Protect the planet, reduce global warming, consume more responsibly… We sometimes feel helpless and powerless in the face of these crucial issues. And yet, we can all take action at our own level. Choosing to colive is already an ecological step in itself. But there’s even more we can do on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at a few easy steps that everyone can take.
How is coliving good for the planet?
Choosing coliving over private housing is positive on several levels:
- You share not only the furniture in all the common rooms, but also all the household equipment, crockery and kitchen accessories. That’s a lot less material to produce, and ultimately less pollution.
- By sharing common areas, you can all make substantial savings on heating and electricity. It’s good for your wallet and good for the planet!
- When you move into a fully-equipped home, there’s no big move to make and no van to rent and move around.
Better consumption
Living in a coliving residence is a good point, but you can do more by trying to pay attention to the way you consume:
- Consuming locally avoids unnecessary transport. For food, it reduces the time between production and consumption and avoids the use of preservatives.
- Without prohibiting ourselves from eating meat, it may be worthwhile to reduce our consumption and select meats produced in good conditions. Producing 1 kilo of meat requires 15,000 liters of water, whereas 1 kilo of cereals requires 4,600 litres and 1 kilo of legumes 1600 litres. Food for thought…
- Use reusable products instead of single-use ones (napkins, make-up pads, plastic cups, etc.).
- Use refillable products to limit the production of disposable containers (shampoo, soap, detergent…) and buy in bulk.
- Drink tap water and avoid plastic water bottles.
- Buy second-hand products: clothes, electronics, furniture… Vintage is trendy, so take advantage of it!
Less consumption
Better consumption is good, but less consumption is even better!
- Planning your meals allows you to do only the shopping you need and avoid throwing food away.
- Defrost the fridge regularly (a fridge full of frost can consume three times as much energy).
- Use LED bulbs
- Turn down the heat when you’re away and don’t overheat your home. It’s easy to put on a sweater!
- Launching washing machines with full drums
- Use public transport or bicycles instead of cars
- Repair or donate rather than throw away
- Avoid compulsive buying. Think before you buy: do you really need it? Can you lend it, rent it or buy it second-hand?
Want to reduce your environmental impact? Involve all the people who share your home with you. Together, it’s easier and more motivating. And everyone can contribute their ideas and skills so that together you can build a less polluting world, even on the simple scale of the coliving residence.