What your sustainable life could (and should) look like

Many of us view sustainability as something that is unattainable. It’s a lofty goal for those with a plethora of extra time and money, and for those who are bogged down and busy, it is just a nice idea for when you can swing it. But why does it have to be? There are plenty of easy ways to be sustainable every day by making simple, concerted efforts once or twice that will make you feel like you are helping the world, and, here’s the kicker, you will be.

Buy plants. Plants help filter CO2 from your house and from the surrounding areas, and they can help improve your mood (Photo courtesy of Sarah Ross)

(Left) Wash your clothes on cold. It makes them last longer and is better for the environment. (Right) Use whiteboards for lists, planning out budgets and scratch work. You save paper and can easily fix mistakes.

Adjust your appliances to the most sustainable settings. Often, there will be a guide included in the instruction manual. If not, exchange it for the environmentally friendly appliances carried at most stores (Photo courtesy of Sarah Ross)

(Left) Avoid buying online. The carbon footprint of shipping and packaging the product is not worth the time it saves you (Courtesy of Wikimedia) (Middle) Buy in bulk. You get more for less and you won’t have extras that spoil. Whole Foods and Sprouts both have locations in Fort Collins with large bulk sections (Image by BCMom on Flickr) (Left) Compost. It is a good way to get rid of waste and give back to the environment. Fort Collins will be expanding their composting efforts soon, so get a head start (Courtesy of Wikimedia)

(Right) Buy local. You get fresher products, help the local community, and cut out the shipping costs and effects (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia) (Center) Drive electric, or at very least, make sure your car is up to date in maintenance. Driving electric saves energy and fuel, but driving a car that is at optimal efficiency can also help. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia) (Right) Swap all your lights for LED lighting. It is more efficient and just as bright as other light bulbs. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

(Left) Grow your own food. It gives you access to cheaper produce, is good for the health of you and your neighborhood, and cuts out shipping costs and effects. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia) (Middle) Use reusable bags. They are about a dollar for practically unlimited uses, hold more than one normal plastic bag, and are better for the environment. (Photo courtesy of Mr.TinDC on Flickr) (Right) Use solar powered items. They can now outdoor lights, furniture, and even your phone! (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

(Left) Make sure your faucets and toilets are off or not leaking. A leaking or running faucet or toilet not only waste water, but it costs you more on you water bill. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia) (Right) Take alternative transportation. Fort Collins is full of rent-a-bikes, as well as buses that are sustainable and bike friendly and designated bike ways (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

(Left) Instead of buying water bottles for fresh spring water, use filters to fill up reusable bottles. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia) You get the same nice taste at a lower cost that doesn’t hurt the environment. (Right) Recycle. It’s a no-brainer but Fort Collins has a great recycling program, and it is a literal waste not to use it. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

There are easy ways that you can be sustainable in your home, if you open your mind to the possibilities. Don’t let time and money keep you from saving the planet, especially since many sustainable solutions will save the planet, your time, and your water bills.

Sarah Ross is a freelance writer for Beyond the Oval and can be reached on Twitter at @HowSarahTweets.