10 Easy Ways to Start Your Eco-friendly Journey at Home

Eco-friendly living is a way of life that aims to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment. This kind of living benefits the planet and our health and well-being.

Moreover, shifting your lifestyle to an eco-friendly one can also be beneficial for the economy. The small changes you’ll make in your daily routine can reward you in the long run.

Another big benefit of being eco-friendly is that starting this journey won’t be complicated or costly.

There are several reasons why you must look for environmentally friendly living. According to the United Nations, the world population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050.

This means we would need more and more resources to maintain the lifestyle that we are living today.

This does raise concerns, emphasizing the need to initiate resource conservation starting today by living an eco-friendly life.

There are endless benefits to eco-friendly living, including:

• You’ll save money by reducing energy and water consumption as you shift to natural products.
• You’ll avoid harmful chemicals by eating organic food.
• You’ll enhance your quality of life by creating a more comfortable and beautiful home. Using local products can support the community and help you learn new skills.
• You’ll contribute to the preservation of the environment by preventing pollution and lowering your carbon footprint.
• You’ll set a positive example for future generations by adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The Gen Z group is often considered the most environmentally conscious and active group.

According to some surveys, this group cares more about sustainability than any other generation.

They are willing to change their behavior and spending habits to reduce their impact on the planet.

This young generation often participates in social awareness and climate change issues via college projects or joining any volunteer organization.

Not only do they want to make a positive difference in the world, but Gen Z is also concerned about their future and the planet.

Sustainable living isn't a daunting mountain to climb, but a rewarding adventure with countless paths!

Henceforth, discover areas where you can make choices that benefit yourself and the planet, all at your own pace. Some of the easiest ways to do so could be:

1. Say no to some of the plastic, including plastic water bottles and lunch boxes. According to The Water Project, almost 80% of all single-use water bottles in the U.S. are just thrown away. Hence, opt for glass or clay products, as they are healthier and more durable.
2. Use natural cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. They are safer and cheaper options as compared to chemical ones.
3. Use a pressure cooker or a toaster oven to cook your meals. They use less energy than a conventional oven.
4. Switch to LED lights. They last longer and consume less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
5. Choose eco-friendly toiletries, such as shampoo bars, natural deodorants, or bamboo toothbrushes.
6. Grow your own herbs and vegetables to get fresh and organic food. You can also grow flowers to beautify your home.
7. Use renewable energy sources. This includes solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps. They help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
8. While decorating your home, choose eco-friendly living materials. You can use bamboo, cork, or recycled wood and contribute to a greener environment.
9. Cut down on your data consumption. According to a 2018 study, “data centers and smartphones will be the most damaging information and communications technologies to the environment by 2040.”
10. Lastly, save water by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.

• Choose a train (instead of driving or flying) while traveling close to home. You’ll save more energy and reduce pollution.
• Do not overshop, as every product we buy has an environmental footprint. Ask yourself if you need it; if not, avoid purchasing.
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle your waste. This will ensure that you save money as well as create a healthier planet for yourself and future generations.
• Eat less meat, as its production brings massive amounts of water use, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat destruction.
• Instead of throwing away products that are of no use to you, give them to the needy.
• Repair your products, such as bikes, computers, or other defective equipment, instead of buying new ones again and again.
• Rent or buy digital books to save paper.
• Educate yourself and others on how to live a sustainable lifestyle.
• Use a carbon footprint calculator to learn about individual carbon footprints. In addition to giving you a few tricks on how to live sustainably, these calculators have several other useful features.
• Vote for candidates that have strong environmental platforms. Ask them to pass stronger policies to limit greenhouse gases, fight climate change, and protect wildlife.

Remember, even small changes can make a big difference. Every step you take towards a more sustainable lifestyle is a step towards a healthier planet and a brighter future for all.

So gear up and start by incorporating a few eco-friendly living practices into your daily routine. Then, gradually build on them over time.