Starting to take action to conserve and use reusable items is one of the best ways to save the environment. This method is also easier than people think. Start with simple things and do your part by simply changing daily habits. To help save the environment, try reducing energy and water use, changing eating and transportation habits to conserve natural resources, and managing waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling for a more eco-friendly life. Once your lifestyle has become more environmentally friendly, you can involve yourself with educational activities to encourage others to follow in your footsteps.
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Part 1 of 6: Save Energy and Electricity
Step 1. Turn off electronics when not in use so you can save energy
The rule of thumb is to turn it off if you're not using it. This rule applies to lamps, televisions, computers, printers, video game consoles, etc.
- Use the power cord to control multiple electronics connected to a single switch. You can plug all equipment into only one power source. This method is very useful for those of you who have computers and entertainment devices. After using the tools, just turn off one switch and instantly the electricity flowing to all the tools will go out.
- If you often forget to turn off electrical appliances, buy an outlet with a timer at an electrical appliance store or the internet with prices starting from IDR 20,000.00. Set the time until the appliance will turn off at the same time every day.
Step 2. As much as possible unplug the electronic equipment to limit the flow of electricity
Leaving electronic items such as laptops, desk computers, blenders, ovens, televisions, etc. still plugged into the wall outlet will drain the "phantom" energy. Many appliances enter standby or sleep mode when they are turned off. These objects still suck electricity when in that state.
This is especially important when you're away on vacation and for items that won't be turned on for the next 36 hours
Step 3. Adjust the temperature setting at home
If possible, set your system slightly higher or lower than the outside temperature. Thus, the temperature control system in your home does not have to work too hard. However, the higher the heating temperature, the more electricity costs you have to pay. Similarly, air conditioning will cost more money to produce a cooler room.
- When the air is too cold and cannot be overcome by setting the thermostat slightly above the outdoor temperature, set it at the lowest temperature that you and your family can tolerate.
- Have a hot summer, set the thermostat to the highest temperature your family can accept. For example, you need to set it to room temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Even if you don't think it's cold yet, at least it's still much better than 32 degrees Celsius, right?
- Use fans or vents as often as possible to stay cool when it's hot outside.
- Wear extra layers and blankets to stay warm when it's cold outside.
Step 4. As much as possible replace all the lights in the house with LEDs
LED bulbs are more expensive than light bulbs, but they are cheap considering the benefits. This type of lamp uses 25-85% less energy and lasts 3-25% longer. Thus, LED lights are much better/saving for the environment.
When changing light bulbs, start with the bulbs you use the most
Step 5. Swap your electric dryer for a quality old style dryer
The clothes dryer is one of the household appliances that use the most electricity, after the refrigerator and air conditioner. Drying clothes by exposing them to the open air is environmentally friendly and your clothes smell refreshing too.
If you do need a dryer, be sure to clean the vent more often for efficiency and safety reasons
Step 6. Measure the energy used by your device with the help of a kilowatt meter
This kilowatt meter can be purchased at home appliance stores with prices starting from IDR 300,000, 00. Simply plug electrical equipment into the meter to find out the amount of energy used. This tool helps you find out how much electrical energy your equipment or equipment uses, including whether any energy is still being sucked in while idle.
Take advantage of the kilowatt meter readings to determine which tools need to be reduced in use. Make sure to always turn off and unplug the appliance from the power outlet when not in use
Part 2 of 6: Save Water
Step 1. Make a conscious choice to reduce water consumption
Saving water not only saves natural resources for future generations, it also saves money. Simple things you can do to save water, for example:
- Take a 5-minute shower or fill the tub only a quarter to a third of its full size.
- Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth.
- Use urinals in public toilets if available (for men and boys).
Step 2. Use the washing machine when dirty clothes have accumulated to reduce waste
Using the washing machine to wash slightly soiled clothes will consume additional electricity and waste water. To save electricity and reduce waste, wait until your dirty clothes fill the washing machine.
- If your clothes are only slightly soiled, it is better to wash them by hand.
- If not, consider buying a washing machine with a high efficiency rating.
Step 3. Run the dishwasher only when it is completely full
Dishwashers not only use a lot of water, but also electricity to heat the water. You can save an average of IDR 300,000 in electricity costs per month and reduce carbon pollution by up to 50 kg per year if you wash dishes when they are full.
If you only have a few dirty dishes and you're going to wash them without a machine, plug the plug and fill the sink up to a quarter of the way. Do not keep the faucet open while you wash and rinse
Step 4. Install low-flow plumbing fixtures to support water savings
Consider installing a low-flow faucet or aerator in the kitchen sink or bathroom. Likewise with the toilet and shower head in the bathroom at home, try using a small flow. The price of this kind of shower head is around IDR 120,000, 00, but it can save water consumption by 30-50%.
Step 5. Use a pool cover if your pool is outdoors
Pool covers can help reduce the amount of water that evaporates, which means reducing the amount of water needed to fill the pool. The more water that evaporates, the more water you need to replace it. Without the cover, you will use 30-50% more water.
