Living green varies from one person to the next, but, overall, it means opting for a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Interested in living green? Keep on reading for 10 ways to go green.
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Gradually transition to living green
While there are many ways to go green, the best way is to start living green overtime. It’s best to start living green gradually as there is a lot to learn about the green lifestyle, and, more importantly, a lot to unlearn from when you were not living green.
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Shop local
A great way to start living green is to buy local when possible. If you order something from far away the product must be shipped to you, therefore, increasing your carbon footprint.
If you can’t find something locally, shop wisely. Buy products that are produced by green, responsible brands — this way you can support green commerce while still obtaining the things you need.
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Shop fair trade
An easy way to go green and support green commerce is to shop fair trade. How do you know if something is fair trade? The FAIRTRADE Mark is a widely recognized and trusted label which certifies a company’s ethical practices. When you see this label, you can confidently buy knowing that the producers of the product, such as farmers and workers, are offered fair compensation for their work. This certification simultaneously helps elevate the standard of living in economically developing nations and supports sustainability.
By supporting companies that provide fair wages to workers and use sustainable practices, you are living green.
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Join and support green groups
Green groups are groups that have agendas that prioritize protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and clean water sources. Joining a green group that supports your interests and fits your level of commitment is one of the best ways to go green. Not only will joining a group help you to develop your interests, but group environments can also help support lifestyle changes, such as transitioning to living green, and provide you with a wealth of knowledge.
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Have a green kitchen
When transitioning to living green, it’s easy to start with the heart of the home: the kitchen.
A great way to go green is to opt for cleaning products that are environmentally conscious. Our food touches a variety of kitchen surfaces so it is important to be mindful of what chemicals we are using. Choose earth-friendly, biodegradable products for an easy way to go green.
Another great way to go green is to compost. Composting allows for organic materials such as food scraps and biodegradable paper to decompose back into the Earth, minimizing your ecological footprint. Plus, composting is a great way to feed your garden!
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Ditch the plastic
When it comes to plastic, it can feel overwhelming at how much there is and how easy it is to reach for it. By being prepared with some easy swaps, you’ll be living green in no time.
Say no to plastic produce bags by carrying reusable produce bags with you to the store. While bags are convenient and keep produce from touching the cart or basket, most fruits and vegetables don’t need to be carried in a bag at all. However, switching to a reusable produce bag is easy and definitely worth it.
Another easy way to go green is to carry your own reusable cutlery, containers, straws, and mugs for on the go snacking and sipping. Living green doesn’t mean you have to say no to take out with friends, it just means offering your own container to the restaurant instead of taking one of theirs.
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Use less electricity
A great way to go green is to start using less electricity. Start by turning your lights off when not in the room, or shutting down electronics at night. In good weather, opt for grilling on charcoal instead of cooking on your stove, or open a window instead of turning on your air conditioner.
Living green doesn’t mean living in discomfort, but small changes can make a big difference, both for your wallet and the planet.
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Drive consciously
Every time we get in our cars, we are contributing to heightened CO2 emissions. When you can, opt for a bike ride to your destination or a public transit option. Another great way to go green is to suggest carpool options. If you are needing to drive, set your destination, and plan ahead so that you can be efficient in getting there.
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Celebrate by living green
When the holidays roll around, trash just seems inevitable. In fact, between Thanksgiving and the New Year, Americans tend to send 25% more waste to landfill than usual. This is about 560,000 garbage trucks every month of the holiday season.
By living green, you can significantly reduce your share of waste contribution during the holidays. A great way to go green is to participate in costume swaps or by buying second-hand costumes during the Halloween season. Another way to go green during Halloween is to buy candy that is vegan and not wrapped in single-use plastic or to serve your own homemade treats.
During the holiday season, try to give simple and thoughtful presents that the receiver will find useful, therefore, making the gift less likely to end up at a landfill. -
Commit to living green
The best way to go green is to commit to living green. Make simple changes like washing your laundry in cold water and hanging to dry, or reusing scrap paper and opting out of unsolicited mail. There are so many small things you can do that add up to big lifestyle changes. Commit to going green, and soon enough you’ll be living green.