If you’ve decided you want to live a little greener, but don’t know where to begin, below you’ll find some easy tips to baby step your way to green. All of the information out there can be overwhelming and there’s as much greenwashing as there is good green advice. The good news is that you don’t have to sell all of your possessions and walk everywhere to be green. It’s really more of a mindset than anything else. Living a greener life is all about living a more mindful life — thinking about your impact on the world around you.
Let’s get started. Here are a few places to begin:
1. Start recycling. Check your city or county website to find out if they offer curbside pick-up. Many places don’t even require you to separate your recyclables. If curbside pick-up is not available in your area, commit to recycling just one type of product (for example, glass, or number 1 plastics). Find out where you can drop them off and do it.
2. Take reusable bags to the store. Most stores sell the bags for around $1 each now and many places will give you a credit for using them. It’s easy (as long as you remember the bags) and can save you money in the long run.
3. Be more mindful of how much water and energy you use. Remember to turn of lights when you leave a room. Focus on how long you leave the tap running when you’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth.
4. Combine errands. Try planning your stops so you make fewer trips in your car.
5. Spend some time outside. Often just connecting with nature on a regular basis will be all the incentive you need to move in the right direction.
For green veterans, these tips may sound obvious, but they are all things I need to be reminded of. I’m pretty good at recycling, but sometimes I get in a hurry and don’t pay as much attention to my energy and water usage as I’d like.
What other suggestions do you have?
Need help becoming a little greener? Email me any time with questions. I’m happy to help.
Photo Credit: Charlotte Speaks
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