If you are a mommy-to-be, you do a lot of thinking about the future. What will it look like, and where will your family be in it? Leaving things to chance is a non-starter, so if you’re holding out for a greener future, the time to start is now.

From energy-conserving devices to indoor growing kits, the ability to reduce, reuse, and recycle is now simpler for the average home.

Reduce Energy: Green Appliances

If you have a recently designed HVAC system or space heater, you may notice the Energy Star label on the packaging. The US Environmental Protection Agency sponsors this program on behalf of the Department of Energy, though the standards apply globally. These tags indicate whether certain appliances are capable of using energy efficiently and should be priority purchases.

Energy Star appliances are high-yielding and can save you money on your energy bills. Consider, too, investing in one of the new cars for sale that has high fuel performance, electric fuel, or a hybrid of the two to cut back on gasoline consumption. Applying photovoltaic solar panels will also give you an extra energy source for your home that does not expend nonrenewable resources.

Reuse Foods: Green Homesteads

The best way to reduce food costs is to grow your own. The term permaculture, a portmanteau of permanent agriculture, describes the activity best.

There are quite a few methods for turning your house into a homestead, like:

• Vertical gardening systems placed in your windows
• Rain collection barrels
• Rooftop gardens
• Composting food waste with earthworms
• Seeding fruits for fruiting trees or shrubs
• Replanting vegetable roots from table scraps, like green onions

Your aim in homesteading is to negate your local landfill footprint and reduce your carbon emissions. If your family is able, ask yourselves if you’re willing to convert to veganism in pursuit of this cause. With less meat slaughtered, some of the energy that powers the process is saved. 

Recycle Reusables: Green Implements

The tools in our homes are often creature comforts we utilize to make life more convenient. Plastic straws, for instance, are not sustainable but very useful for small children at mealtimes. While eliminating every one-use plastic in our households is challenging, there are a few ways to make it easier.

One example is making use of metal or silicone straws. Also, look for cleaning agents or foodstuffs with cardboard or paper packaging that’s recyclable. Try shopping at thrift stores for baby needs.

There are often many items available that still have their original tags, meaning they’ve never been worn. Of course, you may need to do an extra laundry load, but try the cold water setting to take the charge off your water heater.

Use These Tips to Work Towards a Brighter Tomorrow

The road to extending Earth’s life is paved with sacrifice, honestly. Turning off the water when you brush your teeth is no longer going to be enough. Practical changes to how we use energy daily is the only plan that makes sense.

Thankfully, new mommies are the best at making good sense. Best of luck, mom.