Run Amok Blog

5 Simple Steps to Living Green At Home

Written by Lindsay Burke | Aug 24, 2018 1:17:50 PM

We believe in quality over quantity to help drive green initiatives at home. Plus a few other steps...

1. Buy less stuff (or if you do buy something - make sure its gonna last a LONG time)

When you buy a product, think of where it came from. It was delivered to a store or your front door by a truck, flown across the world to a distribution center, produced using high energy machinery. Each step in the production and distribution process uses energy and produces waste. By buying less, you are stepping away from this dangerous world of over-consumption. 

Of course, we all need to buy things on a daily basis. We recommend taking a moment to think about what you're purchasing before you click order or checkout. Do you really need this item? Do you LOVE it and will you use it a LOT? Will you keep this item for a long time? Will the quality allow for long term use? If the answer is yes...then go ahead and buy it. 

 

2. Air dry clothes (even socks and underwear!) 

A lot of people will opt to air dry delicates, bathing suits, and for all those workout gurus - athletic wear such as lululemon. However, you can save a lot of energy

 

3. Replace incandescence bulbs with LED 

This will reduce energy costs and output by 60%. The bulbs are more expensive, however they last almost ten times as long, while saving you money AND is eco. Win win :)

 

4. Turn the heat down!

Did you know that by turning the temperature down 1 degree in the winter, you can save almost $500/year? You will reduce energy output. So pull on a sweater and cuddle up with a dog, because that savings is so worth it.

 

5. Repurpose furniture and clothing

Before you go out to West Elm or Pottery Barn to buy new furniture (or hold up - even IKEA), think about browsing Craigslist, Facebook Market or local vintage stores. You can even consider refurbishing an old piece. There are so many beautiful pieces in this world that already exist, that will add so much character and beautiful energy to your home. 

If you do buy new, make sure the piece is high quality and will stand the test of time. By doing this, you will reduce consumption over the course of your lifetime.

 

Meet a "Tiny-Home" family.

The Knights gave up their 2,000 square foot home for a 300 square foot Tiny Home. Learn why they made this decision, the challenges they faced and how they are doing 3 years later in this 20 minute documentary.