In the last few years, we have all heard of climate change, and how much it’s affecting our world. The global temperature is rising year after year, and many animals have started to be affected. Thankfully, there’s still some hope to save the earth. If we reduce our energy consumption and become more eco-friendly, the temperature may start declining, and we will be able to save many creatures including ourselves.
When it comes to being eco-friendly, some individuals will suggest going zero-waste. However, the zero-waste strategy can seem impossible, especially if you’re applying it all of a sudden. That’s why many people avoid going green; they think that it’s not a possible way of living. If you’re looking for ways to save the environment without entirely changing your day-to-day routine, here are some simple habits that will help you achieve that.
Turn off Your Devices
Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the essentials to consider when trying to be more eco-friendly. You don’t need to stop using your devices or avoid purchasing new ones – you just need to switch them off when you’re not using them. Even when your electronics are on standby, they consume energy. So it’s better if you turn them off. This will not only help reduce your carbon footprint but will also reduce your electricity bills.
Eco-friendly technology
Nowadays, many companies have started caring for the environment as well. A lot of brands manufacture electronics in energy-saving factories to reduce their huge carbon footprint. Not only that, but they have also started manufacturing green devices. These devices save a lot on your energy bill and don’t have the same effect on the environment as the regular ones. So, if you’re purchasing a new device, make sure that it’s eco-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Products
Just like when purchasing new electronics, make sure to purchase green household products. There are hundreds of companies that create almost all of our day-to-day products but don’t harm the environment while producing them. You will find many eco friendly, sustainable products, from toilet paper and detergents, to shoes and swimwear. You can start by changing your detergents and perfumes as they have a lot of chemicals that affect the environment. When shopping, choose brands that produce recyclable products and don’t take years to decompose. Changing your essential home products and clothes to be eco-friendly reduces your carbon footprint and allows you to simply go green.
Reduce Food Waste
If you’re regularly throwing away food that went bad, you’re damaging the environment. 14% of the food produced around the world is wasted, and it’s one of the major reasons for climate change. When food is thrown away, it usually ends up in a landfill until it decomposes. However, the decomposition process of food releases toxic gases that harm us as well. To avoid that, try buying only what you need. Plan your weekly meals before shopping so you can have an idea of what exactly you need. In case there was food that you didn’t use, you can start composting. Recycle the food wastes to fuel your garden.
Reduce Plastic
When someone decides to go green, they usually start by cutting down plastic. That’s mainly because plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, harming many living creatures along the way. There are many cases where plastic bags and straws caused many animals and fish to suffer. Animals confuse food with plastic, so when they eat it and it blocks the digestive system, they may choke or starve. That’s why cutting off plastic is one of the essentials if you want to become more eco-friendly.
Buy Second Hand
If you’re looking for new furniture or some home decoration, it’s better to buy pre-loved items. Furniture production affects the environment massively. Either the factory itself leaves a huge carbon footprint while manufacturing, or they cut down trees to make natural wood furniture. In both cases, they’re harming the environment. However, if you decide to buy second-hand items, there will be no need to cut down more trees, and you won’t affect the environment in any way.
Deciding to go green can be challenging. You will not be able to change everything at once, because you already rely on many products in your daily life. That’s why it’s preferable to take it step by step. Cut down the products you know you don’t need and change what you can. If you’re unable to change your electronics at the moment to be more eco-friendly, then turn them off when you don’t need them. Replace plastic straws and plastic bags with paper ones, and only buy what you need.
