As the destruction of our natural world becomes an increasingly urgent issue, more and more people are seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact and live more sustainably. It’s clear that we all need to step up and do our part. While many people think that achieving a green lifestyle requires major sacrifices or radical habit changes, everyday technology makes sustainability accessible to anyone.

From smart home devices to simple smartphone apps, Greatland Laser explores some simple tips below to help you use technology to lead a greener life.

Store Documents Digitally

One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact is to switch from paper documents to digital files. By using digital documents, you can significantly reduce your paper usage, saving trees and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from paper production and transportation. Digital documents are also much easier to organize and access, as they can be stored on your computer or in the cloud, allowing you to quickly search and find the information you need. After scanning your existing paper records to your computer, you can edit them with a free online PDF editor. This will allow you to add comments to your documents so you have all the information you need in one place.

Install Dimmable LED Lighting

Installing dimmable LED lighting around your home is another easy way to reduce your consumption. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, using up to 90% less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At the same time, LEDs are dimmable, so you’ll be able to further reduce your energy consumption by adjusting the brightness to match your needs. Not only will this help you save money, but dimming your lights in the evenings will help reduce light pollution, which can disrupt your natural sleep patterns and negatively affect the wildlife living in your backyard.

Leverage Water Conservation Tech

Water is a precious resource that is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. Take advantage of water conservation technologies to reduce your consumption of this vital resource. For example, smart irrigation systems account for weather and soil moisture levels when adjusting the amount of water used for lawn and garden irrigation. Low-flow showerheads are another water conservation technology that can help you reduce your water consumption by 40% or more! You can also install leak detection systems in your home to prevent wasted water and reduce your water bill.

Use Apps for Sustainable Meal Planning

Food waste is a significant problem. According to Feeding America, nearly 40% of all food in the United States is wasted, equating to about 130 billion meals every year. Do your part to reduce wasted food! Meal planning apps can help you cut out waste at home by helping you track expiration dates, remember to eat produce before it goes bad, and come up with recipes based on items you already have on hand. These apps will help you avoid buying items you don’t need, reducing your overall consumption and keeping methane-producing food out of the landfill.

Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Fortunately, apps can help you choose eco-friendly alternatives to driving alone in your car. For example, you can use apps to find information on public transportation schedules and routes, allowing you to easily plan your trip and reduce your reliance on cars. Carpooling apps also help reduce the number of cars on the road, as they allow you to find people traveling in the same direction and share the ride. Your city might even have bike-sharing or scooter-sharing apps!

Technology can go a long way toward helping us live a greener, more sustainable life. By making simple changes like switching to digital documents, using dimmable LEDs, adopting water conservation technologies, and using meal-planning apps to reduce food waste, we can all reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a better future.

Do you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors? Check out the eco-friendly rescue and safety products from Greatland Laser and be prepared for any outdoor adventure! 

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