20 Nov Go Green: Little Ways to Go Green
In 2019, the global push towards sustainable living has never felt more powerful.
After all, thanks to the wealth of information that’s readily available to us at the click of a button, we are more aware than EVER of the detrimental effects of consumer behavior and our buying habits.
If we want to reduce pollution and resource consumption, eliminate waste, and maintain the earth’s natural ecological balance to protect both our planet and its inhabitants, the solution is to “go green.”
That said, trying to “go green” all at once can be overwhelming. Therefore, I’m focusing on small steps that I can incorporate into my day-to-day life.
In addition to being kind to the planet, these small steps can even help stretch our family’s budget. It’s a win for us and a win for the Earth!
Let’s explore them, shall we?
1. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Firstly, not every light bulb that’s created is the same so it’s important that you do your research!
For the biggest environmental impact, start by switching the bulbs that you use the most to the energy-saving kind. I’m talking about your kitchen, bathroom, and living room lights—to name a few.
Even if you only replace a couple right now, you’re putting your home on the right path when it comes to conserving energy—and this is ALWAYS a good thing!
2. Opt for Reusable Grocery Bags
Say goodbye to unnecessary plastic waste and hello to reusable grocery bags.
Be sure to tuck these reusable bags into the trunk of your car for quick access. Why? As a mom of littles, I know that I find it much easier to remember my grocery bags once I get to the store instead of trying to remember them before I leave the house.
I come home, unpack my food, and then I put my bags right back into the car. And do you know what? A few minutes of preparation in the moment means avoiding throwing away ten plastic bags when I get home- did you know that in most places these aren’t recyclable?
3. Go to the Farmers Market
Personally, I like to visit my nearest farmers market before I do the rest of my shopping for the week and meal plan according to what’s growing locally.
Why, you ask? Well, buying produce in season can be cost-effective, but it also TASTES better. Plus, there’s comfort in knowing that I’m supporting local businesses AND giving my kids less of the preservatives and junk that can be found in some of the fruits and veggies at a traditional grocery store.
That said, the biggest bonus is that so many of the farmers market stands have delicious dips, bread, and even fancy lotions to taste and test. Obviously.
4. Pay Your Bills Online
When we really think about it, who needs paper anymore? Let’s work together to conserve our natural resources and forests by paying our bills directly from our bank accounts.
You can even set your bills up on auto-pay so that you don’t have to think too much about them! Let’s save our mailboxes for the happy mail we actually want to receive!
5. Unplug Your Appliances
You should also consider unplugging your home appliances when they’re not in use. I’m talking about TVs, chargers, game boxes, hair curlers, etc.
Did you know, electrical appliances continue to use power when they’re plugged in—even if they aren’t switched on?
Power supplies don’t just convert energy, they CONSUME it. That’s why it’s imperative to preserve as much energy as you can by unplugging on a daily basis—and you can save money on your electricity bill as a result.
6. Buy Second Hand, Recycle and Regift!
Another small yet significant way to go green is by changing your consumption habits.
One of the biggest issues with our planet is the amount of the stuff that we’re collecting (because of the amount that we’re consuming). Toys, furniture, and clothes—for instance—can all be passed on.
My favorite way to do this is to get in a “hand-me-down” chain with friends. Whose kids are growing out of the sizes that your kiddos are growing into? Who can you pass down the clothes to that your little ones are growing out of? Can you swap toys with a fellow parent so that your mini-me has something different to play with?
This is a great idea as it produces less waste AND keeps you from curating items that you really don’t need!
I also try and shop at thrift or consignment shops for my kids before I supplement their wardrobes from my go-to clothing retailers (like Target).
AND with the holiday season coming up—don’t be afraid to regift! It’s a whole new form of recycling that will ultimately please the planet.
7. Cut Down on Paper Use
Finally, alongside paying your bills online, you should try to cut down on your paper use in general.
One GREAT idea I have for doing this is that instead of buying a new physical planner every year, you can use a timeless digital planner like Artful Agenda to keep you organized. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
All Hail Sustainable, Green Living
Going green is all about choosing to pursue long-lasting, frugal options when it comes to what you buy and do—and where you shop.
Even if you only start by implementing a couple of the above habits, it would still be a small step on the road to significant change. You just might find that the more that you embrace sustainable living, the more that you want to.
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