Happy Earth Day! As you know, leading an Eco-Friendly life is something that I strive for and hold close to my heart. Even though we don’t do as much as we should, I am proud of the steps my family has taken to help preserve the earth and reduce our impact on the environment. If you haven’t already started a “green” journey, there is no better time than now. Don’t know where to begin? Keep it simple and start with these steps!
Things You Can Do To Go Green
These are just simple modifications that you can make in your everyday life that will help reduce your impact dramatically. You don’t have to do all of them, and they don’t all require a big comittment, so read on!
Recycle. This is by far the biggest one. Do you know how much waste is produced each year? Around 220 million pounds. And do you know how much of that could be recycled? A hefty chunk. Why are people not recycling? Is it an inconvenience? A lot of cities provide recycling pick up along with the trash (mine does), and if they don’t I can guarantee there is a receptacle somewhere in driving distance. Come on people, there is no excuse!
Air dry clothes. This one isn’t as easy in the winter months, but now that spring is here you can easily cut your energy usage (and save money) by setting up a line in your back yard to hang your laundry on. Don’t have a yard? Put a foldable rack in front of an open window. Not only will it be good for the environment, but sunshine is also a natural stain remover.
Cloth diaper. If you have kids in diapers or are expecting one then you really need to consider this. The amount of diaper waste going to landfills EVERY DAY is absolutely horrifying. Cloth diapers these days have come a long way from when we were babies. There are so many different types, fabrics and adorable designs that no matter who you are you can find some you truly love!
If you are buying a new car, aim for better gas mileage. It’s simple – the better fuel economy you have the better your carbon footprint will be by burning off less gas.
Plant a garden or eat locally. By doing either one of these you cut down on the gas it takes to transport produce, the emissions released by the vehicles and much more. Plus your food will be much fresher coming from your own back yard!
Use eco-friendly products. This one might be harder to do than the others, especially if you are on a budget, but if you can it really helps. By using products made from organic, eco-friendly or natural ingredients you can help the environment in a number of ways. Some products may be made in factories that use sustainable energy, some are packaged in recycled materials, some are organic, some support local jobs and more.
Do your research. There are tons of great organizations like Conscious Box (who sent me a box to try) out there doing their best to bring awareness to Eco-consciousness. I have been a fan of Conscious Box for a while and I am 100% on board with their message. If taking part in an effort towards global sustainability is something you can get behind then this company is for you! They are a monthly box service that sends you products from ethical, sustainable and natural sources to help you navigate your “green” journey. You can try out the newest in green living with monthly items ranging from organic skin care to raw food bars. They also work with an organization called 1% For The Planet to donate a percentage of their profits to environmental causes.
While this list is small, even doing one of these things can help lower your carbon footprint significantly. After all, every little bit helps!
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I received a Conscious Box to help facilitate this post. Regardless of material affiliation, all opinions and views expressed are mine and from my own experiences.
