8 Helpful Tips on Living Green: What You Need to Know

The number one thing you need to know about living green is how easy it is to start.

Living green doesn’t mean turning your back on modern technology and the conveniences of today; rather, it’s all about making the most of those changes, while continuing to enjoy life as much as possible.

Living Green Is Easier Than You Might Think

Even if you haven’t seen the movie ‘What About Bob?’ you probably understand the concept of “baby steps”. It means setting small, reasonable goals for yourself. One day at a time, one tiny step at a time—doable, accomplishable goals.

Well, here are some tips to help you get started taking baby steps towards green living.

Say NO to Plastic

We all know that plastic waste is bad for the environment. It also has a negative impact on our health. The United States generates more waste per person than any other nation in the world with 4.4 pounds of municipal solid waste per person per day. There is so much of it that you have probably eaten plastic without even realizing it. (Kinda also like having a cat; you’ve been eating cat hair whether you know it or not.) It’s everywhere.

It may seem impossible to completely avoid plastic, but as more companies are going green, there are lots more plastic-free and reusable options. You can cut down on plastic consumption by simply seeking out reusable alternatives.

Examples of Reusable Items:

• glass bottles / reusable mugs
• reusable straws and cutlery
• shopping or food bags
• food wrap
• reusable ear swabs
• reusable cotton pads or make-up remover pads
• cloth napkins
• handkerchiefs
• wool dryer balls
• buy used clothing

Turn Off the Lights When You Leave the Room

Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs to save energy and money when you need light. But even if you have energy-efficient light bulbs they won’t be everywhere you go, so practice the habit of turning the light off when you leave the room. This is a very simple way to be living green.

During the day try to use as much natural light as you can. When the weather is nice, go crazy and allow some fresh air in by opening the windows.

Unplug It

If it is plugged in, it is using electricity, even if it is not turned on. Turn off the power strips when not in use.

Unplug everything that you are not using. Go to each outlet and decide what should stay plugged in. Obviously, some items like the refrigerator can stay plugged in.

If it’s in a hard-to-reach area, then consider how often it is being used. Having it unplugged for months is better than paying extra for it when it’s not being used. But hey, it’s your money and maybe you want it plugged in forever, like the fridge. Even a few small changes and you’ll be on your way to living green.

Travel With the Least Polluting Vehicles Possible

Conserve Water

There are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of water you use. Here are a few ideas off the top of my head:

• Have a bath together for date night. Extra points if by candlelight.
• If you work from home, go days without showering. Until someone complains or your cat begins grooming you.
• Consider low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads. If you’re in an apartment building you might already be using one.
• Catch rainwater to water your plants.
• If you are using plastic bottles – stop that – and get a water filter. You’ll save lots of money.
• Need distilled water for your CPAP machine? Invest in a distiller, so you’re not buying those plastic jugs every couple of weeks.
• Make sure you aren’t running the water the entire time you’re brushing your teeth.

Buy Local, Buy Organic

When I think of Living Green, I imagine tons of spinach. Is there a co-op or local farmer’s market you could stop at next time you’re out? Maybe you have a neighbor that grows vegetables and shares them with you. If so, lucky you! Otherwise, take a little extra time at the grocery store and look for items that are locally sourced, organic, and sustainable.

Start by replacing one food item. Sustainable and organic foods can sometimes cost more so be sure to eat them before they go bad!

Start Composting

Speaking of food going bad, composting is a great way to deal with food scrapes. For the most part, as long as it is a fruit or vegetable (not meat, dairy, or processed foods) you can toss it into your compost. This reduces the amount of garbage bags you will buy.

If you’re up for the fun challenge, you can also try vermicomposting. There are easy-to-find instructions out there you should follow, but it’s using earthworms to help your compost. With the right materials, you can have 1,000 worms living with you. Pretty cool, right?! It not only helps reduce the amount of garbage going into landfills, but it is also a fun and rewarding hobby.

Enjoying Nature Is Also Living Green

Find your happy place outside wherever you can. Bathe up the sun, listen to the birds, watch squirrels, smell the flowers and the trees. Whether it’s a backyard, a garden, a park, or maybe just going for a walk, give yourself some time to enjoy nature.

Time outside is usually always better for you and the environment than sitting indoors watching TV all day, and for good reason. Plus being in green spaces is the best way to inspire more green ideas.

Wrapping Up On Living Green

These are just some tips on green living that you might want to try out. Of course, there are still many other tips out there to be shared. Nobody is perfect so please don’t think you need to be doing everything possible when living green. It should be easy enough for you so it can be sustainable.

It’s all about those baby steps. Every bit counts. You’ll be sailing in no time! Plus you’ll have better peace of mind knowing that you are doing your part to make the world a better place for future generations.

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