1. conscious streaming and surfing
Streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify and others have become an integral part of our everyday lives - but many people don't realise it: Continuous streaming not only consumes time and data, but also a lot of energy. A simple way to reduce energy consumption is to download music or films whenever possible. This way you avoid constantly accessing data and reduce the power consumption of servers.
2. email clean-up campaigns
Deleting unnecessary emails also helps to reduce energy consumption. Every saved message has to be processed and stored on servers - and that consumes electricity. Regularly "clearing out emails" not only helps to keep an overview, but also helps to reduce the load on servers and thus reduce energy consumption.
3. switch off devices - not just in standby mode
Energy in the household is not only consumed by appliances in operation, but also by standby mode. Televisions, computers or microwaves that are running in standby mode continue to draw power. To avoid wasting energy unnecessarily, you should switch off appliances completely after use - or even better: disconnect them from the mains.
4 Use energy-saving mode: Washing machine & dishwasher
You can also save a lot of energy when washing and dishwashing. Many modern appliances have an energy-saving mode that is perfectly adequate for lightly soiled dishes or laundry. This mode requires less water and electricity and is therefore a sustainable option for everyday use. Use this mode whenever possible to conserve resources.
5. shock ventilation instead of tilting windows
Did you know that tilting the windows every day during the cold season consumes more heating energy than short bursts of ventilation? Ventilating your home several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes allows fresh air into the rooms without wasting heating energy unnecessarily. Shock ventilation ensures that the room air is renewed without you having to turn up the heating unnecessarily.
6. utilising leftovers in the kitchen
Throwing food away is not only bad for the environment, but also for your wallet. Instead of throwing leftovers in the bin, you can conjure up creative meals from them. From leftover soups and salads to homemade stir-fries, there are numerous recipes that allow you to put leftovers to good use. This will help you avoid wasting food and reduce your ecological footprint.
7. shop regionally and seasonally
The origin of our food has a huge impact on the environment. Products from the region and in season have a significantly better carbon footprint than imported goods. When shopping, make sure you choose seasonal fruit and vegetables and favour products from your region. This not only protects the environment, but also supports local farmers and producers.
8. favour reusable packaging
Single-use plastic is one of the biggest burdens on the environment. It often takes hundreds of years for it to decompose. A simple step to avoid waste is to use reusable products. Invest in a reusable bottle, coffee mug and lunch box. This way you reduce plastic consumption and can use these items for years - a sustainable decision for you and the environment.
9. short distances on foot or by bike
A car is often not necessary for short journeys. Instead of getting in the car, you can walk or cycle to the supermarket or café. This saves CO₂, protects the environment and is also good for your health. If you give up the car more often, you'll realise how good it feels to get out in the fresh air.
10. shop second-hand
Second-hand clothes are a fantastic way to save resources and stay stylish at the same time. Buying second-hand clothes extends the life of products and reduces the need for new production. Nowadays, there are countless second-hand shops and online platforms that offer a great selection - often even with high-quality brands. Not only are you doing something good for the environment, you're also saving money!
Conclusion: small changes, big impact
Sustainability in everyday life doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With a few simple adjustments, you can reduce your ecological footprint and make a positive contribution to environmental protection at the same time. Many of these tips are easy to integrate into your everyday life - and it's often the small steps that make the biggest difference in the long term.
We all have the opportunity to do our bit for sustainability. Start implementing the above tips today and be proud of the positive changes you can make in your life!