SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER <strong>2022</strong> LIFEHACKS 102
TROPICANA MAGAZINE GREEN LIVING TIPS Sustainable and eco-friendly living is possible if you make the proper changes, and here are some pointers Compost scraps By composting your food scraps, you can drastically cut the amount of greenhouse gases created by landfills. Keep a small bin just for scraps of food, and make your own compost. Use it as a natural nontoxic fertiliser in your garden. Purify the air If you want to improve the air quality in your bedroom, consider a snake plant, which releases oxygen at night. Weeping figs are the best plant for eliminating formaldehyde generated by carpets and furniture, making them suitable for living areas. Peace lilies grow well in high-humidity rooms and can minimise the mould spores in the air, making them perfect for bathrooms. Go natural Instead of using cleaning products that are loaded with chemicals that pollute the environment, try using natural alternatives. Baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar are all examples of mild cleaners that are not only harmless to the environment but also to pets and other animals. Utilise leftovers Use up any leftover cooked meals. Make a smoothie out of any remaining fruit, and use any leftover vegetables in a soup, vegetable bake, or frittata for breakfast the following day. Stock can be made from a variety of ingredients, including bones and vegetable trimmings. Preserve your greens Here’s how to extend the shelf life of your leafy greens, carrots, and potatoes: Carrots should be stored in a jar of water, greens should be wrapped in a napkin to absorb excess moisture, and potatoes should be placed in a cool dry spot, away from onions. Buy fair trade Much of what we consume daily is imported from all over the world, including coffee, tea, chocolate, vegetables, and fruits. Before you buy, look for the fairtrade certification. <strong>The</strong> certification demonstrates environmentally friendly products that are cultivated or made using sustainable methods, and that locals are given fair prices and wages for the goods and services. Plant your own fruits, veggies, and herbs Nothing beats the satisfaction of walking out to your own garden and gathering the ingredients you require right there. It’s not only fresh, flavourful, and clean, but it also generates very little waste. Buy wisely Food waste is a global problem, and organic waste in landfills contributes to the release of methane. What you can do to help is keep track of what you have in your pantry and fridge, and create a precise shopping list, so you don’t end up purchasing duplicate or unnecessary items. Upcycle Using your “stuff” for longer without making any adjustments, consuming less to reduce waste, or upcycling using only already existing materials that might otherwise be thrown away are all simple ways to live more sustainably. Many items, from furniture to clothing, can be upcycled, repurposed or restored. Put your creative skills to use, and we guarantee you will have a good time! Change or clean air filters Did you know that the air conditioner is the most energy-intensive appliance in your home? And when its filters are dirty, it requires even much power than usual. To save energy, clean or replace dirty filters as recommended. 103