For an affordable cover, use a sun visor with bubbles. If you want a more durable cover, you can use a vinyl cover
Part 3 of 6: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Step 1. Be a conscious consumer to reduce waste
Before making a purchase, think about whether this action will have an impact on other people and the environment. These considerations can be as simple as buying a jar of peanut butter or just individual servings. to something quite complicated like deciding to buy the most environmentally friendly car. However, don't let it overwhelm you. Start small.
- In general, avoid buying over-packaged products. Often food manufacturers spend as much energy creating packaging as they use in food production.
- Don't buy things you don't need.
- Buy things that are durable and long lasting. If you really need to buy something, look for something that lasts a long time. Search for “durable” or “durable” to find forums and recommendations for getting the product you want.
- Borrow or rent items you only need for short or temporary use.
- Purchase clothing or household items at thrift stores, consignment stores, and first-hand sellers whenever possible.
Step 2. Use reusable items to limit waste in landfill
While very convenient indeed, any items that are disposable and immediately throw away should be avoided. In addition to adding a lot of trash, single-use items will cost you more money in the long run.
- Bring a reusable shopping bag from home instead of a plastic bag from the store.
- Indeed you will wash or clean the item more often. However, try to stick to the usual cups, plates, and utensils for birthday parties or special events.
- Most tap water in developed countries is safe to drink. That is, buying bottled water is not necessary. Better, just buy a metal or glass bottle to fill drinking water.
- When you need a battery, prepare a rechargeable battery instead of a disposable one. Most batteries today can be disposed of in the regular trash thanks to the reduction in the chemicals in them. Even so, the battery can still meet the landfill.
- If you're on your period, think about using a menstrual cup, such as the Diva Cup brand, instead of pads and tampons. This cup can be inserted easily into the vagina, just like a tampon, and will hold menstrual fluid for hours.
Step 3. Donate your household items to others for reuse
Don't just throw your old stuff in the trash. Consider selling it or giving it away to someone who can reuse it. Donate clothing and household items suitable for use to charities or non-profit organizations such as organizations at schools or places of worship.
Craigslist.org is a helpful resource for buying, selling, and giving away items to people living in your area
Step 4. Turn useless trash into something cute and adorable, or fresh and fun
Processing waste is a fun and beneficial job for the earth. Instead of throwing them away, give them the added benefit of turning them into jewelry, home decor, or repackaged clothes.
For example, you can turn an old t-shirt into a shopping bag, or leftover bricks for gardening and shelving
Step 5. Use paper products made from 80-100% recycled paper. If the information on the product states that it contains used or high post-consumer materials, that's even better
Then, even if you use recycled goods, you don't necessarily waste them. Use toilet paper, paper towels, or regular paper towels as needed.
The best option is to use a washable cloth or sponge for most cleaning events
Step 6. Recycle to reduce waste
Try to recycle as much as possible glass, metal, plastic, and paper. If the area you live in provides recycling services or has a waste bank, use it. However, if your area doesn't provide it, or it happens that your trash can't be recycled, don't hesitate to go to a recycling center that you like.
- Check the rules and regulations in your area to make sure you are recycling properly. For example, some areas don't serve glass trash or some areas require you to sort your trash first.
- If you are required to sort out the trash first, get your kids involved. Children love sorting things and from here they will learn to cultivate environmental awareness.
Step 7. Dispose of toxic waste properly
A lot of waste including fluorescent lamps, cleaning products, drugs, pesticides, automotive fluids, paint, and electronic waste (most of which have batteries or plugs) requires special disposal. This kind of waste should not be thrown into a landfill, ditch, or ditch.
- Do not use helium to fill party balloons. Fill the balloon with normal air and hang it in a suitable place. Teach children (ages 8 and up) to blow balloons on their own. Usually they will find this method more fun than using helium. Pop the balloons before throwing them away.
- Contact your city's waste bank or Department of Environment and Forestry to find out what options are available for dealing with the waste problem.
Part 4 of 6: Changing Eating Habits
Step 1. Reduce consumption of meat and dairy products to help the environment
Meat and dairy products absorb a lot of natural resources. By eating less meat and dairy products, and eating more plant produce, you are helping the environment and being healthy.
- If you are advised to keep animal protein in your diet, adopt sustainable practices such as buying from local farms, or learning to hunt responsibly.
- Meatless Monday is a national non-profit public health campaign in the US that encourages people to skip meat once a week. Visit the site (https://www.meatlessmonday.com/favorite-recipes/) for meatless recipes.
Step 2. Brew coffee in a regular pitcher or French press to reduce waste
Avoid drinking coffee from disposable cups. This kind of glass only adds to the pile of garbage because it is designed for single use and is immediately thrown away. (Although some brands will recycle these glasses after cleaning).
- Use reusable mugs or cups instead of disposable cups for your coffee.
- If you like single-serve coffee and have purchased a machine, look for reusable, washable, machine-compatible coffee pods that you have.
