Maybe you’re kicking around the idea of going solar in San Diego and are also thinking about how else you can lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Where can you get some great advice? Look no further than your favorite San Diego solar company. Here at Baker Electric Solar, we’ve put together a list of ways you can kick-start sustainability in all aspects of your life.
How to Be Sustainable at Home
Reduce your household energy use. Before your solar system is installed, think about other ways you can conserve energy. A few ways to do this includes turning off your appliances and lights when you’re not using them, line drying your clothes instead of using your dryer, and replacing your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs.
Recycle. This is the most obvious of the sustainable lifestyle tips and still very necessary. This process is fairly simple and we’re sure you are familiar with it. So buy an extra garbage bin and fill it up with all your recyclables or find creative ways to recycle items for the home or for gifts.
Cleaning products. Get rid of paper towels and start using washable cloths. This will save you money and is much better for the environment. Think about the cleaning products you are using. Ditch those harmful chemically filled products and start making your own products with solutions like vinegar.
For Work
Print less. Think before you decide to print out that 40-page report. Do you really need it printed? Can you view it on your computer or tablet all the same?
Power down. Don’t just put your desktop or laptop to sleep. Consider powering down all of your electronics at the end of the day. This will save your company some money and avoids wasting electricity.
Commute together or take public transportation. Try commuting to work with a colleague so you can minimize the amount of fossil fuels used on the road. If you work close to home try biking. You’ll stay fit and be helping the environment at the same time.
For Your Health
Eat locally. This is one of the most important ways to live a more sustainable life. Think about where all the food you’re eating throughout the day comes from. Foods in supermarkets consume huge amounts of fossil fuel energy to get to where they are when you see them. So next time you grocery shop, consider visiting a farmers market or another local market.
Drink from the tap. And while you’re at it, buy a reusable water bottle. U.S. tap water is safe and fresh but if you still hate the idea of it, consider buying a filtration system or even something smaller like water filtered pitchers or water filtered bottles. It’s a good way of getting your 8 glasses a day and supporting a sustainable lifestyle.
Continued education. There are always new ways to continue to live sustainably. Keep reading what’s out there and expand your mind. While this isn’t directly related to just your health, it can help you in all aspects of your new sustainable life.
Believe it or not, this is only a small snippet on how to be more sustainable. California has some great initiatives and alliances so feel free to read more from great websites like California Sustainability Alliance or the California Center for Sustainable Energy. And of course, installing solar for your home is always a great start!
If you want to learn more about how your solar system is helping your sustainability goals, contact us today!
