Being environmentally conscious is important as there is only one planet, earth!
Not only is protecting planet Earth part of humans’ moral obligation and the right thing to do, but it can promote better health and save money!
Individuals are responsible for taking concrete actions toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
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What Exactly is an Eco-friendly?
Let’s start by looking at an eco-friendly definition. This term is often used regarding the environment and climate change, but it’s not always understood.
Eco-friendly is something that is earth-friendly and does not harm the environment. Along these same lines, eco-living or green living refers to an environmentally friendly lifestyle that protects and conserves nature.
Eco-friendly includes practices that conserve resources like water and energy and prevent air, water, and land pollution.
Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle and reducing your carbon footprint can initially seem overwhelming, but it is straightforward. Some easy steps and actions can be taken to help the greater good of the planet and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
20 Easy Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly Living
Are you ready to take action but unsure where to start? We’ve provided 20 easy ways to help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
1. Implement the 3 R’s
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Implement the three R’s into your daily routine. This will help you reduce your waste and contribute to a cleaner planet, earth.
2. Compost
Find a compost program that works for you and your family. If your municipality or town offers compost pickup, take advantage of that. You can also get a compost bin for your backyard or living composting worms.
3. “One In, One Out” Rule
Implement this rule where you only buy one product once you finish a product. You can also implement this with your closet (e.g., one shirt in, one shirt out).
4. Use Glass
Start transitioning all your plastic kitchenware (e.g., Tupperware) to glass. Not only is it more sustainable, but it is also more durable. By switching to glass, you won’t have to worry about red sauces staining your plastic containers.
5. Use Reusable in the Kitchen
There are many ways to avoid single-use products in the kitchen, especially cleaning. Replace single-use paper towels, sponges, and napkins with cloth products. Then, all you need to do is wash the cloth product and use it again.
6. Waste Less Food
Never go to the grocery store hungry. Make a weekly meal plan and stick to it. Another great hack is to freeze portioned leftovers for a quick and easy meal.
7. Eat Less Meat
Participate in Meatless Mondays or Fish Fridays to reduce the meat you consume. You can also find local farmers to source your meat or start your micro-farm sustainably.
8. Avoid Plastic Packaging
By avoiding overly packaged products, you are reducing your plastic consumption and avoiding the hassle of recycling or disposing of all the packaging when you get home.
It is also good to look for alternative products with more environmentally friendly packaging, such as glass or paper.
Also, consider if the packaging material has the potential for upcycling. For example, a glass jar of pasta sauce could be used as a container after its intended use.
9. Use Plant-based Products
Making the switch to plant-based products can include more than just food. There are skin-care lines and even plant-based deodorants.
Research is the key to incorporating more plant-based products. It is essential to research and ensure that the product is genuinely plant-based and includes sustainable ingredients.
Products usually feature a symbol or statement indicating they are plant-based. Sometimes, they will have a “V” or “VE” symbol to denote vegetarian or vegan or a green leaf symbol that says “plant-based” below it.
10. Use Organic Soap & Shampoo
Switching from organic soap and shampoo can be life-changing. Natural shampoo is a more natural and sustainable approach to maintaining and caring for your body and hair. Like organic soap, natural shampoo comes in various scents and serves different purposes.
Some people’s hair experiences a transition period, but after about two weeks, it should fully adjust, and you will experience the full benefits of organic natural soap and shampoo.
11. Cut Down on Shopping
Cutting down on shopping frequency and ensuring you purchase eco-friendly products can help you live a more sustainable life. Try to buy more whole foods and reduce food packaging.
12. Shop Local
Attempt to shop at your local farmer’s market, grow a small garden, subscribe to local farmers’ vegetable boxes, eat vegetables and fruits with the seasons, or join a community garden. Check out our sustainable green shopping tips on how to shop sustainably.
13. Drive Less
Reducing the number of miles, you drive is the most effective way to reduce air pollution in motor vehicles. If possible, try walking or biking to reach your destination. You will emit no pollution. For longer distances, try taking the public bus or train.
If public transit is not an option where you live, you may car-share or carpool with someone who lives nearby.
14. Conserve Water
Stop leaving the water running while doing things like dishes, shampooing or conditioning your hair, shaving, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth. Turning off the water during these activities can conserve water and save energy and money in the long run.
15. Turn Off Unnecessary Lights
Turn off the lights whenever you leave a room or during the day when there is ample sunlight. This saves energy and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released daily.
16. Unplug Unused Electronics
Unplug any electronics when they are not in use. Not only do these hacks save electricity and the planet, but they also save you money on your electricity bill.
17. Use Solar Panels
Using solar panels decreases the amount of energy you use on the grid. You can even use solar batteries to power your home during the night. This means you’re not producing greenhouse gases and harmful emissions that contribute to global warming.
18. Reduce Air Travel
The jury’s still out on whether carbon offsets accurately make up for the carbon dioxide released by planes. Reducing air travel or travel by train, bus, metro, or carpooling is best. And avoid private planes. Reducing your air travel can help reduce your carbon footprint.
DIY Eco-Friendly Hacks
Try some of our favorite DIY hacks to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly and save you money.
19. Make Your Cleaning Products
This is an effective solution for breaking down grease and mold and preventing the growth of some bacteria. Do not use vinegar on natural stone (like marble or granite countertops), waxed wood, or cast iron.
- All-purpose cleaner
- 1 part vinegar
- 1 part water
- Optional: add essential oil or lemon juice
Make your drain cleaner
- Drain Cleaner
- Pour boiling water down the drain
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar
- Cover/let sit for 10 minutes
- Pour boiling water down the drain again
Make your vegetable cleaner
Fill your sink or large bowl with water and white vinegar. You can also squeeze a lemon into the water. Soak thin skin produce and greens for 5 minutes and harder produce for 10 minutes. Rinse and store.
- Start your herb garden.
- Use old containers (e.g., margarine, yogurt, or mason jars) to plant your herbs.
- Make your rags and wash clothes
- Cut up old t-shirts or clothing, use them as rags, and clean clothes.
20. Build a Recycling Center
Many people don’t realize that recyclables need to be appropriately separated. Instead of just throwing your coffee cup in the blue bin, dismantle it and put the individual pieces (e.g., the lid, the sleeve, and the cup) in the right place.
To make this easier, you can create your recycling center at home! Have multiple bins for different recycling types (e.g., glass, plastic, cardboard, and tin).
Final Thoughts on How to Be More Eco-Friendly
By changing only a few aspects of your daily habits, as recommended above, you can achieve a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Starting with slight changes can help you see the benefits of environmentally friendly living more consciously.
An eco-friendly lifestyle can often make you feel healthier and more relaxed. Living green has many advantages—try it and see for yourself!
Related content:
- Why is Environmental Sustainability Important?
- Things You Can Do to Help Fight Climate Change
- Impressive Benefits of Living Off the Grid
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