5 ways to live sustainably in Santa Monica
According to its website, the City of Santa Monica, California, is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and has undertaken many measures to encourage sustainable living. This is, without a doubt, a noble goal worthy of imitation.
If you live in this city, you should adopt their vision and also contribute your part to ensuring sustainability. This article will look at five strategies to live sustainably in Santa Monica. From utilizing alternative transportation to decreasing waste, these simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact the environment and help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. So, whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, keep reading to learn how to live sustainably in Santa Monica:
Use alternative transportation
By selecting alternative transportation over driving your own car, you can drastically minimize your carbon footprint and help contribute to Santa Monica’s sustainability.
You can also choose to cycle instead of taking the bus or driving. Bikes emit no carbon so they make an excellent alternative mode of transportation. In addition, Santa Monica’s extensive bike lanes and bike-friendly streets make cycling throughout town simple and safe.
Santa Monica also features the well-reviewed Breeze bike-sharing program, which gives residents and visitors a convenient and economical method to rent bikes for short-term use.
Shop locally
Shopping locally is another fantastic way to support your local economy and the environment, especially if you select products that are made from environmentally friendly materials and produced using sustainable practices, such as purchasing produce from local farmers.
Throughout the week, the city has multiple farmers’ markets to buy fresh, locally grown food and other locally created products such as baked pastries, artisanal cheeses and handmade crafts. Shopping at farmers’ markets allows you to support local farmers and businesses while simultaneously lowering your carbon footprint by minimizing the distance traveled to deliver food to your table.
Reduce your energy consumption
Reduce your energy consumption as another efficient approach to contributing to Santa Monica’s sustainability. Simply put, you should use energy-efficient equipment to help reduce your energy consumption. This not only lowers your energy expenses but also lowers your carbon impact and helps conserve natural resources.
Turning off lights and electronics when not in use is one way to lower your energy consumption. This simple habit can help you save energy and money. Wherever possible, using natural light instead of artificial light saves energy and is healthier.
One way to encourage energy reduction is through ESG investing, which can support companies that prioritize energy efficiency and renewable energy. Options for ESG investments may include mutual funds or ETFs that concentrate on renewable energy sources or businesses with excellent environmental histories. We can support the transition to a more sustainable energy future by investing in businesses that prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency.
Reduce your water consumption
Water is a valuable resource, and cutting back on your water consumption is crucial to living sustainably in Santa Monica. You can help conserve this critical resource, reduce the energy required to transport and process it and save money on your water bill by using less water.
Repairing leaks and drips in your home is one of the most efficient ways to reduce water consumption. Even minor leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time, so they must be repaired quickly. Check your faucets, toilets and showerheads for leaks regularly and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances is another approach to lowering your water consumption. Low-flow showerheads, faucets, high-efficiency toilets and washing machines can help you use less water while still getting the job done. When shopping for new appliances, check for the WaterSense logo, which signifies that the equipment satisfies the US Environmental Protection Agency’s strict water efficiency criteria.
Reduce your waste
Every year, large communities such as Santa Monica send thousands of tons of trash to landfills, which can negatively affect the environment and public health. Reducing waste can help conserve natural resources, minimize pollution and save money.
Recycling and reusing are two of the most effective strategies to reduce waste. Reuse glass jars, plastic containers and paper bags for storage or other purposes and recycle as much as possible following the city’s rules.
Composting food leftovers and yard trash is another way to reduce waste. Instead of throwing these things away, you can compost them or donate them to a community garden. Santa Monica provides residents with free compost bins, composting seminars and resources to get you started.
Also, consider buying secondhand products or donating lightly worn items instead of throwing them away. This helps reduce the demand for new products while keeping usable items out of landfills.
Conclusion
The planet is almost physically groaning under the weight of landfills and other environmental threats caused by human activities. Fortunately, many communities are beginning to take sustainability more seriously, and Santa Monica is one of them.
While the city has done its part by providing the essential means for sustainability, as a resident, you must also do your part.
Practicing these five sustainable behaviors can reduce our environmental impact, save money and build a healthier community for ourselves and future generations. Let us all do our share to make Santa Monica a more sustainable and livable city.
