Green is good! Going green for the planet is excellent, but going green for yourself is even better. Let’s explore some eco-friendly ways of living to have a greener lifestyle.
Sustainable shopping. Support local farmer’s markets and artisans as much as possible. Choose eco-friendly products with certifications like USDA Organic, Fair Trade or Energy Star. Of course, precut veggies and fruits are convenient, but they are more expensive and usually come in plastic, so avoid products with excessive packaging. Reduce single-use plastics and opt for reusable shopping bags, water bottles and containers to minimize plastic waste. Remember to wash out reusable water bottles daily because mold will form all around the inside, unbeknownst to you. Embrace second-hand thrift stores, consignment shops and online platforms for gently used items like clothing, furniture and electronics. Refurbished Mac products work just as well as brand-new ones. Many of these stores have hidden gems just waiting to be discovered!
Energy-efficient home. Being a renter can be harder to switch to all energy-efficient upgrades, but you can still make a difference in your space. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which consume less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Be sure to turn off lights in rooms that are not occupied and take advantage of daylight by leaving window blinds open. Once summer starts to heat up, install window shades or films to keep out the sun and lower air-conditioning costs. Note any leaky faucets and toilets to conserve water and put in a work order with management so maintenance can fix the issue.
Mindful Consumption. Get to Spring cleaning and embrace a minimalist lifestyle by decluttering and focusing on owning fewer but higher-quality items that bring exuberance and value. Quality over quantity! Invest in durable, long-lasting products instead of buying cheap, disposable items that need frequent replacement. Learn basic repair skills to fix clothing, furniture and electronics. Repurpose or upcycle old items creatively instead of discarding them. Turn trash into treasure by giving new life to unused items. If you have a garden, use old wine bottles and stick them upside down into the ground and create an edge. Turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags, which work great for cleaning windows. Use an old cheese grater, paint it a fun color and use it to hang earrings or as a planter. An old colander can be a hanging planter, and it already has holes. Let your imagination wonder!
Green Travel. Choose eco-friendly transportation and use buses or carpooling to reduce emissions if possible. Consider biking or walking for short distances. Offset carbon footprint by supporting carbon offset projects or investing in renewable energy initiatives. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations when traveling. There are a plethora of hotels, resorts and homestays with green certifications or sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction and conservation efforts. Always respect local environments. Responsible tourism should be practiced by respecting local cultures, supporting conservation efforts, and minimizing waste during travels. Seeing litter during a long hike is always discouraging, so don’t be that person!
We hope you enjoy an enriched life by adopting these eco-friendly practices into various aspects of your life!
