Making the right decisions regarding your life and the environment is easier said than done, isn’t it? From time to time, you might think about switching to a greener lifestyle; however, given that this involves making many small changes at first and gradually progressing toward a greener tomorrow, it can be quite difficult. Fortunately for you, there are several simple ways you can help save the environment from unnecessary harm and protect it from harmful degradation.
Everyday products such as trash bags or wipes can have a huge impact on our daily lives if used in the right way. For instance, by using disposable items instead of reusable ones whenever possible, you’ll be reducing overuse of natural resources and conserving resources that may otherwise be wasted. Moreover, by choosing green-friendly products instead of their non-compostable counterparts (or worse—plastic bags), you’ll be helping eliminate pollution while also improving air quality within your home or office. In other words, whether or not you care about the environment now or not, keeping it in mind as much as possible by using eco-friendly products will undoubtedly come in handy sooner rather than later.
Avoid buying products that harm the environment
While it might be tempting to purchase products with non-compostable materials, it’s important to avoid doing so in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste that enters our landfills. In fact, many products nowadays contain a lot of plastic materials that will never break down in our natural environment and instead, will only end up polluting it. For example, unlike paper bags or dry cleaning sheets, plastic grocery bags are not compostable and thus, they will only take up space in landfills forever and cause harm to the environment. In addition, by avoiding products with harmful chemicals, you’ll also be helping reduce the risk of potentially negative health consequences. Even more importantly, buying products made of non-recyclable materials that will sit in landfills forever can negatively impact the quality of life for future generations. For instance, in order to properly decompose, all types of waste need oxygen. However, if garbage bags and other non-recyclable materials find their way into landfills, then oxygen levels in the landfill will decrease, affecting decomposition and the health of nearby residents.
Use composting in your home
Home composting may not have the same dramatic impact on the environment as avoiding non-recyclable plastics, but it’s still a great way for you to reduce your carbon footprint. By composting in your home instead of throwing out food scraps, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by not producing as much garbage. Moreover, by composting at home, you’ll be helping farmers and gardeners who need to use less fertilizer and pesticides in order to grow their crops. You can compost food and yard waste in your own composting bin or use a composting service. Before emptying your garbage, separate your food waste (green waste) and add it to your compost bin to help it decompose. You can also compost food scraps in your home if you wish by using a composting bin.
Make your own products at home or work
Whether or not you’re a backyard farmer, making your own cleaning supplies and toiletries at home or at work will save you money and help you reduce your carbon footprint. For example, instead of purchasing cleaning products with harmful ingredients, make your own cleaning supplies at home by mixing economical, eco-friendly ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda. Moreover, by making your own cleaners, you’ll be helping reduce pollution by not producing as much garbage that needs to be incinerated or thrown into landfills. In addition, by making your own toiletries, you’ll be saving money while also helping prevent water pollution.
Buy environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and laundry detergent
It’s important to note that not all green cleaning products are safe for the environment and your health. In order to choose environmentally-friendly products, start by looking for products that are biodegradable, compostable, and free from toxic chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and phosphates. Moreover, by buying green cleaning products, you’ll be helping reduce water pollution and toxic chemicals that may otherwise be released into our waterways. Green cleaning products that do not contain bleach, ammonia, or phosphates will not harm our waterways. In fact, these are ingredients you may already be using in your household—for example, dish detergent, laundry detergent, and kitchen cleaners. If so, then you’re already doing your part to keep our waterways clean.
Use paper products
Paper products such as napkins, cutlery, or paper towels can be recycled easily. Moreover, by using paper products, you’ll be helping reduce the amount of natural resources that may otherwise be wasted by not printing or manufacturing unnecessary items.
Don’t forget to wash your dishes
As annoying as it might be sometimes, washing your dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint. In fact, by washing your dishes by hand, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by not needing to produce as much garbage that needs to be incinerated or dumped into landfills. Moreover, washing your dishes by hand helps reduce water pollution by not dumping water into sewer systems that may otherwise be damaged by excessive amounts of detergent.
Take public transportation or use an eco-friendly car rental service
By taking public transportation to work or school instead of driving, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint by not producing as much garbage and also helping to protect our water supply. Moreover, by using public transportation, you’ll be reducing water pollution by not dumping water into sewer systems that may otherwise be damaged by excessive amounts of detergent. In addition, by using an eco-friendly car rental service, you’ll be reducing the amount of pollution caused by car emissions while also protecting the environment by not dumping water into sewer systems.
Conclusion
By making simple changes to the way that you live your daily life, you can help save our environment. You can reduce waste, avoid excessive carbon emissions, and reduce water pollution by using eco-friendly products such as paper towels, compostable bags, and reusable grocery bags. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by washing your dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher, composting your food scraps, and taking public transportation instead of driving.
Featured Image courtesy of: Brian Yurasits on Unsplash
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