If you’re wondering how to be more environmentally friendly this year, there are so many ways to do it. Depending on your job, where you live, and what you’re already doing, it can be beyond focusing on single-use plastics and planting trees.
Whether you’re an individual looking to do your part or a business looking to act against climate change, there are many ways to help the world recover. Here are eight ways to become more environmentally friendly this year.
1. Recycle More
This is one of the easiest ways to be more environmentally friendly. It doesn’t require a lot of effort and, if you recycle correctly, it won’t cost you any money. You can find recycle bins in nearly every home, and it’s essential to use them.
Recycling can reduce plastic use and get more longevity out of your purchases. Make sure, however, not to hoard too much. Recycling and even upcycling are only viable if you don’t stash trash. Knowing what to send to the recycling center and what to use can give you a more harmonious and green home.
2. Buy Less
This might seem like a pretty obvious suggestion, but buying less stuff, mainly stuff you don’t need, helps the environment in so many ways. Buying less stuff means less garbage and less guilt. When you shop less, it’s easier for your wallet, too.
Having less waste matters, especially if you own a lot. Then there’s the fact that fewer things to buy means fewer things to consume. This, in turn, means less energy use and less pollution.
A green home does not hoard useless clutter. A green home is organized and functional. Everything has a purpose there. When you shop less, you don’t need to purchase so much. Little things add up fast, and it clutters your home before you even know it.
So, if you’re thinking about buying something new, ask yourself if you need it. If it doesn’t help or add to your life, you probably don’t need it.
3. Eat Less Meat
Meat production is one of the world’s most impactful industries. According to the Worldwatch Institute, it’s responsible for about 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The cattle industry, in particular, is responsible for about 14% of those emissions.
Whether you can cook or not, it’s best to cut down your meat consumption to help reduce its demand. Whether you like to eat vegan or vegetarian meals, there are plenty of recipes you can enjoy at home.
None of this means you have to stop eating meat. It’s easy to understand that veganism is neither something everyone wants to do nor simple to adopt. Regardless, cutting down a bit of your meat intake should help.
4. Unplug Your Electronics
Electronics can take up a lot of energy. You should unplug your electronics when you’re not using them to reduce your latent power consumption.
For computers, you can turn off monitors and peripherals when you’re not using them. You can also unplug your external drives and routers. If you want to take things further, you could unplug your video game consoles when not in use, together with heating/AC when they’re not in use.
If you’re constantly plugged in, it’s probably time to unplug. You might find that unplugging your electronics makes your life easier. Go out more and try to get some more time outside, whether it’s walking, jogging, or even chilling at the park.
5. Choose Local
Choosing local foods is one of the easiest and most effective ways to be more environmentally friendly. Whether you’re buying vegetables or meat, local producers usually sell products that haven’t been transported too far.
Buying local also supports small businesses in your area. The extra money you spend stays in your community. Also, you can expect good quality products from small local sellers.
When you support local businesses, you’re more likely to be purchasing sustainably-produced products. This means they’ve been made in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or its inhabitants.
6. Be Eco-Friendly in Your Bathroom
Did you know that a 100-square-foot bathroom uses 230 gallons of water per day? This means that your water usage can add up quickly.
So, what can you do to be more environmentally friendly in your bathroom? For starters, don’t buy single-use products. This includes things like razors, single-use makeup removers, and toothbrushes. Instead, try using reusable products.
When you switch to reusable products, you’ll cut down on plastic waste. Then, you’ll also cut down on water usage and push less harmful products down the drain.
7. Use Public Transport
Public transport is one of the easiest ways to be more environmentally friendly. It doesn’t require a lot of effort to change your lifestyle, and it’s an easy way to get around. Most cities have bus services and rail systems, and these tend to operate throughout the day.
Public transport means you don’t need to own a car to get around. Owning a car is expensive, not only financially but also environmentally. When you don’t use a car, you reduce the amount of pollution in the air. This means fewer emissions and less noise. It also means fewer toxins being released into lakes, rivers, and oceans.
If you have to use a car, you can either opt for an electric vehicle or carpool with your workmates. EVs can save you money over time while carpooling cuts down the number of cars on the road at a time.
8. Use A Bike
Cycling doesn’t require much money or effort, and, if you live in a city, it’s relatively easy. If you live somewhere with lots of hills, cycling is an excellent option as it allows you to exercise and see more of your surroundings.
Cycling is also a great way to support the local economy. As more people cycle, local businesses that sell bicycles, clothing, and accessories become more popular. As a result, these items become more affordable and common. You’ll also focus more on businesses close by, rather than go to further locations.
Being more environmentally friendly isn’t just about buying fewer things or recycling more. It’s about changing your lifestyle. You want to slowly change how you live, pushing to become more sustainable with every action you take. Follow these tips, and you should be well on your way to a better, greener tomorrow.
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