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10 Step Guide to Eco-Friendly Living

Photo by Shelley Pauls on Unsplash

There has never been a better or easier time to go green and live an eco-friendly life. In fact, the hardest part of going green is making the decision to go green. With a few simple changes, you can do your part to protect the environment and live a green life. Even the smallest change can lead to a big result, so do not discount the effect a little lifestyle change can have. Implementing any of these 10 steps will lessen your environmental impact and help you lead an eco-friendly life.

Use Less Paper and Recycle More

We use less paper in our everyday lives than in years past, but we could still use less. It is entirely possible to go a day without using a piece of paper thanks to modern technology, but there is more paper waste around us than we may realize. Over 40% of the world’s solid municipal waste consists of paper products. By using less paper and recycling what paper you use, you can help reduce the number of paper products that end up in landfills.

Eat Less Meat

You may not think about where your meat comes from, but more than 30% of the Earth’s surface is used to raise livestock. The livestock sector generates a significant amount of greenhouse gasses that damage the Earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Cutting back on meat consumption helps reduce the size of the livestock industry, which in turn helps the planet.

Organic Food and Products

The term “organic” refers to food and products that were created using natural processes and are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Food and products labeled organic were generally made in an environmentally sustainable way. Look for food that was grown organically or fabrics with organic dyes to bring green products into your life. You can generally find such items at Farmers’ Markets, in the organic section of your grocery store or online.

The Right Light Bulb

Modern technology has produced light bulbs leagues more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. CFL and LED light bulbs last significantly longer, use far less energy, and shine brighter than traditional bulbs. CFL and LED bulbs are more expensive, but they are worth the investment.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Many electronics and appliances use electricity even when they are not in use. Computers, TVs, and other devices consume power even when in standby mode. To save some electricity and reduce your energy bill, unplug any electronics you are not using.

Turn Down the Heat

When the weather turns cold, it is tempting to turn on the heat to warm your house. However, it is more environmentally friendly to grab a sweater instead of turning on the heat. Not only is leaving the heat off good for the environment, but it will also save you money.

Air Dry

Using a clothes dryer or the heated dry setting on a dishwasher consumes a large amount of energy. You can cut down on your energy consumption by air-drying your clothes and dishes. Hanging clothes to dry overnight is free and green. Air drying dishes is even easier as you can leave the dishes in the dishwasher to dry. Air drying your dishes and clothes will save you money while helping the planet.

Less Food Waste

An estimated £13b of edible food is thrown away in the UK every year. Reducing food waste is simple, don’t throw away food that can still be eaten. You may not be in the mood for leftovers, but eating food you already have is far more eco-friendly than making something new.

Thrift and Second-Hand

Buying the latest and greatest product might be appealing, but it is much greener and cheaper to buy items used or second hand. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online second-hand marketplaces are good places to shop for products. Buying items used keeps functional items out of landfills and helps reduce the number of new products flooding the market.

DIY and Repair

Instead of throwing out an item when it breaks, try and repair it. Fixing a blender is far more eco-friendly and economically efficient than throwing it away and buying a new one. Learning how to fix items around your house will save you money while being kind to the planet.

Living a modern eco-friendly life isn’t difficult. With some easy lifestyle changes, you can make your life greener. Each of these 10 steps will make your life more environmentally friendly and some changes will even save you money.

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