Gadgets and Products to Help You Live More Sustainably

Learning how to live a little more sustainably is something many of us have been trying to do for years now. As technology progresses, doing so has become increasingly easier, and new eco-friendly gadgets, devices, and alternative products come on the market. We all know it can be challenging to overhaul our unsustainable behaviors and change our habits, but many newer products are created to make this much less laborious. Nowadays, conserving water and reducing single-use plastics is more straightforward than ever. Get the lowdown on some of the best environmentally-conscious products with this list of our top picks!

LED Lights

Switching to LED lights is a small but meaningful change anyone can make. Not only are they much more energy-efficient than other light sources, but they also have a substantially longer lifespan. While the outright cost of buying LED lights is higher than traditional counterparts like incandescent bulbs, they use upwards of 80% less energy. Coupled with their average 14-year operational life, they'll save you a lot of money down the line.

Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats allow you to keep your home at the optimum temperature by controlling the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation through WiFi. Over time, the system learns your preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly, conserving energy as it becomes more in tune with the times when heating or cooling is required. Most smart thermostats can be controlled remotely, typically through a mobile phone app. This way, you can check and modify the temperature when you're not there, making it much more user-friendly than standard thermostats.

Smart Plugs

Another energy-saving device that can be controlled from afar is a smart plug. This handy little device fits between a power outlet and a plug and works to cut off the electricity between the two when the device it's connected to isn't in use. They're especially useful for turning off any appliances you might prefer to keep plugged in at all times but only need to be turned on if you're at home. These include lights, televisions, coffee machines, and toasters.

Solar-Powered Lighting

While using solar panels has become more widespread in recent times, installing them in your home isn't always an option for everyone. However, you can still avail of solar power in other ways. If you have outdoor lighting in your home, perhaps outside your front door or in your backyard, it's worth looking into solar-powered lights. They're generally inexpensive to buy, come fitted with LED bulbs to soak up the sunshine by day, and omit bright lights after dark.

SodaStream

By investing in a SodaStream, sparkling water fanatics can cut back on hundreds, or potentially thousands, of plastic bottles annually. This gadget turns tap water into a fizzy alternative by releasing carbon dioxide into your reusable bottle when it connects to the built-in gas canister. Depending on the amount of carbonated water you usually consume, you'll likely need to change the canister every four to eight weeks. In most cases, you'll have the option to exchange or refill your empty canisters, ensuring minimal waste.

Smart Compost Bins

Composting is always a good idea, but many find the idea of filling a wastebin with food in their kitchen off-putting. Let's face it: The smell and sight of decomposing food aren't the most pleasant additions to your home! By replacing your conventional bin with a more advanced version, you'll be able to turn your leftovers into nutrient-rich soil in seconds. Smart compost bins make the entire process quick, seamless, and odor-free.

Rainwater Harvester

Rainwater harvesting is relatively simple but can make a noticeable difference to your home. This usually refers to using a tank or container to collect rainwater that would ordinarily run off your roof. As droughts and water shortages become more commonplace, accumulating rainwater is as important as ever. When the rainwater harvester fills up, you'll become less reliant on public water supply to complete tasks like watering the lawn, gardening, or washing your car. 

Beeswax Food Wrapping

Long-standing food wrapping materials like tin foil and clingfilm are notoriously harmful to the environment. That being said, it's sometimes difficult to find suitable replacements.

Beeswax wraps are some of the latest creations that are set to be excellent substitutes. Made from a blend of beeswax, oil, and cotton, these food coverings are super easy to use and can last for over a year. Moreover, they're completely biodegradable, making them an even more sustainable choice.

Filtered and Purifying Water Bottles

Plastic bottles are among the biggest contributors to landfill. If you frequently purchase plastic water bottles, why not swap them for a filtered, purifying alternative that can be reused? Of course, any long-lasting bottle is better than sticking to single-use plastics, but this isn't always a viable option if you live in an area with sub-standard tap water. In this instance, it's best to go for a filtered bottle instead. This way, you'll enjoy clean, fresh water without continuously buying plastic bottles. These bottles can be costly initially but ultimately save you a lot of cash in the long term.

Water-Saving Shower Head

Classic showers can use up to 25 liters or over 6.5 gallons of water every minute. When you add a water-saving shower head, this can be reduced by more than half without feeling a noticeable difference in the power and water flow. Shorter showers are another way to minimize water usage, but unfortunately, this isn't always realistic. With a water-efficient shower head, cutting down on the volume of water you use is much more achievable.

Make More Sustainable Choices With These Eco-Friendly Gadgets

With any of these devices, you'll do your part for the environment without making drastic changes to your daily life. Cutting back on the volume of electricity, water, and non-reusable goods we use is markedly simpler with the right products. Better still, most of these products can spare you plenty of cash in the long run, meaning you'll save both your wallet and the planet!