In the 21st century, sustainability at home and on the road can be considered equal. These days, people living in cities have to choose between a sustainable lifestyle and a lifestyle based upon convenience and comfort. For instance, it is more practical to drive a hybrid car than it would be to take public transit. But even here, some individuals and families are choosing to live a sustainable life. By reducing their carbon footprint and buying products that promote sustainability at home, these eco-friendly consumers can greatly reduce their impact on the environment while enhancing their sense of responsibility towards future generations. Many consumers are beginning to practice sustainability at home through reduced use of disposable products, recycling at home, purchasing locally produced food and items, and eating foods that are organic and natural when possible. Some other sustainability practices at home include watering with local water sources whenever possible, cleaning and drying all clothes as directed, using cloth diapers and reusable cotton bedding and pillows, planting gardens and retaining gardening supplies within the home and composting organic foods and scraps for use within the home and on the market. While many of these practices might sound like a luxury, they can play a significant role in reducing one's carbon footprint, especially if taken advantage of. It is estimated that for every year an average family makes use of an electric dishwasher and runs a lightweight efficient fridge, the family's carbon footprint decreases by approximately thirteen tons. Learn how to read food labels here! Reducing a carbon footprint does not mean that families need to give up eating or drinking. The family can still eat healthy, drink fresh water and reduce the amount of garbage that they produce by refilling water bottles or using reusable water heaters whenever possible. For instance, replacing the light bulb in the fridge with a low-energy model that uses energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs can reduce a family's need to buy new appliances or cookers. Replacing the water heater in the home with one that meets government guidelines can save the homeowner money over time and reduce the need for energy-efficient replacements in the future. Know more about sugar at https://www.dictionary.com/browse/sugar. The kitchen has always been the main place to promote sustainability. A variety of baking and cooking utensils, such as self-cleaning, non-stick, microwaveable crockpot, and low-microwave reusable containers allow families to be more conscious of the ingredients that they use and how much waste is eliminated when creating dishes. The purchase of eco-friendly food and ingredients, purchasing reusable containers and using reusable tableware helps to further the effort toward reducing one's carbon footprint. For families who prefer to cook fresh food from scratch, purchasing an eco-friendly electric rice cooker or slow cooker can help them to create delicious and nutritious meals, while reducing the consumption of electricity and thus greenhouse gas emissions. Know what to expect when you give up sugar here! Another important factor in reducing one's environmental footprint and increasing sustainability at home involves a family's attitude toward buying less. Purchasing smaller, less expensive items allows families to purchase more of the same items. For instance, buying a smaller, cheaper refrigerator can allow a family to buy more of the same refrigerator components, which allows them to save money on energy costs, while maintaining a high quality product that they will be able to enjoy for many years. Furthermore, a family may be more willing to consider eco-friendly fashion if they perceive themselves as having an increased level of purchasing power. By supporting eco-friendly or sustainable fashion, consumers not only help to reduce the consumption of high-calorie, synthetic, plastic, or paper products, but they also show their willingness to do what they can to improve the world's health and the condition of the environment. As more people embrace eco-friendly fashions and lifestyle options, the fashion industry will be forced to think harder about its own sustainability initiatives. While there are no absolute guarantees regarding the long term success of eco-friendly or sustainable fashion, it is clear that the current trend toward these alternative clothing choices is here to stay. And given that many fashions are made in countries where poor air quality, cleanliness, and nutrition are a major concern, the consumer is likely not looking to throw away her old clothes anytime soon.