Big or small, we all have a role to play in preserving our planet. We can’t sit back and wait on our governments or big coorporations to make our world more eco-friendly; nothing will change until we as a society band together to declare we’ve had enough.
I get that making big lifestyle changes can feel daunting. The good news is that there are many small, simple actions we can take in our everyday lives to be more eco-friendly. From reducing waste to conserving energy, these 6 ways to be more eco-friendly in your everyday life will help you live a greener world and make a positive impact on the environment.
Upcycle & Repurpose
Got a lot of random stuff or items that have seen better days? One creative and eco-friendly way to live sustainably is to upcycle and repurpose old items. This practice not only reduces waste, but also saves resources and money (win, win!).
Here are some examples of how to upcycle and repurpose items:
- Turn old clothing into rags. This is a great way to stop using napkins. Simply, use the cloth rags and then wash them in eco-friendly detergent (I like SaltyLama laundry strips).
- Get creative with old jars or aluminum cans! Use old jars for storage, as vases for flowers, or for making homemade salad dressing. You can upcycle aluminum cans as pencil holders, paint brushes, etc.
- Got an old tire? Repurpose it into a planter for your garden (another way to be more eco-friendly in your everyday life).
- Turn wine corks into a corkboard or a drinks coaster.
Switch to cloth
Disposable is out! Use cloth napkins, towels, and rags instead of disposable paper products for an effective way to be more eco-friendly in your daily life.
Cloth napkins, towels, and rags are great alternatives to disposable paper products, as they can be washed and used time and time again. Not only do cloth products last longer, but they also reduce the amount of waste generated by disposable products. Soiled napkins can’t be recycled and most times can’t be composted either.
By making this switch, you’ll not only reduce waste but also save money in the long run, as you’ll no longer need to buy disposable products. Furthermore, cloth products often have a more attractive and luxurious feel than disposable ones, making your household feel cozier and more sustainable. Bonus, baby!
Grow Your Own Food
You might think that’s a reach. “What the hell, Christa? I can’t grow my own food!” I’m not saying you have to go full homestead, but there are so easy, peasy things you can do at home to be more sustainable in the kitchen.
I bought a basil plant from the produce section at my grocery store, cut off clippings, placed them in glass cups, and a week later I had endless basil! Find out how to grow basil from clippings with this video.
Start small, and then take it a step further.
If you’re new to gardening, start with easy-to-grow plants, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or herbs. You can also try growing food that is particularly expensive to purchase, such as berries or heirloom vegetables. As your skills and confidence grow, you can experiment with more challenging plants.
Growing your own food is not only environmentally friendly but also a great way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and save money on groceries. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce that is free from pesticides and chemicals, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you grew it yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing your own food is a rewarding and eco-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy.
Here’s an awesome book to get you started on growing your own food at home.,
Support Local First
If you’ve followed this blog long enough, you know how much of a biggie this is to me!
Shopping locally is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and support your local community. When you buy products from local farmers and businesses, you’re reducing the carbon emissions associated with transportation, as the products don’t need to travel as far to reach you.
By shopping locally, you also help to build a stronger, more sustainable community. Local businesses are often more connected to their communities and are more likely to use sustainable business practices. Additionally, local businesses often use local suppliers, which helps to create a more circular economy and reduce waste. Love this!
When shopping locally, look for farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture programs, or local boutique shops that offer products from local producers. You can also look for products with labels that indicate they were grown or made locally.
By making a conscious effort to shop locally, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, high-quality products while reducing your environmental impact and supporting your local community.
Know how to choose eco-friendly products
Choosing eco-friendly products is an essential way to reduce your environmental impact and be more eco-friendly in your everyday life. When shopping, look for products made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, recycled plastic, or organic cotton. These materials are often more environmentally friendly than traditional materials, as they’re grown or produced in a way that reduces waste and conserves resources.
But! Watch our for greenwashing. I’m looking at you, fast fashion *cough, cough* Shein, H&M, Cider. In short, greenwashing is a deception tactic used by companies to make you think a product is eco-friendly when it’s not. They use false, misleading, or exaggerated environmental claims about a product or company to attract customers who are concerned about the environment. Greenwashing can be found in advertising, packaging, labeling, and other forms of marketing, and it can be used to promote any range of products.
Ok, back to eco-friendly products. Eco-friendly/sustainable products are often more durable and longer-lasting than traditional products, which means you won’t need to replace them as often. This, in turn, reduces waste and conserves resources. Additionally, eco-friendly products often use less energy and water in their production, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves water.
When shopping for eco-friendly products, look for specific labels that indicate the product was produced using sustainable practices, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Rainforest Alliance certifications. This isn’t always possible when shopping with local brands or on Etsy. However, definitely search Etsy when looking for sustainable products like face wash, moisturizer, house cleaners, and more.
Reduce water usage
No matter where you live in the world, this is an important way to be more eco-friendly at home and in your daily life. However, in many parts of the world, water is a scarce resource, and using less water helps to ensure that there is enough for everyone’s needs. Overusing water can also have a negative impact on the environment. For example, over-extraction of groundwater can lead to declining water levels, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and disrupt the balance of nature. Additionally, using too much water for irrigation can lead to salinization, which can make soil less fertile and reduce crop yields. No one wants that.
Water is a precious resource, and reducing your usage is an important part of being more eco-friendly. Take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, fix leaks promptly, and don’t waste water while doing your dishes.
Another way to reduce water usage is to install low-flow showerheads and faucets. These products are designed to use less water while still providing a good flow rate, which can save a significant amount of water over time. Another option is to install a rainwater catchment system, which collects rainwater and stores it for use in your garden or for flushing toilets.
By reducing your water usage, you’ll conserve this precious resource and reduce the energy required to pump, heat, and treat water. Additionally, by reducing your water usage, you’ll reduce your water bill, which is a great way to save money and be more eco-friendly at the same time.
