# Ecology hacks. ### 1. Water-saving hacks - Shower timer / bucket method: Turn off water while lathering, or use a bucket to catch cold-start water to reuse for plants or toilets. - Low-flow showerheads / faucet aerators: Reduce water use while keeping pressure high. - Greywater reuse: Collect water from washing hands, dishes, or showers to flush toilets or water plants. - Dual-flush toilets - Collect rainwater: Use barrels to water plants instead of tap water. - Toilet: put a waterbottle in it, 1.5 liters, to save 1.5 liters each flush. (water displacement) --- ### 2. Energy-saving hacks - Space heaters in small zones: Only heat the room you use - Draft-proofing: Seal windows/doors to prevent heat loss - cheap, simple, high impact. - Use lids on pots when cooking: Saves gas/electricity and reduces cooking time. - Microwave / toaster oven vs full oven: Heat less volume, less energy. - LED lighting: Obvious, but still one of the most effective small swaps. - Caulk small holes, also pipes from neighbours (with fireproof caulking) this reduces: heatloss, noise, smells, and insects crawling into your house. --- ### 3. Waste & materials hacks - Repurpose containers: Like PET bottles, jars, or tubs for storage or plant watering. - Composting food scraps: Reduces landfill waste and gives fertilizer. - Reusable shopping bags and containers, cotton tote bag. - Minimal packaging shopping: Buy bulk items, avoid individually wrapped goods. --- ### 4. Small “micro-routines” that add up - Boil only what you need: For tea, coffee, or cooking. - Cold rinse for clothes: Wash lightly soiled clothes in cold water instead of hot. - Unplug idle electronics: Chargers, PCs, lamps - energy vampire devices. - Air-dry laundry: Saves energy from dryers. - Timed lights / motion sensors: Lights only run when needed. --- ### 5. Food & kitchen hacks - Freeze food scraps for stock: Save vegetable peels, onion skins, herb stems in a freezer bag. When full, simmer into homemade broth instead of buying packaged stock. - Regrow vegetables from scraps: Green onions, lettuce, celery, and herbs can regrow in water or soil from their bases. - Use every part of produce: Broccoli stems, beet greens, carrot tops are edible-reduces waste and stretches your budget. - Meal planning to reduce spoilage: Cook what you have before buying more-prevents food waste. - Ferment or pickle surplus produce: Extends shelf life without refrigeration. - Use food-grade cotton bag to microwave popcorn (no more waste) --- ### 6. Transportation & mobility - Bike for short trips: Even just replacing 1-2 car trips per week adds up. - Combine errands into one trip: Reduces fuel use and time. - Carpool or ride-share: Split emissions when driving is necessary. - Public transport + bike combo: Use a foldable bike for the last mile. --- ### 7. Clothing & textiles - Repair instead of replace: Sew buttons, patch holes, darn socks-keeps items out of landfills. - Buy secondhand or swap: Thrift stores, online marketplaces, or clothing swaps with friends. - Wash clothes less often: Most items (jeans, sweaters) don't need washing after every wear. - Use natural fibers when possible: Cotton, wool, linen biodegrade better than synthetics and shed fewer microplastics. - Use enzyme cleaner to soak clothes at 60C water temperature: skip washing machine. --- ### 8. Cleaning & household products - DIY cleaners: Vinegar + water for glass/surfaces, baking soda for scrubbing, lemon for degreasing. - Reusable cleaning cloths: Old t-shirts or towels instead of paper towels. - Bar soap over liquid: Less packaging, lasts longer (for hands, body, even dishes). - Refill stations: Some stores let you refill detergents, shampoos, etc. in your own containers. - Clean toilet bowl with Citric Acid. Cheap, and cleans all stains instantly. --- ### 9. Digital & tech habits - Delete old emails and files: Data storage uses energy-cloud servers consume electricity. - Stream at lower resolution: 1080p vs 4K saves bandwidth and energy. - Avoid unnecessary printing: Digital documents when possible; print double-sided if needed. - Repair electronics: Replace batteries, screens, or parts instead of discarding devices. - Buy refurbished items instead of brand new. --- ### 10. Nature-positive actions - Plant native species: Support local ecosystems and pollinators (even a windowsill herb garden helps). - Leave wild areas in your yard: Let a corner grow naturally-provides habitat for insects and birds. - Use peat-free soil: Peat bogs are critical carbon sinks; alternatives exist. - Support local biodiversity: Bird feeders, bee hotels, or just leaving leaf litter for insects. --- ### 11. Smart shopping habits - Borrow or rent instead of buying: Tools, books, party supplies-use libraries, tool shares, or rental services. - Buy quality over quantity: One durable item beats replacing cheap ones repeatedly. - Avoid fast fashion and disposable goods: Opt for timeless, repairable items. - Check product certifications: FSC (wood/paper), Fair Trade, Energy Star, etc. --- ### 12. Water & garden efficiency - Mulch garden beds: Reduces evaporation, keeps soil moist longer. - Use ollas (clay pots) for irrigation: Buried pots slowly release water to roots-super efficient. - Native or drought-tolerant plants: Require less watering and maintenance. --- ### Bonus: Community & systemic impact - Join or start a tool library, seed swap, or repair café: Collective action amplifies individual efforts. - Advocate for local green policies: Bike lanes, public transit, green spaces-systemic change matters. - Support businesses with sustainable practices: Vote with your wallet. ---