For instance, if you only expect to be living in an apartment for a year, you might rent a window air conditioner with the expectation that the next place you live may already have central air, its own window unit or that one you buy might not fit in your next place.
Perhaps your neighbor has a snow blower you can borrow, and you have a carpet cleaner your neighbor could use. You can borrow each others' equipment. Or in some cases with good long-term neighbors, friends or relatives, you can jointly buy some items that you each only need occasionally. Sometimes groups of people with similar interests will form clubs to buy more expensive or rarely used equipment and supplies. Each member pays a fee and gets to use the clubs resources.
Advantages or benefits
There are other advantages that many people find in reducing or living a simplified life. Fewer things mean less to manage, store, clean and care for or maintain. And that can also make it easier to focus on the things that are more important to you. It's easier to find the shirt you want in a closet that isn't over stuffed, or the paper you are looking for when there are fewer papers or files.
Related
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Reducing Waste