We’re all aware of the fact that we need to make a conscious decision to try and live our lives in a way that is better for the planet. Global warming and other situations are causing too much strain on our earth and it’s our responsibility to try and reverse the damage that has already been done.
There are tons of initiatives that have been spreading and encouraging people to be more mindful of the effects their actions will have on the earth. While it might not be possible or realistic to go entirely green, every small change makes a difference, and if everyone could add a few more eco-friendly habits to their daily lives, the earth would be a better, happier place.
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Try to use clean energy
Clean energy refers to energy that is obtained from renewable sources. By using things that are naturally available to us, such as the sun or wind, instead of things such as fossil fuels, clean energy manages to create a more reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly way of consuming energy. Sources of clean energy vary from place to place, since they rely heavily on environmental factors, which aren’t the same in all areas. Try to find out about clean energy in your area, such as the clean energy fund in Portland, OR.
Eat more plant-based meals
Even if you can’t go fully plant-based, trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet will definitely help reduce the strain on our planet. Growing plants for consumption uses up much less resources than animal sources. Being vegetarian used to be quite a struggle, but there are now a lot of plant-based proteins, so you won’t be sacrificing any essential nutrients by cutting out meat. If you can’t commit to the vegetarian lifestyle, try to commit to meatless Mondays. By cutting out meat entirely for even one day of the week, you’ll be doing the environment a favor.
Go digital
While many people prefer the feel of pen and paper to staring at a screen, using less paper is vital when it comes to being more eco-friendly. Nearly everything that used to be done on paper can now be done on screen. There are apps that contain calendars, notes, lists, and everything else you’d put in a paper diary. You can also make the switch to e-books, which are eco-friendly, more affordable, and take up less space. If you don’t want to read your books on a screen, you can always give a Christmas audiobook a shot this holiday season.
Use your car less
Yes, cars are convenient. But if you won’t be headed too far, opt for walking or cycling instead. This will be great for your health as well as for the environment. Cars contribute heavily to the dire state of the planet, so only use it when you really don’t have another option.
Make your own compost
Compost is great for having a healthy, beautiful garden. Plus, it can be made with refuse and things that would otherwise be thrown away. By using those items as compost, you’ll be reducing waste and also making the world a greener place (literally and figuratively) by encouraging plant life to flourish. Next time, before throwing something in the trash, consider if you can put it on a compost heap instead.
Recycle
This is one of the most popular choices among people who want to live an eco-friendlier life. The reason for this is that recycling is such an easy way of helping the planet, and it can be done with so many items that we use on a daily basis, such as plastic, glass, paper, and more!
Reduce
By reducing our usage and consumption of certain products, we can do our part in saving the planet. Start off by seeing how you can reduce your water consumption, since water is something we often use too much of. Also reduce your electricity usage where you can, by switching off lights and appliances when you aren’t using them. Single use plastic is also a big culprit, since it contributes to littering and doesn’t naturally decay for a very long time. Try to choose glass bottles over plastic, and carry reusable material bags when you go shopping, so that you don’t need to get a load of plastic bags each time. You can also buy a permanent coffee flask for your early morning dose of caffeine, instead of using a disposable cup each time.