How to Live a Green Lifestyle
Arbor Day celebrates the importance of trees in our ecosystems and communities. Usually, people celebrate by planting new trees, but it doesn’t hurt to implement a green lifestyle all year long. Here are some ideas to help you shop, live, and dispose of items in a more eco-friendly manner:
Shop Smart
- Support local farmers. They create less waste in packaging and transportation than commercially produced goods.
- Buy in bulk. Shop from the bulk bins to cut down on your need for product packaging. Bonus points are awarded for bringing reusable bags! By doing this, you will reduce the number of plastic bags floating around, which can ultimately hurt wildlife, our oceans, and drainage systems, to name a few.
- Take a trip to your local thrift store or buy directly from a member of your community. You’ll find the prices to be more agreeable, and you’ll help prevent waste and overproduction .
Live Smart
- Use public transportation. This method of travel uses less energy and produces fewer emissions per passenger than your typical car. Better yet, a bicycle produces no emissions and strengthens your health through continued use. It’s also preferable during times of social distancing.
- Watch the water. Opt for a shower instead of a bath, only use the washer for full laundry loads, and use your dishwasher instead of washing by hand.
- Change your energy habits. Small changes, like using fans instead of central cooling, turning off lights when you leave the room, or unplugging electronics not in use, can lower your energy consumption (and save you money too).
Smart Disposal
- Compost your food waste. Did you know 30–40 percent of the yearly food supply goes to waste every year ? Mulch your table scraps and use it to nourish your garden.
- Recycle what you can. Know which materials should go in your recycling bin (plastic bottles, glass bottles, etc.) and which should not (pizza boxes, egg cartons, etc.). Use that knowledge to not only recycle what you can but also to select products that use recyclable materials in the packaging.
- Donate. When spring cleaning, assess which items still have some life in them before throwing them away . By donating those items, they could be spruced up and put back to use!
Living green doesn’t require a ton of big changes to your daily life. And not only is green living good for the planet—it’s good for your conscience and wallet as well! Implement these eco-friendly ways to shop, live, and dispose of waste, and you’ll instantly live a greener lifestyle. It could be your way to celebrate Arbor Day this week and all year long.
