Tips for Living Sustainably

Reduce Water Usage

It may seem obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that one of the simplest things you can do around your home is to reduce your water usage. Luckily, many home products now come with “eco-mode” settings that operate more efficiently, including washing machines and dishwashers (more on kitchen tips below!). Taking shorter showers and turning off the tap when you don’t need it while doing the dishes are other small ways to cut down on water usage. 

Be Mindful in the Kitchen

When spending time in the kitchen—whether cooking, making your morning coffee, or cleaning up after dinner—there’s no shortage of things you can do to cut down on food and water waste. If you use a dishwasher, use the “eco” setting as mentioned above, if there is one (if not, consider investing in a new dishwasher!).

Composting is an excellent way to reduce food waste we would otherwise send to landfills. Keep a compost bucket handy for fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and other food scraps. If composting locally, be sure to follow your community’s composting guidelines.

Try to cut down on those paper towels when you can! Use a sponge or cloth napkin instead.

Skip the Plastic

We’re big proponents of cutting down on plastic. To reduce your use of the material that never goes away, avoid buying single-use plastic water bottles and invest in a reusable bottle instead, and remember to bring your reusable bag to the grocery store (we recommend keeping an extra one handy in the car, just in case).

When cleaning up after dinner, consider using bowl covers instead of plastic wrap to store salads and other leftovers. Bowl covers are reusable and come in sets that include multiple sizes. And skip the plastic straws! You can purchase a metal straw for use when making smoothies and juices at home. 

Invest in Eco-Friendly Smart Home Technology...

There are many eco-friendly options when it comes to smart technology.

For a small, simple, and effective change in your home, invest in LED light bulbs, if you haven’t already. They may cost a bit more up front, but they use as much as 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. And they last longer!

Smart thermostats, which adjust heating and cooling automatically, can lower your heating costs and reduce energy expenditures. They also often come with an eco-mode setting to regulate temperatures and ensure you’re saving energy. Why not make things easier around the house and save energy?

...and in Sustainable Products!

Choosing sustainable products made from recycled materials is an easy way to make a difference.

Clothing is a great way to start, since many brands use sustainable materials. Find out more about fabrics and brands before purchasing, and avoid “fast” fashion, which can contribute to pollution and waste, among other problems. Or consider buying your clothing secondhand. There are plenty of great finds waiting for an owner in the second-hand and consignment shops of the world.

This includes highwood^® outdoor furniture, of course! We consider sustainability with each product we make, and how our everyday choices impact our environment. We hope you will too!