Not to sound dramatic, but we have just 11 years to make sustainable changes in our lifestyles to avoid worldwide catastrophe. At least that’s what studies from the UN are showing. By 2030, humans should make changes to the way they’re living to cut the risks of flooding, fires, and other devastating natural disasters.
Though this might sound like fear-mongering and scare tactics, it isn’t. Both humans and the earth can benefit from living more sustainably. There is nothing to lose by choosing to be more kind to the environment.
Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle might seem like a daunting task at first. It doesn’t have to be, though. Keep reading for ideas on how to live a sustainable lifestyle and for three ways to live greener.
Why and How to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Planet Earth is the only home we have. It’s up to us to care for it and to teach our children how to do the same. If humans continue to live unsustainably, entire ecosystems could be at risk.
Air and water pollution, climate change, smog, and natural disasters are becoming more common, due in part to how humans have been interacting with the earth. It’s all of our responsibility to take care of the planet.
You may be wondering how to be more environmentally friendly in your day-to-day life. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated or cost you a fortune. A few small, simple changes in your life can make everlasting impacts on the planet.
1. Make Your Drinking Habits More Environmentally Friendly
One of the most easy ways to go green is by investing in reusable products. Having items that can be used more than once will help to cut back on waste in our landfills. These products will also save energy and won’t require the use of raw materials for production.
Instead of tossing a paper coffee cup into the wastebasket after your morning Starbucks stop, buy a reusable mug. Travel cups are very affordable and are great at keeping your hot beverages hotter for longer, too. Not to mention that bringing your own cup ensures you won’t be contributing to the 16 billion disposable cups used every year.
While we’re on the subject of beverages, purchase a stylish refillable water bottle that you’ll want to tote around with you everywhere. These come in multitudes of shapes, colors, and sizes, so there’s one for everybody. They can keep your water colder for longer than plastic bottles can, and they’re better for the environment to boot.
Reusable metal straws are another worthwhile investment. Americans use almost 400 million plastic straws per day. Not only do they degrade incredibly slowly, but they are also difficult to recycle correctly.
2. Shop Smarter
If you’re still answering “paper or plastic” at the grocery store, it’s time to up your game. Reusable cloth bags may cost a dollar or two up front, but they’ll pay for themselves in the long run. Cloth bags can handle heavier loads, are easier to carry, and are better for the environment.
Stop using plastic bags for your produce. Your lettuce will survive just fine loose in your cloth bag. If you absolutely must bag your produce, invest in reusable mesh bags to use in the grocery store.
3. Cut Back on Water Usage
Don’t run the water while you’re brushing your teeth. You might not think that 60 seconds of running water can make a difference. You’ll be saving up to 200 gallons of water per month by just simply turning off the tap while you’re getting your teeth cleaning on.
On laundry day, only do full loads of clothes. Doing so will ensure that you’re using the least amount of water and energy possible.
You can boost your eco-friendliness by washing all of your clothing in cold water. Ninety percent of the energy that your washer uses during a cycle comes from having to heat the water. Switching to cold water on laundry day can also save you money on your energy bills.
Give Earth a Chance
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed reading our eco-friendly living tips. Now that you’re a little more aware, be sure to spread the word to your loved ones. It doesn’t take a lot of work from you to live a greener lifestyle, but it can make all the difference for our plant.
If you’re looking for more ways to live a healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyle, be sure to check out the General Health section of our blog.
