It’s no surprise that the world is facing ecological disasters. With every passing day, it seems like more and more things are contributing to global warming, making it harder for our planet to recover from the damage we’ve done.
It’s up to us to come together and make changes in our daily lives that will help the environment. To do this, we have to be willing to change some habits we’ve gotten used to over time.
All it takes is a few minor adjustments in your lifestyle that will reflect significant changes for the planet. Fortunately, people are starting to take eco-friendly living into their own hands, with green initiatives popping up all over the place.
But what if you’re just getting started? There are easy ways that anyone can begin going green to prevent further harm from being done to Mother Earth.
Collect water
One of the biggest wastes when it comes to water is when we shower. Although there is nothing wrong with taking a shower, if you collect your used one and two-minute shower water in a jug and re-use it for other purposes such as watering plants, you will be saving around 80 liters of clean drinking water daily.
Mend clothing instead of throwing it out
One of the biggest wastes in landfills is old clothes. Instead of throwing out old clothing that is still wearable, find ways to mend it or alter it so that it can be worn again. This will also reduce the number of resources used in making new clothing for you to wear.
Ride a bike or walk to work
Instead of driving to work, set up a schedule where you ride your bike or walk. Around 30 minutes of walking every day can reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases caused by being sedentary (especially if you don’t exercise).
Use reusable bags for shopping
During your weekly grocery trips, use reusable bags instead of relying on plastic bags. This is not only better for the environment but also saves you money in the long run.
Reduce meat consumption
Although going completely vegan might be a bit too much for most people, reducing the amount of meat you consume can significantly affect water conservation and land usage in the long run. Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of greenhouse emissions, so changing how much you eat will help.
Swap lights and appliances when they stop working
Another common cause of greenhouse emissions is when appliances or lights are no longer functional. Although they might seem like small items, these light bulbs and faulty devices can be detrimental to the environment if not disposed of properly.
Go solar
Although going solar might not be an option for everyone, it is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. You will save money on utility bills and make a statement about your commitment to protecting the planet. More homes are getting solar installations to save on power costs and help the planet with this renewable energy source.
Unplug chargers and unused electronics before leaving the house
Even when not in use, many of our electronic devices are still drawing electricity. Unplugging them before leaving the house is a great way to reduce your energy consumption, and it can easily be done by using one simple device.
Grow your own food
If you have the space, growing your own food is one of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since it can eliminate transportation costs and limit other types of contamination to your food.
You don’t need to own a farm or have large plots of land to start. Instead, try growing your own food in small spaces around the home or even start a community garden at your local park or school to save even more on costs. Even rooftop gardens are becoming more popular as people are looking for ways to live green.
Recycle water and make compost
Depending on where you live, sometimes water that is not fit for drinking can be recycled and used to water plants or even made into compost to fertilize the soil. Depending on the type of water you have coming out of your tap, this can be a great way to reduce consumption and create an environment where plants thrive. All it takes is a bit of creativity and the willingness to try something new.
People can make small changes like these every day that will impact the environment in the long run. Not only are they good for the planet, but they can also be easy on your wallet as well. It is important to remember that every little change you make is a step in the right direction, and it will all add up in the end.
