This Earth Day, we’re talking about small changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the earth for future generations. Here are a few ways you can easily start being eco-friendly at home:

1. Start Composting
Food waste is a huge contributor to climate change; in fact, according to the World Wildlife Fund, “about 6% to 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food,” and in the US alone, food waste emits about the same amount of greenhouse gasses as 32.6 million cars.

Food waste that sits in landfills is unable to decompose, therefore it releases harmful methane gas into the atmosphere. Composting is nature’s way of recycling waste, and it has a positive environmental impact by improving soil, contributing to less waste in landfills and

Not sure where to start when it comes to composting? Try this beginner’s guide as a reference.

2. Use All Natural Cleaning Products
There are many brands of cleaners that can be found at your local grocery store that are more eco-friendly than harsh chemicals, and they don’t come with a big price tag. Some of these brands include Method, Seventh Generation, Live Clean, Mrs. Meyers and Greenworks.

But if you want to keep things 100% all-natural, you might opt to make your own cleaning products at home using household items. From all purpose cleaner to wipes and disinfectants, you can create cleaning solutions with simple ingredients such as alcohol, baking soda, essential oils, and vinegar. All natural cleaning products won’t hurt the environment, or your body, and they help reduce pollution and improve air quality.

Need some recipes? Try these all natural homemade alternatives to chemical cleaners.

3. Use An Eco Friendly Drink Container
Many people don’t realize this, but most commercial coffee cups and drink cups purchased from your local café or coffee shop contain non-recyclable materials such as polyethylene plastic. Which means that your daily trips to Starbucks and Timmy’s for a latte ultimately results in thousands of cups sent to the landfill by the end of the year.

In fact, it is estimated that 2.5 billion single-use coffee cups are discarded globally every year, which equates to a staggering 5000 every minute. If a person throws away one coffee cup per day, that adds up to 23lbs of waste per year. Coffee cups are estimated to be the second-largest contributor to litter waste after plastic bottles. (Source: http://www.planethome.eco)

By bringing your own container to participating coffee shops, you’ll be helping the fight against pollution and reducing 23lbs of waste per year. Not to mention, some coffee shops offer a small discount for bringing in your own reusable drink container, which means you’ll also be saving money.

4. Eat Less Meat
Meat and dairy are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agriculture industry. Emissions occur from the stage of production, to processing, packaging, and to finally being served. Farming releases two powerful greenhouse gases: Methane from livestock during digestion due to enteric fermentation, and Nitrous Oxide as an indirect product of organic and mineral nitrogen fertilizers. (Source: http://www.greenmatch.co.uk)

Simply reducing your intake of meat even once or twice a week can have a beneficial impact on the environment. Try implementing a meatless Monday or one day of the week that you and the family can consume a vegetarian meal.

5. Shop Second Hand
When it comes to clothes and household items, there are many options for purchasing high quality second hand items. From Facebook marketplace, to thrift stores and consignment stores, not only is shopping second hand more sustainable and eco-friendly, it will also save you money!

Reusing goods promotes a shift to a circular economy, which means everything is reused, repaired and recycled, which helps create a sustainable society that doesn’t take away from future generations.

6. Ditch the Plastic Straws
There are over 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic in the world, and the vast majority do not enter the recycling process. Straws can take up to 200 years to decompose, hurting the lives of animals and also the environment during this long process.

Invest in a metal or bamboo straw that is reusable. It’s not only healthier for the environment, but it’s also a cost-effective solution. When at a bar or restaurant, tell the server you would rather forego the straw in your drink. (Source: http://www.blueandgreentomorrow.com)

Big Changes Start With Small Steps

Of course there are many ways that you can consume less, reuse more, and reduce your carbon footprint overall, but making a few small changes in your daily life can have a big impact over time.

When you support Rose Cleaning Service, you are supporting a company that aims to keep things green by making efforts in sustainability and eco-consciousness. For example, we make many of our own all-natural cleaning products in house, and we use Norwex wet/dry cloths on glass whenever possible. We also refill and reuse our wipe containers and spray bottles and swap out paper towels for microfiber clothes when possible. Not to mention, when you book with us, you can request an all-natural green clean at no extra charge to you, ever!