Step 3. Purchase food in your area to reduce the pollution caused by food delivery
Delivery of food from very remote locations can be detrimental to the environment. Food will be delivered by truck, train, plane or ship. All these vehicles produce pollutants. Buying food produced in your area will help reduce or eliminate the impact of transportation on the environment. In addition, local products are clearly fresher so that their nutritional value is higher.
Visit the traditional market to find local fruits and vegetables. Or, you can buy from a mobile greengrocer to get fresh produce on a regular basis
Step 4. Don't waste food
Plan your meals so you don't have to overcook. Save leftovers and eat at another time. If you happen to have a lot of food, such as leftovers from a party, share it with friends or neighbors.
Part 5 of 6: Travel Wisely
Step 1. Walk or bike if your destination is close to home
Surprisingly, compared to long-distance travel, in general short-distance travel is usually more difficult to travel by car and also creates a lot of environmental problems. If on other occasions you have to travel close, get rid of the option of driving by car, and use a bicycle or even walk.
- Make sure children learn to ride a bicycle when they are young because the benefits far outweigh the risks. Ask the school to provide bicycle parking so that children can cycle to school.
- Always wear a helmet and protective jacket when cycling.
Step 2. Get the group together to go to school or work so you can save fuel
Coordinate with 1 or 2 people who happen to go to school or work at the same place as you to go together. This method can help the environment because the use of fuel becomes more efficient, and so does vehicle maintenance. Work with other parents in your community to create a group that organizes trips for children to school or extracurricular activities together.
- Departing together also makes it easier for those of you who live in big cities to pass the 3 in 1 route so that it saves time and gas costs.
- If you live near your child's school, consider traveling with other children on foot instead of by car. Children walk or bike in groups with parental supervision and guidance. The duties of guiding or supervising children can be carried out by parents on a rotating basis.
Step 3. Take public transportation if you want to use an affordable and low-impact option
If you live in an area that has a bus, train, or subway system, consider taking this option for commuting to work, school, or anywhere else. Replacing car travel with mass transit will reduce congestion on roads and the amount of fuel used.
Many bus transportation systems in large cities operate hybrid vehicles powered by diesel and electric engines, thereby reducing harmful emissions
Step 4. Plan your tasks and combine the number of trips needed to reduce pollution
To make this task journey more effective, plan where you are going and how to achieve those goals in one go. Sure, your commute will take longer, but it will cut down on a lot of commuting and you won't be driving on the same road over and over again.
- Don't forget to call in advance or check on the Internet for the presence of the person you are going to visit. You have to make sure that you can arrive during business hours and that what you want or are looking for is available.
- If possible, shorten the time of purchase by checking on the internet or by telephone before traveling. For example, you can use a shopping app to select food items to ensure they are available when they arrive at the store. Not only will this help you save time, but it will also reduce the need to go in and out of stores looking for items.
Step 5. Buy an electric car if you are planning on owning a new vehicle
Or, you could also consider a hybrid car, which runs on a combination of petrol and electric power. This type of vehicle not only releases less emissions into the air, but also saves money because you don't have to commute to the gas station.
The US government provides a federal tax credit for its citizens who own a hybrid car in the tax year of purchase
Step 6. Reduce traveling by plane
Whether for work or vacation reasons, reduce the number of flights you have to take. Airplanes emit large amounts of carbon dioxide and other materials that pollute the air. This number continues to grow as the number of flights worldwide increases. Do as much as you can by traveling less by plane.
- If you can, choose to stay longer in a location instead of traveling back and forth.
- Buses or trains are a good alternative to short-haul flights.
Part 6 of 6: Engaging in Environmental Saving Activities
Step 1. Contact a government office for support
Call or send e-mails to DPR members and local authorities. Have them support environmental conservation and renewable energy, create and support policies governing corporate responsibility.
Visit www.dpr.go.id to find people's representatives who can help you. For environmental matters, you can also contact people's representatives who are members of Commission VII
Step 2. If so, donate your money to help address environmental issues
There are hundreds of organizations dedicated to environmental issues. Find an organization with a mission and vision that you can support and then donate your money to help them achieve their goals.
Some countries apply tax deductions to donations to non-profit organizations. For Indonesia, make sure the non-profit organization has complied with the government's terms and conditions. If that's the case, ask for proof of payment so you can arrange a tax deduction for the donation
Step 3. Join an environmental organization if you really want to get involved
Choose an organization that works hard to save and protect the environment. Try checking the history of Greenpeace, WALHI, WWF, or KEHATI to start. You can also join an organization that focuses on the environment in general, or is more specific.
- If your interest is water conservation, please check the website of Pokja AMPL.
- If air quality is your main concern, consider an organization like ICEL.
Step 4. Volunteer your time to help improve the environment, you can help by picking up trash, repairing broken bicycles
planting trees and gardening, cleaning rivers, and educating others. Find activities that match your interests, then take the time to help out there.
