Finally, you have resolved to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Without letting eco-anxiety taking over, making you feel overwhelmed and leaving you with feeling of frustration and a sense of helplessness, rest assured that just by making that decision to lead a greener life, the first and most difficult step has already been completed.
Food
- Choose foods with less plastic packaging, especially produce can be bought without any packaging like plastic boxes or plastic netting or bags
- Eat less meat / consume less dairy products; this doesn't mean going vegetarian or vegan but a simple change where you can have a day or two in a week to go meat free or animal product free
- Consume seasonal foods and locally produced food as much as possible; this would help support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding food shipped or imported from miles away
Fashion
- Buy quality over quantity; buy clothes made of better materials that last longer
- Choose natural fibers such as cotton instead of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon that would contribute to microplastics pollution
- Learn to mend clothes that may need minor repairs such as a small hole or a popped off button; iron on patches may also come in handy if used appropriately and can extend the life of clothing instead of ending up in landfill
- Instead of being quick to snap up that cute jeans on sale, spend some time to organize your closet or "shop in your own closet"; you may even be surprised to find a couple of clothes unused with even tags still attached and less inclined to buy anything more to add onto whatever already exists in the closet
Travel
- Use public transportation, cycle or just walk to run errands within a couple of miles
Conserving Energy / Water
- Replace ( burned out / non working) regular incandescent light with LEDs that are energy efficient and last longer
- Lower your energy bills by lowering your thermostat during winter (it is ok to layer up with a jacket or cardigan at home) and raising it a little during summer
- Fix any drips or slow leaks in taps / faucets
- Install low-flow shower heads (with latest versions you don't have to compromise on pressure) and aerators in faucets
- Run appliances like dishwasher / washing machine with full loads
- Water that's been used to wash fruits, vegetables, rice, etc can be saved in a bucket or some container and be used to water lawn or garden
Support Environmental Non-Profits
Support organizations that serve as the voice of Earth; volunteer time or provide monetary support by being a regular donor
Below are a few of my favorites; organizations such as these would have social networks and action plan to serve their missions and tackle issues that individuals may not be able to.
