Saving energy is one of the greatest impacts you can have on reducing environmental degradation. But it does not make your lifestyle environmentally sustainable. SmarterHouse touches on some important considerations like water conservation, indoor pollutants, and appliance recycling, but the website is not exhaustive. If you are interested in becoming more environmentally sustainable, it is important to consider the materials and chemicals that comprise your products as well as the resources that go into their manufacture, transport, and disposal. This applies not just to household equipment but to all items you purchase. Look for ways to reduce your overall consumption. Buy locally grown foods. Reduce the number of miles you drive by combining trips, carpooling, biking, or taking public transportation, when feasible. By choosing a more sustainable lifestyle, we contribute to making a safer, healthier environment for ourselves and our children. And you just might find these changes improve your overall quality of life in surprising ways.
