When trying to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, taking that first step can feel overwhelming. Issues like climate change, global warming, and rising sea levels are things that the world has to solve together. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to contribute. Even the biggest journey starts with the smallest step.
Today, we wanted to talk about some simple green living changes to help you live more sustainably. From eating less meat to reducing plastic usage and growing your herbs, here are some easy changes you can start making now.
Go meatless one day a week
Did you know that going meatless is the easiest yet often overlooked way to save the planet? Perhaps not directly, but it sure will make a change. A 2017 study shows that an omnivore diet leaves the most carbon, water, and ecological footprint. It’s also a well-known fact that raising livestock requires a lot of water and land resources.
Besides, vegan diets being unhealthy is an ancient myth. They say you can’t get enough nutrition and vitamins from plant-based foods alone, but that isn’t true. There are more vegan athletes than we realize. You don’t have to be fully vegan, but reducing your meat intake and foregoing animal products even just one day a week will make a difference.
Support local farmers
While we’re on the note of food and diet, why not make sure that you only buy local? It’s an easy way to make more sustainable choices while supporting the livelihood of your local community. In addition, buying local means reducing CO2 emissions from mass food production and transportation.
We recommend checking out the neighborhood farmer’s market and attending regularly. Not to mention that fresh produce always elevates your cooking. Additionally, you can take this opportunity to explore new kinds of fruits and vegetables!
Always choose reusables
A sustainable lifestyle and using less plastic always go hand in hand. You’ve probably heard about how plastic overflows in landfills, covers entire sea surfaces, chokes turtles and seagulls. Thus, avoiding plastic may seem too simple.
But it isn’t because it matters how much plastic we use. Each time you forego plastic bottles or bags that is one less product sold by those companies. Instead, choose reusables as much as you can, including reusable bags, bottles, straws, utensils, and lunch boxes.
Try composting
When you’ve made the simpler changes like eating less meat and avoiding plastic, it’s time to take it up a notch. So why not start your compost bin or garden? Composting has recently become more popular for a reason - it’s incredibly beneficial, especially if you have a home garden.
You can minimize your household’s food and organic waste while nourishing your plants. Plus, this means you don’t have to buy expensive compost anymore, from eggshells, tea bags, and coffee grounds to newspapers and cardboards. They don’t need to go to waste if you have a compost bin.
Start growing your herbs
Contrary to popular belief, green living does not have to be expensive or exclusive. A sustainable lifestyle could even mean cutting down some costs along the way. For example, one thing you could do is start growing your herbs at home, which is not as difficult as you might think.
Whether that is basil, thyme, or arugula, we recommend starting with an herb you enjoy. Then, all you need is a tiny pot and some seeds (sometimes, not even those). For instance, you can regrow your spring onions by placing a few bulbs in water. Easy, right?
Walk or cycle when possible
Our final tip is to walk or cycle whenever possible. It could be tricky depending on where you live, but it’s always a good idea to choose eco-friendly transport over driving your car. Not only is walking and cycling good for the environment, but it is also healthy for you too!
Even if you live in a city where walking and cycling aren’t as easy, it helps to be as intentional as possible. Make use of public transport. Taking the bus or train is always a better option.
Make One Change at A Time
When trying to implement these changes, keep in mind that it’s impossible to flip your life upside down overnight. If you try to, you will eventually revert to your old habits. The fact is lasting changes take time.
Start your journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle one step at a time. For example, in the first month, focus only on reducing your plastic waste while going meatless on Mondays. Once you feel comfortable with the changes, you can start your herb garden or compost bin.
As the adage goes: slow and steady wins the race. This concept rings true even when it comes to making green living changes in your life. Good luck!
ความคิดเห็น