Nature is waking up from its hibernation and the first rays of sunshine break through the cloud cover. For many this means that their mood will be brighter again 😉.
Spring is finally here and with it comes new opportunities and a refreshing force that motivates and inspires us. Rarely do we have so much energy in the year for activities with friends, spring cleaning or reorganizing our everyday life or household.
Especially at a time when nature is showing itself at its best with its colorful flowers, the sprouting buds on the trees and the warm sun, many people start to think about whether they are actually behaving ecologically enough to do something good for our planet in everyday life to do good.
But can the burgeoning urge for action actually be implemented sustainably?
Naturally! We'll show you how you can playfully make your life a little more sustainable in spring with the following six tips. You'll even have fun, I promise!
Tip number 1: An environmentally friendly spring cleaning
It's nice when the sun shines through the window, but unfortunately you can see the dirt and dust everywhere better than in the dull winter atmosphere. The solution: a proper spring cleaning. Unfortunately, this is often not good for nature at all. The chemicals from cleaning products can leach into water bodies, where they have many negative effects on water quality and the ecosystem. To reduce the environmental impact of cleaning products, you can choose more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as natural cleaning products that are biodegradable and non-toxic. You can also make some cleaning products yourself at home:
- For an all-purpose cleaner or window cleaner, you can mix one part vinegar to one part water and add a few drops of essential oil to create a pleasant scent. This cleaner is ideal for cleaning countertops, floors, windows and other surfaces.
- You can easily use a bathroom cleaner a Make one part baking soda with one part water. Add some more vinegar and let the mixture soak for a few minutes. Perfect for shower, toilet and sink.
Tip number 2: Get out on your bike
We no longer have to tell you that cars have a huge environmental impact. The exhaust gases are harmful to the atmosphere and are partly responsible for climate change. So, on your next short journey, just go for a bike or, if possible, walk. It's a lot more fun in warm weather, right?
Tip number 3: Show your green thumb
Another important tip is to add greenery to your balcony, garden or apartment. Plants store rainwater, convert CO2 into oxygen and filter pollutants from the circulating air. Indoors, the plants also contribute to higher humidity and have been proven to reduce stress. In the garden or on the balcony, they also promote biodiversity: plants help maintain biodiversity and the ecological balance. They also provide food and habitat for insects and other animals.
Tip number 4: Your own to-go equipment
The first rays of sunshine always make us want to go out with friends again. Of course, the classic thing is to visit your favorite coffee shop or your favorite bakery to get a hot drink or a bread roll to take away. So off to your favorite park and the day is perfect. But unfortunately, food and drinks to go always have a bad aftertaste in terms of the waste that is produced. But don't worry, stick to these simple rules and nothing will stand in the way of a cozy and sustainable Sunday afternoon with your friends.
- Bring your own reusable containers when picking up food or drinks to go. For example, you can use a reusable coffee mug, lunch box or lunch box. Many coffee shops and restaurants allow this and even give a discount if you bring your own containers.
- Try to choose products that come in recyclable packaging. If possible, choose, for example, a drink in a glass bottle or a sandwich in a paper bag instead of plastic packaging.
- If you do have to use disposable packaging, make sure you recycle it properly. For example, separate plastic, paper and glass and throw them into the appropriate recycling containers.
- If you're eating on the go, avoid plastic cutlery and bring your own cutlery instead. There are many portable and reusable cutlery sets that can be easily carried in a bag or backpack.
Tip number 5: Flea markets are “in” again
If you feel the urge to redesign yourself a little or improve your style at the beginning of spring, then try flea markets or second-hand shops. This way you avoid waste and reduce resource consumption. For example, when you buy used clothing, no new raw materials, water and energy are used in production. In addition, the production and transport of new products causes CO2 emissions, which contribute to global warming. When you buy second-hand products, you reduce your carbon footprint because new products do not have to be manufactured or transported.
Tip number 6: Use a plastic-free razor
A sustainable razor with standard blades, such as a plane, extremely reduces the amount of plastic used in your shaving routine. You don't have to constantly buy new, expensive interchangeable heads, just change the cheap standard blades. This saves you a lot of plastic and money.
