Try Our Greener Home Challenge to Build Eco-Wise Habits in Just 3 Weeks
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Sustainability starts at home—literally. “No individual can save the planet, but no action we take at home is too small,” says Mary DeMocker, author of The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution. The more action, the greater the impact.
The average U.S. citizen’s carbon footprint is about four times larger than the rest of the world’s, contributing significantly to climate change. “Planet care is self-care; what’s good for the earth is also good for us,” DeMocker says. Big things matter—flying less and using solar-powered energy—but your daily routine is crucial too. And you don’t have to change it overnight. Take a week at a time to tweak these habits, and you’ll help our planet for years to come.
week one
Purge Your Plastic
Nearly 400 million tons of plastic—half of which is single-use products—are produced worldwide each year. The process results in harmful emissions, and the plastic itself breaks down into microplastics that wreak havoc on the environment and wildlife. It also contains chemicals that can disrupt our endocrine system when we are chronically exposed to them. “Limiting the amount of plastic in the home can have a profoundly positive impact,” says Shawna Holman, author of A Healthier Home and founder of A Little Less Toxic.
Go through your house and make a pile of all your plastic items. Then order reusable replacements such as glass food storage containers or stainless steel water bottles and coffee mugs. You can find reusable spray bottles for cleaning supplies and containers for shampoo and body wash, and even refillable deodorant. “Other sustainable materials include ceramic, solid wood, bamboo, and silicone,” Holman says.
week two
Tackle food waste
One-third of the food produced in the U.S. never gets eaten, and most of that waste happens in our homes. “Food thrown in the trash ends up in incinerators or landfills, where it emits climate-harming methane as it rots,” says DeMocker. Here’s how to do your part:
Compost. Many communities provide compost containers, or you can purchase one online; look up your local food scrap drop-off location or pickup schedule. “Composting not only keeps unused food out of landfills but also gives back to the planet by enriching the soil and pulling carbon out of the atmosphere,” DeMocker says.
Label groceries. Write the purchase date on new groceries; it’s a visual reminder of what needs to be eaten first. Also, freeze and label leftovers.
week three
Shift the way you shop
Seek out companies with a sustainability aspect. “Some take extra steps to create mindful products that have healthier ingredients or production processes,” says Holman. Make a list of items you purchase regularly, such as snacks, gym clothes, or candles, then search online for greener options. Commit to passing used clothing on instead of tossing it, and opt for cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool, or other natural fibers.
How you shop matters too: “Buying local cuts down on carbon emissions and air pollution created by transporting purchases, and it often means less food packaging and waste,” says DeMocker.
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