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Living more responsibly starts at home. Here are 7 simple steps to reduce your environmental impact while saving money.



1. Drink tap water

In Switzerland, tap water is of excellent quality. Choosing tap water not only helps to reduce plastic waste and exposure to microplastics, but also cuts down on expenses. Currently, the average person in Switzerland uses more than 6 kilos of PET per year.


Pro tip: get yourself a water bottle and say goodbye to PET bottles that are harmful to your health!


2. Turn off electronic devices

A device on standby continues to consume electricity, even if it appears to be turned off. Televisions, coffee machines, computers and internet routers remain active as long as they are plugged in, which increases your electricity bill. Remember to unplug devices you are not using or connect them to a power strip with a switch.


3. Reduce your water consumption

In Switzerland, each person consumes an average of 142 litres of drinking water per day. While this may seem like an abundant amount, certain regions such as the Jura are already experiencing water shortages, exacerbated by climate change. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to limit waste:

  • Take showers instead of baths,
  • Turn off the water when it is not needed (e.g. when brushing your teeth),
  • Repair leaks,
  • Install a dual-flush toilet,
  • Use the ‘eco’ programme on household appliances,
  • Collect rainwater for the garden.

Gardening tip: water your garden in the evening. In direct sunlight, water droplets on leaves act like magnifying glasses and can cause burns.


4. Repair instead of replacing

A broken toaster, torn clothing, a broken chair? Before throwing them away, consider repairing them. Extending the life of objects reduces waste, saves money and limits the extraction of resources needed to manufacture new products.


5. Install solar panels

Solar energy is one of the most accessible and cost-effective sources of renewable electricity. By equipping your roof with photovoltaic panels, you can generate your own electricity, reduce your energy bills and increase the value of your property. Some counties and municipalities offer financial assistance for installation: a sustainable investment for you and the planet.


6. Reuse packaging

Boxes, glass jars, cloth bags: many types of packaging can be given a second life at home, for storing, tidying or organising without buying more plastic. Be creative! For example, a glass jar can be used for bulk storage, as a pencil pot or a container for leftovers.


7. Fill your fridge with plant-based and local products

Changing your diet reduces your environmental footprint.

  • Reduce your meat consumption and opt for plant-based proteins.
Industrial livestock farming contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water consumption. Replacing some meat products with legumes, nuts or whole grains helps limit environmental impact.

  • Buy local products.
By choosing local and seasonal products, you significantly reduce transport-related emissions (aircraft, ships, refrigerated trucks) and support the Swiss agricultural economy. The result: less pollution, fresher, tastier food, often grown under sustainable conditions. You can also do this by going to the market on a Saturday morning.



Conclusion

Adopting a more sustainable lifestyle does not mean changing everything overnight. The key is to start at your own pace with what is possible. Every little step counts, and it is by gradually integrating these habits that we can have a positive impact in the long term. Even if imperfect, every step in this direction makes a difference.


Sources
engergie-environnement.ch - Article
econso.be - Article
quechoisir.org - Article
sinyon.ch - Article
swissinfo.ch - Article