The latest trend is all about "going green", but what does it really mean? A greener lifestyle is one that is healthier for the individual as well for our environment. You don't have to make drastic changes to make your lifestyle a little more green and in just a few steps you can make a difference.
Going Green Tip #1: Recycle
There are many ways you can get into recycling and depending on your town or cities practices, it may be quite easy to begin recycling. Some areas offer curb-side recycling, while others offer recycling bins located in public areas. It may take a few minutes of your time, but recycling makes a big difference to your environment and can greatly reduce how much garbage you throw in your landfill.
- Check with your town or city to see if any recycling services are offered
- If no curb-side recycling is available, see if any businesses offer curb-side recycling pick-up services
- Sort your recycling on a daily basis to make it easier and quicker on pick-up day. Set aside some bins or cans in your backyard or garage and encourage the whole family to put recyclables where they belong.
- Try to re-use certain items like paper bags, gift bags and boxes.
Many cities have a limit on how many garbage bags you can put out for pick-up each week and often charge extra for additional garbage. By incorporating recycling into your routine, you can reduce the garbage bags and avoid additional pick-up charges.
Going Green Tip # 2: Composting
You can turn food leftovers into wonderful compost that is full of nutrients and great for gardens and flowerbeds. Many new compost devices are available today that really reduce the smell of composting and make it a less messy process.
Composting your leftover foods gives back to the environment by adding rich nutrients to the soil. It also reduces how much you send to the landfill and can lower any additional costs for extra-bag garbage pickup.
Going Green Tip # 3: Refuse
Not all packaging and materials are eco-friendly and it's up to you, the consumer, to make those choices. When doing your grocery shopping, consider the packaging the product(s) come in and see if there are any alternative options in a more eco-friendly packaging. Dry pastas, for example, often come in two forms: Cardboard boxes and a type of plastic wrap. The boxes can be recycled, the plastic can not. Choose products that come in recyclable packaging and avoid products whose packaging will end up cluttering landfills.
Takeout food is another area to consider. Many restaurants use Styrofoam packaging to send their takeout orders in. With consumer demand, restaurants are beginning to change and offer more eco-friendly options for takeout orders. Choose restaurants who offer eco-friendly packaging and if your favorite restaurant offers their food in packaging that is not eco-friendly, speak with the owner and see if they'd consider changing their packaging.
Going Green Tip # 4: Energy Saving
A great practice to teach your children, turn off lights and devices when they are not in use. You don't need every light in the house on and the heat or air conditioning does not have to be on full if no one is home during the daytime hours, or when everyone is asleep at night. Consider a programmable thermostat so you can set the furnace and air conditioning functions to be more energy efficient.
Turn off extra lights in the house and shut down computers when they are finished for the day or evening. Walking or biking to the park or store, instead of driving, is not only a great way to reduce energy and emissions, it's also healthy and great for family-bonding time.
Going Green Tip #5: Avoid Chemicals in Personal Care Products
This step may not be as easy as the other steps. Most products that you use everyday have a wide array of chemicals contained in their formulas. Bath products, soaps, shampoos, gels, lotions, cosmetics, dish detergents, household cleaners and laundry detergents all contain chemicals that are not only harmful to you, but to the environment. Many of these chemicals do not break down and will contaminate the water and harm surrounding wildlife.
Learn more about harmful chemicals and how to find alternative products that are chemical-free. You will not only be making a difference in your health, but helping to reduce the pollution in the environment.
You do not have to make major changes in order to live a greener lifestyle. By changing only a few things, you can make a difference. Help the younger generation understand the importance of living green, so they can grow up making the difference and continuing to make a difference for future generations. As consume awareness increases, so does the pressure put on manufacturers and the choices they make. Slowly, product packaging is beginning to change and fall more in step with being kind to the environment. Manufacturers are beginning to realize consumers do not want poisons in their personal care products and are trying to find safer options for their children. Take time to learn and make these small changes for a cleaner environment and better health for everyone!
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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