There’s a growing concern for the future of our planet, which highlights the need to live sustainably. But sustainability is a multi-layered, evolving process – it would be unrealistic to expect anyone to completely reform their lifestyle and become a sustainability guru overnight!
How To Be More Eco Friendly
So in this article, we’re sharing some easy ways you can ease into a sustainable more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
1. Take Reusable Bags
Whether you’re going on a grocery run or shopping for clothes, always carry reusable bags. This will help you avoid plastic bags.
2. Shop at Bulk Stores
Shopping at bulk stores is cheaper. It also reduces unnecessary packaging waste by utilising reusable containers and bags.
3. Consciously Use Energy & Water
It’s important to be conscious of your energy and water use. Start by turning off lights and electronic devices when not in use. Switch to LED lights and power-saving appliances. In addition to being better for the environment, these can also lower your energy bills.
For water, install a low-pressure shower head and fix any faulty taps. Try taking shorter showers and turn off the taps when brushing your teeth.
4. Use Renewable Energy
Rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are not a good sign. Generating electricity by burning fossil fuels further increases these levels. You can do your bit to lower greenhouse gases by switching to a renewable energy plan. Choose the best energy provider offering renewable energy plans at affordable prices.
5. Shop Second-hand
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters. Instead of giving in to the fast-fashion culture, give thrifting a try. You can find unique pieces at highly discounted prices. If you don’t have any thrift stores in your area, try eBay and Depop to score some vintage items.
6. Try Vegan Meals
Changing what you eat is one of the easiest ways to live sustainably. Understandably, it’s not easy to stop eating meat and dairy products. But you can start slow by eating vegan meals a couple of times a week. These days, there is a variety of meat and dairy substitutes that taste like the real deal. Give Beyond Meat and Nutritional Yeast a try.
7. Shop Locally
By shopping locally, you reduce the requirement for long-haul transportation of food and lower your carbon footprint.
8. Use Public Transportation
Do you use your vehicle to go to work every morning? In addition to being expensive in terms of fuel and maintenance, commuting by a private vehicle increases your carbon footprint. Take public transport or try carpooling with your coworkers.
9. Avoid Single-use Plastic
From straws to cups, single-use plastic is a huge problem. While a lot of places are switching to paper packaging products, you can help by investing in a metal straw and taking your own cup to coffee shops.
10. Repair & Recycle
The ease of purchasing things has made us accustomed to replacing them instead of mending them. Before throwing out anything, find a way to repair or repurpose it. For instance, you can reuse glass bottles as adorable planters or flatten delivery boxes for future use. Also be meticulous with recycling your household glass, paper and plastics.
To have a major impact, everyone needs to take action – not just governments and corporations. We as individuals must do our part to conserve our planet. After all, it’s the only home we have.
