If you are someone who has resolved themselves to making some big changes to help the environment, then you are taking on a difficult but incredibly rewarding challenge. Some of the switches that you have to make may seem daunting to begin with but the changes become easier once you take your first few steps into the world of sustainability. Here, we share just six ways to become more eco-friendly.
1.Eat Less Meat.
Over a quarter of the earth’s land is used for raising and supporting livestock. The amount of greenhouse gases created by the meat industry is overwhelming. When you choose to cut meat from your meals, you are taking a small but important step in reducing the overall emissions of harmful gases, such as nitrous oxide and CO2. Incorporate different vegetables and replacement meat products into your diet – after a while, you will not miss your old lifestyle! If cutting out meat completely is not something you want to do, try doing one day a week meat-free. Many people choose to do a ‘meat-free Monday’ and it has the added benefit of saving you a few quid!
2. Save water.
We live on a planet that is two thirds water, so it can be very easy to forget that water is not inexhaustible. Even with global warming and the melting of the polar ice caps, we are still at risk of running out of water if we continue to use it at the rate we are. Easy ways to reduce your water consumption is by fixing any leaky taps or pipes on your property, taking showers instead of baths and turning the tap off when you are brushign your teeth. If you are a keen gardener, switch off the sprinklers and hoses and install small water tanks. These allow you to harvest natural rainwater, which can be used to water the lawn and plants or even wash your car.
3. Use Less Paper and Plastic; Recycle More.
When you cut out paper and plastic from your daily life, you contribute to saving the planet. With technology today, you hardly even need paper for anything. For those who can’t get rid of paper, because they use it at their job, try to recycle it as much as you can. While you are there, it is also a good idea to reduce your plastic consumption. Instead of getting plastic bags when you are out grocery shopping, buy your own canvas bag that you can take with you to transport all of your purchases. Plus, canvas bags can typically hold more and are made of sturdier materials. If you do use plastic, recycle it when you can. Every small change can make a difference.
4. Start a Compost Pile or Bin.
Compost bins have been a popular trend these last few months. They are a great way to reduce waste. They allow you to reuse items you would normally just throw away, such as banana peels and the parts of vegetables you toss. The organic material you put into your compost will break down into nutrients that will help you grow your garden or keep your lawn green. Plus, it saves you more money. You no longer have to buy expensive compost when you are making your own. Just check the things that you put in first, as you cannot put dairy or meat in compost bins. It is also a really good way of keeping an eye on how much food you throw away each week.
5. Purchase the Right Light Bulb.
Unless electricity reduces the energy you use and, in turn, reduces your carbon footprint. One way to use less electricity is to ensure all lights are turned off when you are not in a room. However, people are forgetful, and lights will be left on from time to time. A more realistic approach is to be conscious of the light bulbs you buy to replace ones that have gone out. Instead of buying incandescent lights, purchase compact fluorescent bulbs. These lights will last five times longer and use less electricity than the alternative. This also has the benefit of saving you money in the long term!
6.Cut Down on Energy in Your Home.
Besides switching the light bulbs you use, there are many other ways you can cut back on the energy used in your home. One of the easiest things you can do is adjust your thermostat based on the season. For example, in the summer raise the temperature so that it does not turn on when it’s not needed – alternatively, turn it off altogether. You can also unplug your appliances when you are not using them and change the way you wash your clothes. When you are doing laundry, opt for line-drying your clothes instead of the dryer if you have an outdoor space.
Taking small steps like the ones listed above can really help you keep the environment safe.
The Bottom Line
If you are someone who wants to make positive changes in your life, start with changing how you interact with the environment. Being eco-friendly has a positive effect on both you and those around you. Making your life a little greener does not have to be hard!
This is a collaborative post.
