GO GREEN: WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
When it comes to protecting the earth and its natural resources there's two simple truths...
#1 - We all play a part.
#2 - We all have room for improvement within our lives.
The time has come for us to ask ourselves -- what example am I setting today? Luckily there are ways we can all start changing today. Are you ready to start making a greater difference?
Here is a quick list of some ideas to inspire and get you started.
Don't Litter - This is one that a lot of us have already implemented into our lives. There's also some things at times that get overlooked. Examples include: cigarette butts, throwing items away in an already full bin, or not chasing down the trash that floats away, etc.
Reduce Consumption of "Disposables" - This includes the usage of single-use plastics, paper, and Styrofoam, etc. This is another thing that can seem like "no big deal" but little things add up quick. The first footnote goes into further depth of why make the switch. The second will be some reusable options that you can use to make a full switch to or just supplement with.
Carpool/Alternative Transportation - This can include many different options depending on your location, lifestyle, and other factors. For you it could be walking or biking more, getting a ride to and from work with a close co-worker, or when going on vacation and traveling with a friend.
Buy Local - Skip the carbon footprint of items shipped from outside your area by purchasing from local producers. By producers, I mean anything from farmers, bakers, brewers, coffee roasters, and beyond. Next, local distributors are better than purchasing from big chains or online sources especially the big corporations.
Buy Secondhand - On top of seeking out local producers you could also attempt to find secondhand options for the "new" things that you need. This could be done using online resources, thrift shopping, and estate/yard sales or auctions.
Borrow/Trade - If you're looking for an item that you know you'll only use once, or just a few times, borrowing may be a good answer. It can be daunting to ask for help of any kind for people. Some may not know very many people in their area. In this case you can utilize websites such as Craigslist, Facebook, or Next-door to meet some friendly folks who might just have what you need. Not comfortable using other's items and prefer to own them? You can work out a trade!
Choose Organic - As stated above choosing local is always best. Can't purchase from a local farmer? Choosing organic options when you can at your local store works too. The less poisons in our environment and bodies -- the better.
Grow Something You Like To Eat - For some this may sound intimidating or impossible. I believe there's something for (almost) everyone! It can take some creative thinking for certain situations. But if there's a will, there's a way. From microgreens to mushrooms there's so many options. Growing outdoors if you have the means would be the obvious choice, but there are ways for those whose only option is indoors. Microgreens are great for minimal space. Have a cat who likes to destroy plants or using every inch of space you currently have? Try to utilize unused space like the ceiling! Hang some pots or add some new shelves. This of course can be from reclaimed materials. Mushrooms don’t need much but moisture. You can use buckets and stack them vertically or create a shelf above a space that you otherwise wouldn't be using.
Use What You Have - This is one of the most underrated ways to "go green". Repurposing items that you already have to fulfill the use of items that you'd other wise buy new. For example, think about that yogurt cup as your new seed starter pot! Too often we’re given recommendations of items that fit the aesthetics of a green lifestyle which encourage us to get rid of what we already have like plastic storage, toothbrushes, clothes, or things of the sort. This is contradictory to the Green Cause. Unless you have exhausted the use of that item, getting rid of it for something new is just a waste.
Hopefully the examples listed has given you some great ideas for us all to further our part in Going Green. Please view the articles below for further your on personal research.
Happy Trailing!
https://greenerideal.com/guides/green-living/environmental-economical-benefits-of-carpooling/
http://www.gogreen.org/blog/the-environmental-benefits-of-buying-locally
https://www.collegenutritionist.com/blog/8-benefits-of-organic-food
https://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1275
https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/2017/01/use-what-you-have-no-buy-month/