“A warming El Niño is expected to develop in the coming months and this will combine with human-induced climate change to push global temperatures into uncharted territory. This will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared.”
—Petteri Taalas
secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization

In a world plagued by climate change-induced droughts and with the looming threat of the hottest summer on record, the urgency to adopt sustainable practices has never been greater. Climate change, exacerbated by phenomena like El Niño, has unleashed a wave of extreme weather events, with droughts gripping regions across the globe. These parched landscapes serve as stark reminders of the pressing need to prioritize sustainable living. By adopting environmentally friendly habits into our daily routines, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and actively work towards mitigating climate change. Moreover, living sustainably not only benefits the planet but also helps us save money, especially during times of economic uncertainty.

In this blog, we will explore simple yet effective ways to incorporate sustainable practices at home, demonstrating that anyone can contribute to a greener and more resilient future. Let's embark on this journey towards eco-consciousness together as we strive for a better, more sustainable world.

All these hanging organizers feature strong boards to support the weight of your belongings safely and to keep the shelves from losing shape. They also have useful side pockets to hold your smaller items while giving you easy access to the contents. The elegant, minimalist style means they can be employed openly, and they will blend into your decor with ease. Ideal for storing sweaters, shirts, knitwear, pants, handbags, shoes, hats, socks, ties, etc. Also, they are all collapsible, meaning that they can be easily stored when not in use.

Conserve Water.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals an astonishing statistic: the average American family consumes a staggering 300 gallons of water per day. Surprisingly, a sizable fraction of this precious resource goes down the drain due to wasteful activities. The EPA's statistics paint a clear picture: toilets account for approximately 24% of the daily water usage, followed by showers at 20%, faucets at 19%, clothes washers at 17%, and leaks at 12%. A simple shift towards mindful water-saving habits can drastically cut back on this waste, helping tackle climate change-induced droughts, and potentially saving a few bucks in the process. Here are some handy water conservation tips:

• Turn off the tap. Faucets spew 1 to 5 gallons per minute. By consciously turning off the tap when brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, or rinsing vegetables, we can prevent unnecessary water wastage.
• Reduce shower time. Lavish, lengthy showers contribute significantly to water wastage. Considering the average shower head consumes 2.5 gallons of water per minute (EPA), cutting your shower time by just three minutes could save a remarkable 7.5 gallons daily.
• Install water-efficient shower heads. Numerous options are available on platforms like Amazon, with flow rates ranging from 1 to 1.8 gallons per minute at a typical cost of $13 to $53.
• Optimize appliance loads. Clothes washers and dishwashers are notorious water guzzlers. To maximize water efficiency, run these appliances only when they are full.
• Recycle gray water. A large tub in your sink can collect the water used while washing vegetables. This gray water can be recycled for gardening or cleaning purposes.

Reduce Food Waste.

With over 30% of food ending up as waste each year (equivalent to 1.3 billion tons and worth about 1 trillion US dollars), according to the World Food Programme (WFP), food waste is a colossal global concern. This discarded food could feed 2 million people, more than double the number of undernourished people worldwide. Furthermore, food waste costs the average US family of four about $1,500 annually. By reducing food waste, we can nourish our wallets and the planet simultaneously. Here are some effective habits to help combat food waste:

• Take inventory. Keeping a record of the name, quantities, and purchase dates of the food items in your pantry and fridge gives you a clear overview of what's at hand and what needs to avoid waste. This mindfulness can curb overbuying, leading to savings.
• Plan your meals. Weekly meal plans are a brilliant strategy to foster healthy eating habits and prevent excess purchases. This proactive approach allows you to use similar ingredients across multiple recipes, minimizing surplus buying.
• Safely save and eat your leftovers. Store leftovers in glass containers in the fridge and label them with the date to keep track of their freshness. Meanwhile, keep your fridge organized to prevent food from getting lost or suffering from freezer burn.
• Buy "ugly" food. “Ugly” or imperfect produce, while safe to eat, often gets tossed aside due to aesthetic flaws. Many supermarkets and online apps are now offering these items at prices up to 40% lower than regular produce, making it even easier for you to make this eco-friendly choice.

Grow at Home.

Houseplants serve as nature’s air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which makes growing them an ideal sustainable habit. Not only do they elevate your indoor air quality and humidity, but they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space. Moreover, cultivating edible plants from seed to harvest lets you relish fresh, chemical-free produce, offering cost savings. Even if you lack an expansive backyard, with a small pot, good-quality soil, and a bit of care, you can nurture a plant that contributes to a healthier, greener environment.

3 Affordable and Edible Plants That Are Easy to Grow

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Reuse and Recycle.

Resourcefulness and frugality lie at the heart of sustainable practices like reusing and recycling. With our planet’s resources depleting, it’s high time to embrace these values. They nudge us towards sustainable living by promoting material reuse and recycling. Currently, the average American produces 4.9 pounds of municipal solid waste daily, a substantial amount of which ends up in landfills. However, through reusing and recycling, we can drastically slash waste production and conserve natural resources. Here are some examples of how you can reuse and recycle:

• Donate or sell unwanted items. Rather than discarding things you no longer need, consider donating or selling them. This gives others the opportunity to benefit from these items, promoting a culture of reuse and reducing waste.
• Recycle right. Properly disposing items for recycling ensures they are treated as valuable resources, not just trash. Use resources like Recycling 101 for general recycling tips and websites such as Earth911 and RecycleNation to find nearby recycling spots.
• Repurpose used containers. Breathe new life into old containers like shipping boxes, plastic bottles, and bags. Cardboard shipping boxes can be reused for storage or repurposed into cat houses, plastic bottles can morph into cereal storage containers or plant pots, and plastic bags can serve as liners for waste baskets.
• Worn clothing, new rags. Don't toss worn clothing—repurpose it into rags. By cutting them into rectangular pieces, you create a practical, cost-effective alternative to new rags, reducing waste and purchase.

Buy Consciously.

Another eco-friendly and thrifty practice is conscious buying. This means choosing products and services created and delivered with respect the planet and its people. Our daily purchasing choices have resounding impacts on global issues like fair labor, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing. What may seem like minor decisions accumulate into larger efforts that affect these interconnected causes. By consciously choosing what we buy, we contribute to sustainable development, meeting today's needs without compromising future generations. Here's how you can practice conscious buying:

• Support sustainable brands. Opt for companies dedicated to environmental welfare and fair labor practices. Buying from these ethically-minded brands supports their efforts while aligning your money with your values.
• Prioritize certified or labeled products. Look for certifications or labels on products that indicate their environmental or social performance. Certifications like organic content standard, fair trade, recycled claim standard, or forest stewardship council provide assurance that the products meet certain sustainability standards and are produced in an ethical and responsible manner.
• Embrace quality over quantity. Read the product details carefully and review product feedback for common issues before proceeding to checkout. This mindful step curbs the habit of impulse buying, prevents the need to return substandard products, and circumvents the regret of unnecessary purchases.

Conclusion

In a world grappling with climate change-induced droughts and the impending surge in temperatures, the importance of adopting easy eco habits at home cannot be overstated. Not only do these habits contribute to the global fight against climate change, but they also save money, providing much-needed relief in today's economic environment. Starting now, let's take one small step every day. Together, we can make a big difference and build a sustainable future.

If you find the above helpful or have other great ideas, we encourage you to share them with us on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #wethinkstorage.