You might feel overwhelmed by the changes you need to make if you're tired of living a wasteful existence. It can be challenging to start something new if you don't know where to start. You have completed the most challenging step, deciding to change. Before you move on to the more difficult steps of your eco-friendly resolution, you should focus on small changes that you can easily make. These are some simple changes you can make to your daily life to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
Eat Less Meat
It is possible to reduce your meat consumption and make a big difference to the environment. Over 30 percent of the Earth's land surface is used for raising and supporting livestock. A United Nations study found that 9 percent of CO2 is derived from human activities. However, the livestock sector produces even more harmful greenhouse gases. It makes 65 percent of human-related nitrous dioxide, which has 296x the Global Warming Potential (GWP). Reducing your meat intake is an excellent way to reduce the overall emission of GWP gases. We can also enjoy more land for recreation, and more miniature livestock means that we have less livestock. You might consider replacing meat-heavy dishes with vegetables or even eating more seafood.
Recycle more and Use Less Paper Our world is more dependent on digital technology and computers. It's easy to go for days without even using a notebook. You can reduce the amount of paper you use and help save trees. According to the EPA, recycling just one ton (0.91 t) of paper can save 17 mature trees. You can still impact by recycling paper that you use, even if it is necessary for your job or school. Today, more than 40% of municipal solid waste is made up of paper and related products. It takes less energy to make paper from recycled sheets than it takes to make 'virgin paper. Recycling is an easy way to live green.
Use Canvas Bags Instead Of Plastic.
Many stores sell canvas bags as an alternative to the plastic and paper bags they offer. A canvas bag is a cost-effective option for paper and plastic bags. Canvas bags are more robust than traditional paper or plastic bags and can hold more items. Canvas bags can pack and store items or even move them. If you are a parent with children heading off to college, getting a few canvas bags is a great gift. Even though your children may not realize it, they will be moving quite a bit over the next few years. These bags will be handy for carrying the books they have been collecting from semester to semester. Reusing plastic bags can be an excellent way to be more eco-friendly, even if you don’t use them. You can either recycle your grocery bags or place your plastic bags in small trash cans around your home. Each small change can make all the difference.
Make a compost pile or a bin. This is an excellent trend in America! Compost bins reduce waste because you can reuse things that you wouldn't normally throw out and help you save money, and make your plants more productive in the garden. You don't have to spend a lot of money on compost when you can make your own from materials. A compost bin is essential for any garden. Make your own or invest in one!
Buy the Right Light Bulb. You don't have to replace every light bulb right away. However, if one of your bulbs fails, you can return it with something more eco-friendly. Replace your old bulb with a compact fluorescent light. CFL bulbs last five times longer than regular incandescent bulbs and consume less electricity. They are also brighter, so you may be able to use fewer lamps in your home.
Use Cloth Over Paper. Don't rush to buy paper towels. Instead, cut up an old shirt or another type of clothing as a rag. If you were going to throw it out, why not save money and help the environment? All of your rags can be put in one basket and washed together. Then, reuse, reuse, and rinse again!
Reduce Energy Use in Your Home. There are many ways to reduce the amount of energy that your home uses. These methods will result in lower energy bills and more money for you. This is both a win-win for you as well as for the Earth. Begin by turning down the thermostat in winter and up in summer. When appliances aren't in use, unplug them. Wash all clothes cold (according to the Worldwatch Institute, 85 per cent of energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating water). Dry your clothes using a clothesline or drying rack after being washed. It's as simple as clicking a button to reduce your home's energy consumption. It can be uncomfortable to do all these things simultaneously. However, you can do it one step at a time until you have your home completely energy-efficient.
Use to Borrow instead of Buying. You don't have to spend money on items you can borrow. When possible, rent movies and borrow books from libraries. Pre-owned goods can be purchased and used to reduce the number of things that must go into a landfill. You don't have to live green. Many items you can find at a used-goods shop are as good or better than the original. You can search the internet or go to your local store for unique items. Share your unique finds on our Twitter or Facebook pages!
Reduce water waste. Live a more eco-friendly life by using less water and reducing your use of bottled water. Install a low-flow showerhead or take a shorter shower each morning. When you get your next water bill, the cost of a low-flow showerhead is worth it. It will also be significantly cheaper than the previous one. It is simple to cut down on bottled water you purchase. A water filter can be bought to remove iron from tap water. It will also purify the water to meet your bottled water standards. A water filter can save you money over the long term, as you won't need to make multiple trips to the store to buy more bottled water.
Recycle Your Car. It may seem counterintuitive, but it is one of the best ways to live an eco-friendly life. You may also be interested in a more fuel-efficient vehicle while making your changes. Wheels for Wishes will accept your vehicle! Your car will be recycled or sold to someone else. All proceeds of your donation will go to Make A Wish. Automobiles are the most commonly recycled consumer product today. Each year, at least 95 percent of every unusable vehicle can be recycled. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), approximately 26 cars are recycled every minute. Call 1-855-278-9470 to donate your vehicle today and make a difference in the lives of children living with critical illnesses. You can also fill out an online donation form. Wheels For Wishes, an IRS registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, will allow you to deduct the maximum tax for your car donation.
Sources:
https://www.wheelsforwishes.org/news/live-a-more-eco-friendly-lifestyle/
https://zerowastememoirs.com/10-easy-ways-to-live-a-more-ecofriendly-life/